bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The problem elephants of Kaele: a challenge for elephant conservation in northern Cameroon
Authors: Tchamba Martin
Published: November 2024

Describes human-elephant conflict northern Cameroon's Kaele area located south of Maroua and fairly close to the Chadian border. Here a small resident population has recently been augmented by animals which have come into the area because of disruptive situations within their home territory in Chad. Outlines the need for research into the background of the elephants, strategies for mitigating human-elephants conflict situations and application of long term management programmes.
African Elephant Specialist Group meeting May 27th to June 1st, 1994: working group recommendations [Mombasa, Kenya]
Authors: African Elephant
Published: November 2024

Two main working groups, one focused on human-elephant conflict and the other on trade and illegal hunting, were convened and each divided into sub-groups to discuss specific aspects of the theme. The human/elephant conflict group had four sub-groups, one reviewed physical barriers and deterrents, one assessed involvement of local communities, one looked at the methods to deal with problem animals, and the last reviewed methods of evaluating and assessing damage to life and property. The trade and illegal hunting working group had two sub-groups, one looked at trade in elephant products and ivory stockpiles while the second one reviewed the monitoring of illegal killing of elephants. Results of the discussion are summarized with much of the material in the first three sub-groups from the human-elephant conflict group presented in tabular form.
Survey experiments and aerial survey of elephants in the South Luangwa National Park and the Lupande Game Management Area, Zambia, 1993
Authors: Jachmann Hugo
Published: November 2024

Describes the survey methodology and compares the data focussing on the observer bias from aerial surveys undertaken in 1993. A estimated population of 6,000 elephants occupy the South Luangwa National Park and Lupande Game Management area including the Nsefu area along the Luangwa River in the northwest corner of the Upper Lupande section.
Musth discovered in the African elephant
Authors: Poole Joyce , Moss Cynthia
Published: November 2024

A long standing controversy in the field of elephant biology has recently been cleared up with the discovery that musth occurs in the African elephant. A male in musth secretes from the temporal glands, has a continual discharge of urine, becomes very aggressive and in captivity is very difficult to handle. In African elephants, males, females, juveniles and even young calves secret from the temporal glands thus until detailed observation could be carried out it was difficult to ascertain such secretion as a prime indicator of musth. A long term study started at the Amboseli in 1972 has served to show that each bull comes into musth for a period of time during the year. The duration and timing of musth periods is dependent on a complex interaction of environmental and social factors.
The elephants of Gangala-na-Bodio
Authors: Malpas Robert
Published: November 2024

Notes the historical background and present status of the elephant domestication project at Gangala-na-Bodio near Garamba National Park. Four elephant females presently kept on the station are used on a daily basis to collect fodder. The potential to utilize trained elephants for use in tourism is mentioned
Back from the brink
Authors: Douglas-Hamilton Iain
Published: November 2024

In the 1960's three well ordered national parks, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison and Kidepo, existed in Uganda. They enjoyed firm political support, a sound economic basis, and an ecological problem of too many elephants. The 1971 Idi Amin coup led to the fall of tourism and a ruined economy accompanied by a deterioration of law and order. High government officials and security officers sponsored elephant and rhino poaching in national parks. The 1980/81 aerial survey showed that both species declined markedly and that poaching was still in progress. However, efforts by the local conservationists with support from outside bodies especially UNDP and EEC salvaged the situation. The 1982 count proved that the recovery of elephant population is likely if security continues to be guaranteed.
Studying forest elephants by direct observation: preliminary results from the Dzanga clearing, Central African Republic
Authors: Turkalo Andrea , Fay J.
Published: November 2024

