bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CITES '92 and beyond
Authors: Harland David
Published: November 2024

Notes that the debate on the African elephant took up a significant amount of the CITES meeting in Kyoto, COP8, but did not dominate it as much as it had a the Luasanne meeting two years earlier. He notes that no species, such as the African elephant, which has a 'constituency' in the donation giving countries was downlisted, and notes the decisions were political rather than biological. He notes the apparen tendency to push species onto Appendix I and the difficulty with down-listing and discusses the presence of NGO lobbies before going on to review the structure of the Convention and then suggesting if CITES does not undergo some changes in itself it may not remain a viable system in the face of new aspects of balsnce such as those found present in the Convention of Biological Diversity and the Global Environment Facility.
Radio-tracking of elephants in Laikipia District, Kenya
Authors: Thouless Chris , Dyer Anthony
Published: November 2024

One of Kenya's largest elephant populations lives for much of the year on private land in Laikipia District where they migrate for security reasons. The ranches are now being sold for small-scale farming settlement schemes thus the elephants are increasingly coming into conflict with people. The Laikipia Elephant Project was established to find ways to reduce this conflict. An essential step towards their conservation was to gain information on their movements. Both satellite and conventional VHF collars have been used. Thus far satellite tracking, generally used in higher latitudes, has not proved satisfactory. The paper describes technical aspects of the conventional VHF tracking programme and presents some initial results.
Aerial Survey Working Group. Working Group Discussion One. [Proceedings of the AfESG meeting, Victoria Falls, Zimbabawe, Nov 17 to 22 1992]
Authors: Anonymous
Published: November 2024

Outlines the goals and summarizes the results of the Aerial Survey Working Group chaired by Simon Stuart. The current methods of total, sample and block counts are reviewed and trend analysis of population data and carcass counts are discuss. It was suggested that the range definitions include core, seasonal, erratic and situation unknown categories. The group agreed the AED is of fundamental importance to the work of the AfESG, and noted that training is aerial survey techniques deserved high priority.
Elephants and habitats: the need for clear objectives
Authors: Lindsay W.
Published: November 2024

In all places where elephants have been managed, the concerned authorities have expressed concern over elephant impact on vegetation and the risk of irreversible habitat change. On the other hand, management objectives have not been clearly defined, or if so their basis may not be entirely logical. Guidelines for management are discussed. The ecological processes which move the system from one state to another and the requirements of plant and animal species which are affected by the elephant-tree interaction are key aspects of the study.
The status of elephant on the Zambian bank of the Middle Zambezi Valley
Authors: Chanda Glory , Tembo Ackim
Published: November 2024

The elephant population in the middle Zambezi has been one of the most heavily affected by hunting in southern Central Africa. Since the 15th Century when the Portuguese invaded the area, elephants have never recovered from legal and illegal hunting. In 1991 a survey covering 1,270 sq kms revealed a total of 359, almost half of the number which existed in 1970. Results revealed a high illegal off take and inadequate policy by wildlife authorities in the area.
Elephants and ivory in the Congo since the ban: the lull before the storm?
Authors: Fay J. , Agnagna Marcellin
Published: November 2024

On average, the raw ivory from between 2,011 and 3,788 elephants was exported with documentation from the Congo every year from 1979 to 1988. The actual figure must have been undoubtedly much more than the official one. It is evident that the Congo participated actively in the ivory trade resulting in a dramatic decrease in populations throughout the ranges in the 1980's. The 1989 ban on ivory trade and subsequent collapse of the market has led to a significant decrease in both poaching and ivory trade. The Congo has made significant advances in the domain of conservation resulting in positive results in elephant protection in some areas.
Kenya's initiatives in elephant fertility regulation and population control techniques
Authors: Poole Joyce
Published: November 2024

During the last two decades, Kenya's elephant population was reduced from 170,000 to 24,000 by poaching. As a result of the 1989 ivory trade ban and increased protection efforts by the Kenya Wildlife Service, the illegal killing of elephants has now essentially stopped. The Service is opposed to culling of elephants and is embarking on a programme of research and development to produce humane methods of elephant population control.
The movement patterns of elephant in the Kruger National Park in response to culling and environmental stimuli
Authors: Whyte Ian
Published: November 2024

The elephant population of the area now comprising the Kruger National Park (KNP) was almost exterminated before the proclamation of the area as a game reserve in 1903. The population then increased gradually through immigration from Zimbabwe and through natural increases until 1967 when the decision was made to control the population through culling. The methods used and results are discussed and conclusions to the findings given.
The impact of elephant density on biodiversity in different eco-climatic zones in Kenya
Authors: Waithaka John
Published: November 2024

The role of elephant density in the restructing of habitats was studied by comparing data concerned with vegetation and ecological changes and variation in animal populations from areas in three eco-climatic zones in Kenya as represented by areas in Aberdares and Tsavo National Parks and the Laikipia Plateau. Results indicated that elephants have a strong habitat modifying role and their presence at appropriate densities could be used to enhance biological diversity. Assessment includes trends in changes in tree and shrub height, density and biomass, seed dispersal and mammal species
Chairman's report: African Elephant Specialist Group
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

