Agent-based modelling as a tool for elephant poaching mitigation

•We develop an ABM of elephant poaching that exemplifies how this modelling technique can build upon the existing work in this field.•The model includes adaptive poacher agents and the ecology and behaviour of elephants.•It also explores the benefits of this approach in determining the effectiveness of competing management strategies.•Results demonstrate how ABMs can allow for more complex formulations and inform new poaching mitigation strategies.•The aim is for this model to be developed into a useful management support tool.