Daylight observations in a bai or forest clearing with a wet sandy soil substratum, from which elephants obtain water by creating waterholes, have provided identification of individuals as well as analysis of group structure and behaviourial aspects of forest elephants. Elephants which are observed from a seven metre high platform at the edge of the clearing have been present in over 99% of the 1800 observation hours. The high calcium and other cation content of the water may be a partially responsible for the high number of animals visiting the clearing, but the clearing itself provides a location for social activity that is not feasible in the forest itself. The number of males and females observed is very similar and large tusked old males make up 7% of the population, however the presence of males is significantly higher during the wet season. Evidence suggests that the migratory population in the Dzanga Sangha-Nouabale Ndoki complex is comprised of males.The low birthrate and the equity between sexes suggest a stable, non poached population.
A nationwide survey of crop-raiding by elephants and other species in Gabon
Authors: Lahm Sally
Published: November 2024

Gabon harbours one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, and since subsistence agriculture is practised near the forest edges crop raiding by elephants as well as other wild animal species is common. A countrywide questionnaire survey ascertained elephant crop raiding occurred in all provinces, but was highest in the three central provinces of Ogooue Maritime, Moyen-Ogooue and Ogooue-Ivindo. Of the 132 cases of animal crop raiding investigated 80% involved elephants only while 11% were attributed to elephants combined with other species. Bananas appear to be the crop most susceptible to damage, elephants tend to break the stem and eat the inner core and young leaves. Maize tended to be trampled rather than eaten. Sweet manioc seemed to be eaten whereas bitter manioc was more often trampled. Estimating the number of animals involved is not easy, the same individuals were implicated in a number of incidents: one elephant was implicated in 36 of 57 incidents. The present deterrent is control shooting, but since the shooting normally occurs well after the incident and the law requires that the elephant be shoot within five kilometres of a village the original culprit(s) may not be taken.
African elephants in coastal refuges
Authors: Dudley Joseph
Published: November 2024

The history and status of relict elephant populations in three sites in coastal regions, Kakum in Ghana, and Addo and Knysna in South Africa, illustrate common elements effecting the survival of elephant populations within human dominated landscapes. Elephants survived within coastal regions of all three situations due to the presence of core habitat within government forest areas, and it was the habitat refuge rather than the protected status that was the key factor. All three sites are currently isolated from contact with other elephant populations and have been for some time. All three were initially protected under forest reserve status by colonial administration and either maintained or upgraded to National Parks by subsequent national governments. The detailed historical data available for Knysna and Addo elephant populations represent a unique opportunity for investigating the genetic consequences of bottlenecks and reintroduction within isolated elephant populations and could be used to assess the likelihood of prior population bottlenecks within such populations as Kakum where the past history is uncertain.
Chairman's report: African Elephant Specialist Group / Rapport de la Presidente: Groupe de specialistes de l'elephant Africain
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

Notes reports of renewed poaching in central and eastern Africa, the publication of the updated African Elephant Database and the feasibility of disseminating the data in digital as well as written form, the work of the Secretariat towards the upcomimg meeting Range State Dialogue Meeting in Senegal and the work of the Programme officer for west and central Africa.
Elephants of the Masai Mara, Kenya: seasonal habitat selection and group size patterns
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

Habitat selection and group formation in Masai Mara National Reserve fits the general pattern observed in other African populations. Both sexes preferred habitat types with large quantities of nutritious grasses during the wet season and both tended to select browse vegetation in the dry season. The larger average group size in the wet season were not the result of random aggregations but rather the result of bull joining cow-calf herds for breeding. The formation of larger groups in the wet season, when food is not limited, probably allows elephants to interact, to determine dominance hierachies and to re-establish bonds. During the early 1990s the elephant population in the area stands at about 1,500 animals.
Management options for Shimba Hills elephants after fencing of the reserve
Authors: Kiiru Winnie
Published: November 2024

Only an abstract and the summary of the presentation and following discussion are published. The paper examines the management options available at the end of 1997 by which time the 250 sq km Shimba Hills National Reserve and adjacent Mwaluganje and Mkongani forests and their population of 300-600 resident elephants will be completely surrounded by an electric fence. Habitat change is a prime consideration once the elephants are confined within the fence which has been constructed to offset the extreme human/elephant conflict situation. Three options appear to be wait and see what happens, organize to translocate animals or to cull animals.
Tusklessness amongst the Queen Elizabeth National Park elephants, Uganda
Authors: Abe Eve
Published: November 2024