Notes that the funding for conservation and management is inadequate and since it appears that poaching has returned in some area and the human/elephant conflict is increasing throughout the range states work must be maintained and augmented. The updating of the AED is underway. At a regional meeting in Arusha the East African countries shared their problems, many which dealt with human/elephant conflict, and mixed experiences with solutions.
An aerial survey of rhinoceros and elephant in a portion of the Chobe National Park and surrounding areas, northern Botswana, September 1992
Authors: Knight Michael , Hitchins P. , Erb K.
Published: November 2024

During the 1992 dry season a low intensity total count aerial survey, using two aircraft simultaneously, was undertaken specifically for black and white rhino and elephant in northern Botswana. No black rhinos were recorded, while a total of seven white rhinos were counted in the survey. An approximate population figure of 14,758 elephants giving an estimated density of 1.15 per sq km for the areas as a whole was recorded. The relatively low carcass ratio of 3% is indicative of a population with low mortality and/or increased immigration.
The relative effects of hunting and habitat destruction on elephant population dynamics over time
Authors: Milner-Gulland E. , Beddington John
Published: November 2024

Over the last two hundred years the ecology of Africa has changed substantially. One of the best documented change is the decline of the continental population of the African elephant. Two major factors likely to have contributed to this are: the reductions in the carrying capacity for the species due to habitat change, and the hunting for ivory. The relative importance of habitat loss versus hunting in driving the population decline has been at issue for several years. This paper attempts to tease out the effects of the two factors on the elephant population over the last two centuries, and to discuss the likely effects of each for the future.
Population characteristics and impacts on woody vegetation of elephants on Nazinga Game Ranch, Burkina Faso
Authors: Damiba Theophane , Ables Ernest
Published: November 2024

A total count identified 268 elephants while a transect sample survey estimated 234-379 animals in Nazinga Game Ranch. A total count seems to be the most acceptable method of monitoring the population. The Nazinga population is young with 79% under 15 years and a sex ratio favouring females. Since the ranch population is well protected, it is expected to increase rapidly, and significant effects on both vegetation and land use conflict with surrounding human settlement are foreseen.
The effects of boma design on stress-related behaviour in juvenile translocated African elephants
Authors: Garaï Marion
Published: November 2024

Reviews experience of confining translocated juveniles in bomas or pens of different types. Confinement with restricted food and view of the outside area tends to bring out aggressive behaviour. Open paddocks with electric fences are recommended over closed wooden paddocks.
Human-elephant conflict: the challenge ahead
Authors: Kangwana Kadzo
Published: November 2024

Presented as a overview paper at the African Elephant Specialist group meeting in May 1994 the text reflects the contributions of group members, highlights the key issues associated with human-elephant conflict, and suggests that there are policy options which will allow for the migitation of this growing situation as opportunities for conservation management become more fully realised.
Chairman's report
Authors: Western David
Published: November 2024

Reviews the background behind the decision to develop the AERSG by combining the African Elephant and Rhino Specialist Groups into one body focused on the conservation of both species. Notes assistance to Selous Game Reserve and Garamba National Park, studies updating infromation the volume, source and destination of African ivory including analysis of the recent large consignments out of Sudan, analysis of ivory statistics in relation to elephant population, and forthcoming research focused on the forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis)
Man and elephant in the Tsavo area of Kenya: an anthropological perspective
Authors: Ville Jean-Luc
Published: November 2024

Reviews the relationship of the Taita enthic group who occupied the hills in the Tsavo area and that of the plains dwelling Waata group with elephants. Although their hunting approach to elephants was quite different with the Taita rarely hunting them and the Waata actively hunting them both groups had due respect for the elephant which played a role in their mythology as well as their daily lives.
Problematique de gestion de l'elephant d'Afrique dans la Reserve de Faune de Conkouati, au Kouilou (Congo)
Authors: N'Sosso Dominique
Published: November 2024

Based on observations made between 1988 and 1995 the author outlines the constraints to the management and conservation of elephant populations in the Conkouati Reserve created in 1980 in the coastal region of southwestern Congo. Exploitation of the forest for timber and other products including bush meat, land needs of subsistance agriculturalists, and the poor economic base of the area plus the lack of authority regarding land use and hunting rights made it very difficult to work in the area or to find out what the elephant population may be at present. Evidence of some remaining populations are present in the form of fresh meat and tusks in the markets. In 1989 24,050 kgs of ivory in the form of sculptures and 16,400 kgs of raw ivory were recorded by the Forestry office in Kouibou. In 1994 the same office recorded 41,240 kgs in sculptures and 64,700 kgs in raw ivory as coming from the Conkouati area.
Development of national policy for elephant conservation in Tanzania
Authors: Leader-Williams Nigel
Published: November 2024