Only the abstract and a summary of the presentation and following discussion are published. The level of tusklessness in Queen Elizabeth elephants was examined to try and find out if there had been selective offtake of tusked individuals, and to determine the increase of the level of tusklessness. Previously tusklessness in the population was very rare as exemplified by records such as the fact that only 1 animal out of 2000 shot in 1920 was tuskless. The present study showed 10% of females are tuskless, 9.5% of the females are single-tusked, and 9.5% of the males are tuskless. Two-thirds of the elephant over 40 are tuskless but no young males less than 10 years old are tuskless. There appears to be a strong genetic basis for tusklessness with 21 of the families studied 42.8% were tusked, 28.6% tuskless and 23% being mixed tusked/tuskless. Future work may include biopsy analysis to identify a possible genetic basis.
The ecology and deterrence of crop-raiding elephants: research progress
Authors: Osborn Ferrel
Published: November 2024

Only the abstract and a summary of the presentation and following discussion were published. An ongoing project in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area is examining the feeding ecology and movement pattern of bull elephants which raid crops and exploring a number of other factors which influence this behaviour. Chemical deterrents are being tested in an effort to identify compounds which may reduce elephant crop damage and with the hope that options other than killing the crop raiders can be found.
Elephant numbers in Boumba-Bek, Cameroon
Authors: Ekobo Atanga
Published: November 2024

Only a summary of the presentation and the discussion following it was published. In 1993 a grant provided for a survey of the Boumba-Bek Reserve in south east Cameroon. The elephant population estimated from two dung counts yielded very different numbers, the first estimated 7000- +/-3000 while the second gave only 250+/-100. Obviously a large number of the population are migratory, it is thought they go south to the Nki area which also has in part been made into Reserve, and the plan is to fit some with radio collars to track them and find out the corridors which they use. The human population in the area is very low so conflict as yet is not a problem.
Surveying cross-border elephant populations in Southern Africa
Authors: Craig G.
Published: November 2024

A coordinated aerial survey programme monitors the approximately 1,000,000 elephants, the key cross border population in the southern African region, found in the area comprising northwest Zimbabwe, northr Botswana and parts of the Caprivi strip in Namibia. Coordinated surveys carried out in the dry seasons of 1994 and 1995 demonstrated the usefulness of international cooperation. Standardized methods are being used and the ELESMAP project will no doubt continue even after outside funding for some of the members ceases.
Problems and solutions outside protected areas
Authors: Waithaka John
Published: November 2024

Only the the summary of the presentation is published. Outlines some of the new concepts and approaches to wildlife management in order to encure conservation as they are being explored in Kenya. Notes the land use conflict between a growing human populations' land needs with respect to the presence of animals found outside conservation areas.
Chairman's report: African Elephant Specialist Group / Rapport du Presidente: Groupe des specialistes de l'elephant d'Afrique
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

Notes the African Range State Dialogue Meeting held in Dakar in November 1996, the cooperative investigations with TRAFFIC focused on the ongoing 'illegal' ivory trade and the ivory stocks, discusses the mandate of newly formed Task Force on Human-Conflict, and mentions the downlisting proposals for Namibian, Botswana and Zimbabwean populations being placed before the up coming COP10 meeting.
Elephants and woodlands in northern Botswana: how many elephants should be there?
Authors: Ben-Shahar Raphael
Published: November 2024

Elephants and fire appear to have a pivotal role in the dynamics of certain woodland types in northen Botswana. This study chose mopane to demostrate the effects of elephants on woodlands because much of the elephants range is within mopane woodlands and this species is a principal food. Elephants in this region tend to converge around water sources and reach high densities, particularly towards the end of the dry season. Biomass reduction as opposed to mortality was examined through elephant off-take and growth rates of plants, and mathematical modelling was done to make predictions regarding impact of elephants. In spite of predictions from other areas this study suggests that from an ecological perspective northern Botswana can sustain well beyond the maximum number (60000) set by DWNP in 1991. As there is no substantial evidence to imply elephants will diminish woodlands below a sustainable level. Culling as a means to prevent woodland loss is not at present a plausible argument. The ecological aspect of the 'elephant problem' in northern Botswana is confined to areas of interest to people where elephants seem to have an excessive impact such as Chobe, Khwai and Linyanti River fronts. A management policy based on the ecological balance between elephants and woodlands would best consider habitats dominated by specific woody plant species where managers perceive a desired vegetation composition and structure to be maintained.
Elephant poaching in Kenya
Authors: Waithaka John
Published: November 2024

Discusses the concern about African wide poaching subsequent to the June 1997 downlisting of Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana elephant populations. Outlines the establishment of the KWS Elephant Mortality Database in 1992 and its reporting procedures since that time. The numbers of elephant poached between 1992 and 1997 were recorded at 35, 75, 61,34, 29 and 44 respectively. Suggests that the current poaching must be seen in context part of which is the population increase from 19,000 in 1989 to 27,000 in 1997. Elephants seem to be re-establishing some former migratory routes, and since June 1997 the number of animals outside the Parks exceeded the number inside.
Chairman's report: African Elephant Specialist Group/Rapport de la presidente: Groupe des specialistes des elephants africains
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

Outlines the establishment of the CITES system for monitoring the illegal killing of elephants (MIKE) including the thus far nominated sites for its implementation, notes the setting of the terms of reference for AfESG itself as well as those of the Data Review Task Force and the Human-Elephant Conflict Task Force (HEFT). Reviews ongoing work on the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS), and TRAFFIC'c Bad Ivory Database System (BIDS). Mentions the AfESG meeting held in Burkina Faso in January 1998 (the papers from this meeting comprise the bulk of this Issue of Pachyderm) as well as upcoming meetings and and ongoing involvement with others involved in elephant research and management.
Chemical immobilization of African elephant in lowland forest, southwestern Cameroon
Authors: Elkan Paul , Planton Hubert , Powell James , Haigh Jerry , Karesh William
Published: November 2024

Undertaken in the lowland forest of southwestern Cameroon, as part of a long term investigation of elephant ecology, this study was the first one to immobilize and radio collar free ranging forest elephants. The paper reviews the difficulties encountered in the December 1990-April 1993 study during which six immobilizations (out of 12 reviewed attempts) were completed, however two of the darted animals were dead when located. Etorphine and carfentanil were used as immobilizing agents. Dense vegetation, diverse topography and severe climatic conditions caused the darting and post-darting location of the subject animal to be difficult and hazardous to both man and elephant. Innovation in both methodology and strategy occurred as various delivery systems and technological aids were field tested, the lessons learned should prove useful in undertaking large mammal immobilization under dense forest conditions.
Elephants and human ecology in northeastern Ghana and northern Togo
Authors: Sam Moses , Barnes Richard
Published: November 2024

The amount and quality of habitat for elephants depends on the needs of human populations, and as the pressure on land continues to grow and soil fertility declines through over use the future of elephant populations in this region becomes increasingly difficult. Crop destruction by elephants is usually just prior to the harvest. If elephants are to survive in such a crowded landscape preparation of an effective land use plan requires a detailed study of agriculture, human ecology, and assessment of the populations of both elephant and human the land can support.
The distribution of elephants in northeastern Ghana and northern Togo
Authors: Okoumassou Kotchikpa , Barnes Richard , Sam Moses
Published: November 2024