Only an abstract and the summary of the presentation and the following discussion are published. Notes that the responsibility of elephant conservation lies with the range states and the development of coherent, strong, politically approved national policies are necessary to indentify targets for effective action. Outlines the National Policy for Elephant conservation in Tanzania as developed by the the Department of Wildlife through the Protected Areas Wildlife Management Programme in 1993-93 and approved by the Minister in November 1994.
Studying elephants by direct observation in the Dzanga clearing: an update
Authors: Turkalo Andrea
Published: November 2024

The Dzanga clearing in the southwestern forest of the Central African Republic continues to attract large number of forest elephants. Over the five years of observation 2100 individuals have been identified with 855 being seen at least twice. Observations have provided data of population structure, social organization, birthrate, and behaviour. The number of elephant identified per day, expressed as a percentage of the maximum 30 minute count, continues to increase with the figures for October 1995 through December 1995 calculated to be 82%. New identifications now average one individual per week. Observations of the 45 males in musth suggest that is synchronized, occurring approximately the same time each year for each male seen in musth. From the data thus far musth can be described as a dry season phenomenon.
Problematique de gestion de l'elephant et perspectives des forets d'Afrique centrale
Authors: Won Wa
Published: November 2024

Outlines the problems associated with the economic needs of the people in the regions which relate to habitat loss, land use conflict and wildlife utilization and effect elephant population management in the region.
Chairman's report: African Elephant Specialist Group / Rapport du Presidente: Groupe des specialistes de l'elephant Africain
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

Clarifies the outfall of the two critical decisions made at the 10th Meeting of the Parties to CITES (COP10) affecting African elephants. The first mandated the transfer from Appendix I to II of the elephant populations of Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. This downlisting signifies a clearer recognition that these countries do not meet the biological criteria for the maintenance of Appendix I. At the same time as downlisting the three populations provision was made for a one off sale of identified ivory stocks of known origin to Japan for 25.3 tonnes from Botswana, 13.8 tonnes from Namibia and 20.0 tonnes from Zimbabwe. Compliance will be judged by the standing committee, no export can take place for 18 months after the transfer to Appendix II (March 1999). The second decision allowed for a one off, non-commerial buyout of markded and registered government stocks in any range state. The decision provided for a 90 day period during which stocks were registered and marked by TRAFFIC, all were to be completed by 1997. Any proceeds from the non-commerical sale of registered stocks must be ploughed back into elephant related conservation projects through established funds dedicated to this purpose. The actual fate of the stocks was not specified, but resale is (at this time) prohibited.
Proposal for 'green hunting' of elephants as an alternative to lethal sport hunting
Authors: Douglas-Hamilton Iain
Published: November 2024

"Outlines a non-lethal hunting concept under which a 'hunter's' activity would be coordinated with veterinary staff of wildlife departments and whenever possible ongoing research requiring body measurements, biopsys, radio collaring etc. The chosen animal would be immobilized by a drugged dart rather than shot with a lethal bullet. Measurements, photographs etc of the 'hunt' could be taken, and all necessary research handling completed, while the elephant was under sedation. Initially given as paper at the AfESG meeting in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 26-31 January 1998 under the title ""Concept for green hunting of elephants as an alternative to lethal sport hunting""."
African Elephant Specialist Group Meeting Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 26 to 31 January, 1998
Authors: African Elephant
Published: November 2024

This section of the journal serves as the published record of the USFWS supported AfESG meeting held in Ouagadougou at the end of January 1998. Contents include: 5 full papers and the abstracts of 6 others which comprised the Current Issues Session; two presentations focused on additional AED components (GIS data and human-elephant conflict) and the summaries of the discussion on the terms of reference for the Data Review Task Force, and the Data Dissemination Policy from the African Elephant Database and Data Related Issues Session; the AfESG Terms of Reference formulated during a focused review session; the list of sites thus far suggested for the implementation of CITES decision regarding monitoring of illegal killing of elephants and trade in ivory as presented by regional working groups responsible for their designation; presentation of the bibliography developed by Human-Elephant Task Force (HETF); discussion results to be formally forwarded to the American Zoos Association; and, the decision from the session reviewing the IUCN Red Listing of the African elephant.
Ecology of crop raiding elephants
Authors: Osborn Ferrel
Published: November 2024

This three year monitoring study examined the ecology of bull elephants which raid crops in the area adjacent to Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA). The multi-disciplinary approach included information on human settlement patterns and socio-economic impacts of crop loss in addition to data on the ecology of elephants which cause crop damage. Two general conclusions were: crop raiding is triggered by a decline in the quality of wild grasses inside SWRA rather than the conditions of agricultural crops outside it; and, elephant feed on wild browse in the communal areas because fire and elephants have reduced the availability of preferred tree species within SWRA. A capsicum-based repellent was found to be a potentially effective alternative to traditional deterrents.
Chairman's report: African Elephant Specialist Group/Rapport de la presidente: Groupe des specialistes des elephants africains
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

Recent aerial surveys in Mozambique confirmed the Niassa region with a estimated population of 8,707+/-1937 is an important elephant location in southern Africa. Notes the ongoing work reviewed in the February 1999 AfESG meeting in Abidjan, and the near completion of the forthcoming issue of the AED (out of 37 range states 32 have updated population figures and 3, Sudan, Sierra Leone and Congo have no estimates). Notes that the 41st CITES Standing Committee decision regarding one-off trade in ivory from Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe went ahead as planned and that both the Illegal killing of elephants (MIKE) and the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) are now operative.
Results of four years' satellite tracking of elephants in northern Cameroon
Authors: De Iongh, , Tchamba Martin , Tamis Wil , Van't Zelfde, , Prins Herbert , De Haes, , Bauer Hans , Tiawoun Sylvain
Published: November 2024

Three elephant subpopulations are found in Waza NP: one occupying the northern part of during the wet seasonand migrating northwards to Kalamaloue at the beginning of the dry season; one residing year within Waza NP year; and a third using the central and southern part of the Park in the dry season and migrating to the south at the beginning of the rainy season. Animals from the third group cause extensive damage to crops in the Mindif region during the wet season. In order to find more of about the movements and home ranges of these animals 2 cows were radio collared and monitored using satellite and VHF telemetry during 1994-1997. The Maga Dam and irrigated rice scheme developed in the late 1970s had changed the ecology of the Chari-Logone floodplain and hence the lives of the southern elephant group. Artifical reflooding begun in 1994 changed the ecology again. This monitoring programme saw a change in habitat, but the increased forage in the Park did not decrease the migration of elephants to the south. More work on this conflict situation is needed.
Human activities on Mount Kenya from an elephant's perspective
Authors: Vanleeuwe Hilde , Lambrechts Christian
Published: November 2024

Outlines the ongoing study on 'Daily activities, habitat use and movement of elephants on Mount Kenya' recording human and elephant presence in the mountain forests. The Mount Kenya area and Imenti FR to the northeast have been divided into four area blocks wherein a series of line transects totally 263 km positioned to dissect all altitude clines and forest types. Evidence of poaching, logging, elephant paths, dung, and direct observation of mammals are recorded. Position and distance are calculated using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and topofil. Aerial photography was taken at 500m and 1km intervals depending on the extent and occurrence of disturbances in a survey of Mount Kenya, and Imenti and Ndare Ngare FRs that divided the area into 9 blocks. Results of each damage or threat were incorporated into a GPS using ArcView. Elephants tend to avoid steep slopes and areas with intense human presence. When calculated as a percentage of the total number of observations per forest type and proportional to the transect length walked in each forest type the presence of elephant was highest in bamboo/Podocarpus forests (28.9%) in forest clearing/open spaces (26.9%) and in bushland (20.1%)
Seasonal movement of elephant in and around Matusadona National Park, Kariba
Authors: Taylor Russell
Published: November 2024

Matusadona National Park is one of the protected wildlife areas set amidst communal land in northern Sebungwe region of Zimbabwe. It had been apparent for sometime that the elephant population in the Matusadona highlands moved in and out seasonally and was evident from the seasonal distribution data of elephant in the northern Sebungwe, gathered during aerial surveys. The large discrepancy in wet and dry season elephant numbers confirmed that there was a wet and dry season dispersal. The paper presents the process and results of a project carried out in order to better understand the nature of seasonal movements of the elephants in and out of Matusadona for better management options.
Conservation of elephant in Sierra Leone
Authors: Anonymous
Published: November 2024

Summarizes survey results in the Gola area of Sierre Leone which has been rapidly losing elephant forest habitat due to both agriculture and forestry. It is considered that the only animals having long term survival possibilities are about 150 animals in the Gola Reserve itself. Conservation measures are recommended. Full report also in file.
Forest elephant distribution and habitat use in the Bossematie Forest Reserve, Ivory Coast
Authors: Theuerkauf Jörn , Ellenberg Hermann , Waikuwait Wolf , Muhlenberg Michael
Published: November 2024

An August 1993-April 1994 study on the influence of human presence and habitat structure on the distribution and habitat use of forest elephant in the heavily exploited Bossematie FR in southeastern Ivory Coast. The distribution of elephants was estimated by dung counts on transects, and the habitat use was documented by trail mapping. Dung density incresed with the distance to the forest border and to the nearest village. Elephant appeared to use about 60% of the forest regularly, the rest they avoided because of foresty operations and human presence. The main influence on the spatial distribution of elephants in the study area was human presence, followed by ahbitat structure. Forest roads, regardless of usage, seemed to have no influence on elephant distribution. Elephant avoided coffee and cocoa plantations in all seasons. During the dry season they walked more often through forest parts with greater tree canopy cover than during the wet season, when they avoided valley bottoms.
Update on the study and management of human-elephant conflict in Africa/ Mise en courant de l'etude et la gestion du conflit hommes-elephants en Afrique
Authors: Hoare Richard
Published: November 2024

Reviews focus and work of the Human-Elephant Conflict Working Group since its inception in 1996. Initial identification and investigation of specific aspects of human-elephant conflict (HEC) problems focused on management related outputs led to 'the production in 2001 of a 'decision support system' for managing conflicts'. 'A network of AfESG collaborators' continues to contribute towards a growing understanding of the HEC phenomenon which manifests itself in complex social and spatial dynamics across many bio-geographical landscapes in Africa. On the ground assessments have brought common characteristics and themes to bear on the application of management principles for human and other wildlife conflicts as well as those involving elephants. Thus 'HEC has become not a problem in isolation but a topic strongly linked to many fundamental conservation issues, especially community conservation initiatives'. Hoare summarizes HEC knowledge in 10 points, four under human-elephant conflict plus 6 under other key points to keep in mind. The first set includes: the fact that HEC is widespread in Africa, and can be politically important on a local scale; it involves agricultural loss and social problems for affected people; it has complex spatial dynamics across the landscape; and the communitiy may perceive quite differently than illustrated by gathered information.
Preliminary results on movements of a radio-collared elephant in Lobéké National Park, south-east Cameroon
Authors: Usongo Leonard
Published: November 2024

Athough actual numbers and movements are unclear the south east region of Cameroon harbours a significant population of forest elephants. Preliminary results from data collected for 8 months from a 5 year old male forest elephant radio collared in March 2001 suggest that elephants spent more time in the forest in the logging concessions and professional hunting zones that they did in the Lobeke NP itself. Initial results from the telemetry programme, which was part of WWF's Jengi project, confirm the need to step up protection efforts including anti-poaching patrols to curb the poaching and illegal ivory trade opportunities that are common within the logging concessions. Further monitoring on radio collared elephant will assist in determining important corridors and migratory routes within the trans-boundary conservation programme region involving contiguous protected areas in this region including the Dzanga-Sangha in Central African Republic, and Nouabale Ndoki NP in the Congo (where at least 3 elephant have been radio collared).
Elephant poaching and ivory trafficking in African tropical forests with special reference to the Republic of Congo
Authors: Nishihara Tomo
Published: November 2024

"Elephant poaching is chronic and ivory is traded in and around Odzala NP in the Congo. Larger pieces of ivory and more high-calibre weapons that had been seen for some time appeared in 1999 about the time the southern African countries legally exported ivory in a one off sale to Japan. However there have been no large scale slaughters reported since the 1997 one at Mouadje where 300 animals were killed. Laws are not enforced and Congolese authorities themselves are often involved in illegal activity. Several factors encourage elephant poaching including: widespread availability of military weapons, local peoples' urge to profit from ivory sale; conflict between local people and conservation authorities over policies, and logging activities. 'The MIKE programme currently does not seem to function well in central Africa because of difficult logistics in the tropical forest and lack of experienced personnel.' The author suggests that the driving force behind elephant poaching is the international demand for ivory, and in particular the Japanese demand for hard forest elephant ivory for name seals. He notes 'Allowing ivory trade, as adopted in the CITES... will encourage illegal traffic in hard ivory and stimulate more poaching of forest elephants'."
Report: Sixth meeting of the African Elephant Specialist Group
Authors: Niskanen Leo
Published: November 2024

Reviews the sixth meeting of the AfESG,which was attended by 34 of the 48 members, held December 4-8, 2003 at Mokuti Lodge on the edge of Etosha NP in northern Namibia. Several papers presented at meeting are in this issue of Pachyderm and others will appear in following issues. Five topics covered during the meetings are discuss: multiple species of African elephant, listing of the African elephant in the IUCN Red List, wild sourcing of African elephants for captivity, effect a stategy for assessing the future of the African elephant, and review approach to managing local overpopulation. The participants reviewed the discussion focused on multiple species of the African elephant which took place during of the fifth members meeting in Shaba and the text on the website resulting in a revised text now on the website: http://iucn.org/afesg. A temporary taskforce for was struck to look at how the African elephant fits into the IUCN Red List version 3.1 . Discussion on the wild sourcing of Africa elephants for captivity led to a decision that no direct benefit to en situ conservation occurs when this is done, and AfESG does not endorse this activity - a statement to this effect in now on the website. An interesting component of this meeting involved strategic thinking focused on a scenario planning approach to the conservation of African elephant on a continental basis - further analysis via subregioanl workshops focused on this analysis will be forthcoming. The problem of local overpopulations is one for which alternatives need to be assesed and to this end a Local Population Task Force will be struck and begin working in May 2004.
Elephant crop damage in the Red Volta Valley, north-eastern Ghana
Authors: Adjewodah Patrick , Beier Paul , Kofi Sam, , Mason John
Published: November 2024

Crop raiding behaviour of elephants that seasonally migrate into the Red Volta Valley was monitored as part of a project assessing conflict mitigation. Betrween 1999-2003 farmers in the project area were organized into associations. Whenever crops of the registered farmers were raided by elephant the field location and size, the area of the field damaged, the crops grown and the date of the damage were recorded. 2-3% of the farmers were affected by raiding elephants annually. In 2002 the damaged area per farm averaged .98 ha. The time period with the highest raiding incidents was the preharvest and harvest August - November period, which coincides with the time that elephants migrate into the study area from from Burkina Faso. The geographical pattern of destruction mirrored the sequence of the migration, and those most affected were located along the route in the Red Volta valley forest area. Planting alternative crops that mature prior to the migration period is advisable as is locating feilds away from the forest reserves.
Habitat selection by bull elephants in central Zimbabwe
Authors: Osborn Ferrel
Published: November 2024

This two year study in the Sebungwe region of Zimbabwe assessed the habtiat preferences and utilization of bull elephants. 16 bulls radio collared were monitored and their recorded locations plotted om a maps overlays the vegetation the region. The animals showed no significant seasonal preferences but 4 of the 8 vegetation types were more heavily utilized. There was a tendency for the elephants utilize Julbernardia-Vellozia woodlands and grasslands, Brachystegia-Combretum bush and Colospermum mopane woodlands more heavily, but they also spend quite a time of time in the miombo woodland sections. The author notes 'This technique may prove useful for examining habitat preference with regards to making management decisions'.
Ecology of the forest elephant in Tai National Park, Ivory Coast
Authors: Merz Gunter
Published: November 2024

Also published in Swara vol 7 no 5, 1984. Research on the ecology of the forest elephant is of recent development due to its habitat, the tropical rain forest. Methods used in Tai National Park were based on indirect observation. The forest elephant is well adapted to its environment. The forests provide enough food and water all year round, so the elephant is not forced to travel great distances to meet those demands. Due to increased timber harvesting and agriculture land use the primary rain forest is declining on a large scale. The article addresses aspects of the adaptibility of forest elephant this new environment.
Determinants of elephant distribution at Nazinga Game Ranch, Burkina Faso
Authors: Hien Bernard , Jenks Jonathan , Klaver Robert , Wicks Zeno
Published: November 2024

We used seasonal ground total counts and remote sensing and GIS technology to relate elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) distribution at Nazinga Game Ranch to environmental and anthropogenic factors. Variables used in analyses were normalized difference vegetation index, elevation, stream density, density of poaching and human illegal activities, distance to dams, distance to rivers, distance to roads, and distance to poaching risk. Contrary to our expectation, road traffic did not disturb elephants. Strong negative relationships were documented between elephant abundance and stream density, distance to dams, and poaching density. Density of poaching and other human illegal activities explained 81%, vegetation greenness 6%, and stream density 3% of the variation in elephant density. Elephant distribution represented a survival strategy affected by poaching, food quality and abundance, and water availability.
Additional key words: environmental and anthropogenic factors
Nous avons utilisé des données dʼinventaires totaux terrestres, de télédétection et de Système dʼInformation Géographique pour étudier les facteurs environnementaux et anthropogéniques qui déterminent la distribution des éléphants au Ranch de Gibier de Nazinga. Les variables étudiées comprenaient lʼindice de végétation par différence normalisée, lʼélévation, la densité des ruisseaux, la densité des activités illégales et de braconnage, la situation des éléphants par rapport aux barrages, rivières, routes, et activités illégales et de braconnage. Nos résultats ont indiqué que contrairement a notre hypothèse de base, la principale route avec son trafic ne semble pas perturber la quiétude des éléphants. Aussi, de fortes corrélations négatives ont été observées entre les éléphants et la densité des ruisseaux, la situation par rapport au barrage, la densité des activités illégales et de braconnage. Lʼanalyse des variables les plus importantes à lʼaide de régression multiple a montré que la densité des activités illégales et de braconnage, lʼindice de végétation ainsi que la densité des ruisseaux expliquent respectivement 81 %, 6 %, et 3 % de variation de la densité des éléphants. La distribution des éléphants au Ranch de Gibier de Nazinga semble représenter une stratégie de survie déterminée par les activités illégales et de braconnage, lʼabondance et la qualité du fourrage et enfin le disponibilité de lʼeau.
Mots clés supplémentaires: facteurs environnementaux et anthropogéniques
Yemen’s attitudes towards rhino horn and jambiyas
Authors: Vigne Lucy , Martin Esmond
Published: November 2024

In 1990 the Marxist government of the south that had banned civilians from possessing weapons, including the jambiya dagger, was ousted. South Yemen united with North Yemen to form one country. Were more people in the south going to emulate the northerners and buy jambiyas once again? Having not been in the southern region since 1993, we surveyed five main southern towns in early 2008 to see if influences from the north had encouraged the southerners to wear jambiyas in recent years. In many ways the southerners are emulating the northerners: they have shed Marxism in favour of capitalism and there has been an increase in traditional Islamic practices, but they still look down on jambiyas. However, the dagger is still a proud sign of being a northern tribesman, and Sanaa remains the centre of the jambiya industry - with rhino horn most favoured for handles; Taiz trails a distant second in importance. We learned more about the attitudes of Yemenis, especially from the younger more prosperous men in Sanaa who are likely to buy a rhino horn jambiya. And we increased public awareness on the plight of the rhino, distributing DVDs on Yemen’s rhino horn trade and supplying other educational materials to Yemenis in Sanaa and Taiz.
En 1990 le gouvernement marxiste du sud qui avait interdit aux civils de posséder des armes, y compris le poignard jambiya, a été évincé. Le Yémen Sud s’est uni avec le Yémen Nord pour former un seul pays. Davantage de gens du sud allaient-ils imiter les nordistes et acheter encore une fois les jambiyas? N’ayant pas visité la région du sud depuis 1993, nous avons inspecté cinq villes principales du sud au début de 2008 pour voir si les influences du nord avaient encouragé les gens du sud à porter les jambiyas ces dernières années. À bien des égards, les gens du sud imitent les nordistes: ils ont mis de côté le Marxisme en faveur du capitalisme et il y a eu une augmentation dans les pratiques islamiques traditionnelles, mais ils méprisent encore les jambiyas. Cependant, le poignard est encore un signe de fierté pour un membre d’une tribu du nord, et Sanaa reste le centre de l’industrie du jambiya - avec la corne du rhinocéros étant le plus souvent favorisée pour les manches; Taiz suit de loin en importance. Nous avons appris davantage sur les attitudes des Yéménites, surtout celles des jeunes hommes les plus prospères à Sanaa qui pourraient acheter un jambiya en corne de rhinocéros. Et nous avons renforcé la sensibilisation publique sur la situation critique du rhinocéros, en distribuant des DVD sur le commerce de la corne du rhinocéros au Yémen et en fournissant d’autres matériels pédagogiques aux Yéménites à Sanaa et à Taiz.
Preliminary data on forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ikemeh Rachel
Published: November 2024

Elephant numbers in Nigeria have decreased greatly and the rate of this decline cannot be established owing to the insufficiency of available data. The number of forest elephants in particular is especially difficult to determine because of the dense vegetation where they occur, and previous attempts have resulted in the reporting of conflicting estimates. This article describes current efforts to establish the status of forest elephants under ongoing projects for sustainable forest management in some protected areas in southwestern Nigeria. These studies report on the spatial distribution and status of elephants in the study areas and threats facing the remaining population; it also updates the information on the range of elephants in southwestern Nigeria.
The lack of knowledge of the population size and status of forest elephants in the country is a major obstacle in determining appropriate conservation needs and measures in the areas where they occur. Ensuring the continued survival of the remaining elephant populations will require up-to-date and accurate information to assist people in management to make strategic decisions for effective conservation.
Au Nigeria, le nombre d’éléphants a largement diminué et le taux de ce déclin ne peut pas être établi à cause de l’insuffisance des données disponibles. Le nombre d’éléphants de forêt en particulier est surtout difficile à déterminer à cause de la végétation dense où ils se trouvent, et les tentatives antérieures ont donné lieu aux rapports d’évaluations divergentes. Cet article décrit les efforts actuels d’établir la situation des éléphants de forêt sous les projets de gestion durable des forêts en cours dans quelques aires protégées au sud-ouest du Nigeria. Ces études font un rapport sur la distribution spatiale et la situation des éléphants dans les aires d’étude et les menaces auxquelles la population restante est confrontée; il met à jour aussi les informations sur l’habitat des éléphants au sud-ouest du Nigeria.
Le manque de connaissances sur la taille de la population et la situation des éléphants de forêt dans le pays est un obstacle majeur à établissement des besoins et des mesures de conservation appropriées dans les aires où ils se trouvent. Afin d’assurer la survie continue des populations d’éléphants restantes, il faut des informations récentes et exactes pour aider les gestionnaires dans la prise des décisions stratégiques en vue d’une conservation efficace.
The colonization of a new area in the first six months following ‘same-day’ free release translocation of black rhinos in Kenya
Authors: Patton Felix , Mulama M.S. , Mutisya Samuel , Campbell P.E.
Published: November 2024

In February 2007, 27 black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) were translocated to an area in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya that contained no resident population. The rhinos were ‘free’ released on the same day of their capture at 11 sites spread throughout the new area in order to minimize future conflict. Free release had not been tried on such a scale in Kenya. Following release, the rhinos were closely monitored through radio tracking and direct observation to record their movements and how quickly they settled in their new environment. In the first six days after release, 17 of the 27 rhinos remained close to their release sites while one individual travelled 35.1 km. All rhinos bar one settled within six months of release; 16 had settled within 25 days. The rhinos moved on average 7.69 km from their release sites with 14.57 km the maximum distance moved. With no reported fights between conspecifics and the ease of settling of the rhinos in their new location, the results obtained from the free release translocation used at Ol Pejeta Conservancy show it to be a useful alternative approach to future rhino translocations.
En février 2007, 27 rhinocéros noirs (Diceros bicornis) ont été transférés dans une région de la Conservation d’Ol Pejeta au centre du Kenya qui n’avait pas de population résidante. Les rhinocéros ont été relâchés « libres » le même jour de leur capture dans 11 sites répartis dans la nouvelle aire pour minimiser de futurs conflits. Le relâchement libre n’avait pas été essayé à une telle échelle au Kenya. Suivant le relâchement, les rhinocéros étaient suivis attentivement à travers un dépistage par radio et une observation directe pour enregistrer leurs mouvements et constater la rapidité avec laquelle ils s’établissaient dans leur nouvel environnement. Dans les six premiers jours après le relâchement, 17 des 27 rhinocéros sont restés près de leur site de relâchement tandis qu’un individu a voyagé 35,1 km. Tous les rhinocéros à l’exception d’un seul s’étaient établis endéans six mois de leur relâchement; 16 s’étaient établis dans 25 jours. Les rhinocéros se sont déplacés en moyenne de 7,69 km de leur site de relâchement avec une distance maximale de 14,57 km de déplacement. Etant donné l’absence de combats rapportés entre congénères et la facilité d’établissement des rhinocéros dans leur nouvel site, les résultats obtenus de la translocation de relâchement libre utilisée dans la Conservation d’Ol Pejeta montre que c’est une autre approche utile pour les translocations futures des rhinocéros.
Invasive species in grassland habitat: an ecological threat to the greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis)
Authors: Lahkar Bibhuti , Talukdar Bibhab , Sarma Pranjit
Published: November 2024

The successes achieved in Assam towards conservation and management of greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) are often overshadowed by a few poaching incidences. Rhino conservation efforts made by the Assam Forest Department, assisted by communities and civil society organizations, have made it possible to downgrade the status of greater one-horned rhinos from Endangered to Vulnerable on IUCN’s 2008 Red Lists of Threatened Species. One of the major threats besides poaching is the slow and steady intrusion of invasive species in grassland habitats, which directly reduces suitable flora for rhinos and other herbivores. This matter has not yet been highlighted to attract conservation intervention and support. The increasing invasion of weeds that has been observed in Nepal and India’s grassland habitats in the past decade needs scientific intervention to ensure the long-term conservation of rhino habitats. Based on available information, we portray the threats posed by invasive species towards the survival of greater one-horned rhinos in India and Nepal.
Key words: greater one-horned rhino, invasive species, management, threats, grassland
Les succès obtenus dans l’Assam dans la conservation et la gestion du grand rhinocéros unicorne (Rhinoceros unicornis) sont souvent obscurcis par quelques incidences de braconnage. Les efforts faits par le Département des Forêts de l’Assam pour conserver le rhinocéros, assisté par les communautés et les organizations de la société civile, ont permis de déclasser l’inscription du grand rhinocéros unicorne d’une Espèce menacée de disparition à une Espèce vulnérable sur les Listes rouges de l’UICN de 2008. L’une des principales menaces qui pèsent sur ces animaux à part le braconnage c’est l’intrusion lente et régulière des espèces envahissantes dans les habitats des herbages, ce qui réduit directement les essences adaptées aux rhinocéros et aux autres herbivores. Cette question n’a pas encore été mise en exergue pour attirer l’intervention et le soutien à la conservation. L’invasion croissante des mauvaises herbes qu’on a observée dans les habitats des herbages du Népal et en Inde au cours de la dernière décennie nécessite une intervention scientifique pour veiller à la conservation à long terme des habitats de rhinocéros. Selon les informations disponibles, nous décrivons les menaces posées par les espèces envahissantes à la survie des grands rhinocéros unicornes en Inde et au Népal.
Monitoring elephant and rhino trends in Kenya
Authors: Stelfox John , Kufwafwa John , Ottichilo Wilber
Published: November 2024

In 1977, KREMU conducted aerial surveys to obtain baseline information on the populations and distributions of the African elephant and the black rhinoceros in all pastoral rangelands in Kenya. Population trends were determined by comparing population estimates for 1977 and 1978 for the entire rangelands, and also comparing these values with results from 1980 and 1981 aerial surveys conducted in southern Kenya, 1981 survey results from northern Kenyan, and results the national 1983 survey. Population estimates are presented on a district basis and as a total national population for the four survey periods, with the total elephant figures being 43,979 for 1977, 42,448 for 1978, 33,576 for 1980/81 and 23,534 for 1983.
Why do elephants destroy woodland? [Comment 1] [letter to the editor]
Authors: Lindsay W.
Published: November 2024

Critical review of Jachmann and Bell's paper, p9-10 no 3 AERSG Newsletter. Suggests that research should look at the dynamic aspects of ecosystems and assess the relationships between elephant and their habitat accordingly.