Reviews the preliminary study on the status of elephants in northeastern Ghana and northern Togo undertaken in April-June 1996. Assesses the recent history and present distribution of elephants including a major change in elephant distribution on both sides of the border in 1990-92, and an increase in crop raiding in the Red Volta Valley in Ghana. The elephant migration corrider between the two countries, which is important to survival, is under threat.
The current status of the Northern white rhino in Garamba
Authors: Hillman Smith,
Published: November 2024

Although focused on rhino changes in elephant numbers and poaching pressure are noted. Between 1983 and 1995 the elephant population increased with estimated number in the latter year suggested to be 11117+/-3660. A 1997 aerial survey in the southern sector of the Park, which serves as the main rhino and elephant habitat noted significant poaching activity. A March/April survey in the same area suggested much less poaching activity. Observations recorded 29 fresh and 1 old elephant carcass in June 1997, and 1 fresh and 101 old carcasses. The 1995 population estimate for Garamba was 11175 elephants with 3679 in the southeastern part of the Park, the 1998 estimate was 5487 with 1339 being in the southeastern portion.
Monitoring human-elephant conflict through remotely located stations
Authors: Waithaka John
Published: November 2024

Changing land use patterns in the Masai Mara ecosystem, particularly the development of sedentary agriculture has provided for increasing human-elephant conflict in Masai Mara Reserve area. About 16 temporary stations, called outposts, manned by a few rangers in radio contact the regional headquarters, have been established outside the Reserve to monitor and response to conflict situations. Conflict situations are recorded in the occurrence books include: habitat encroachment, crops damage, human deaths and injuries, poaching activities, animals killed during control operations. Recorded data show that between 1987/88 and 1995/1996 60 people have been killed by elephants and 88 elephants have been killed by people in the Reserve area. One the rangers greatest frustrations is the fact that they have to keep appeasing families of the victims, knowing compensation is a long process and the renumeration when it does come is very small.
Note sur l'atelier d'elaboration de la strategie de gestion des elephants en Afrique de l'Ouest. Abidjan, 22-26 Fevrier 1999
Authors: Sebogo Lamine
Published: November 2024

A terse review of the February 22-26 1999 workshop focused on the development of a strategy for the management of elephants in West Africa attended by 21 participants in Abidjan.
Iodine as a possible controlling nutrient for elephant populations
Authors: Milewski Antoni
Published: November 2024

The geography and physiology of iodine deficiency in humans and domestic ungulates suggests that the nutritional content of ground water may hold a key to humane and efficient management of elephant populations. Artificial bore hole water in dry climates in southern Africa appears to be, on the average, a good supplement of this easily leached element., an may have inadvertently boosted the reproductive rates of elephants in several conservation areas. Elephant are likely to be limited by deficiency of iodine: their plant foods are deficient in this element relative to the hormonal requirements associated with exceptional brain and thyroid size. Extrapolation from domestic ecosystems suggests elephants exceed meduim sized wild herbivores in the sensitivty of their reproductive rates to subclinical deficiency of iodine. The great variation iodine concentrations between adjacent aquifers suggests an approach to population control: closure of iodine rich bole holes in overpopulated areas may reduce rates of sexual maturation, conception, birth and weaning with a minimum artifical distress to adults or surviving juveniles.
Etude des effectifs et de la repartition saisonniere des elephants des aires classes de l'est du Burkina Faso
Authors: Chardonnet Bertrand
Published: November 2024

Two aerial surveys of the Arly NP area and Singou River basin, one in February the middle of the dry season and the other in July at the beginning of the rainy season, provided insight into status and distribution of elephants. The population estimate is about 3000 elephant, they were widely distributed with the exception of the eastern or Koakrana area where none were present during either survey. Densities were quite variable with the distributions being wider in the rainy season. The average group size was 6.7 during the dry season and 6.0 in the wet. This number does not seem to pose a problem vis a vis the human population, nor does the vegetation appear degraded. The onset of the rains seemed to be a centripedal movement towards the centre of the areas flown. The only movement towards the outside of the area was in the south where animals crossed the Pendjari River. Approximately two thirds of the numbers are concentrated in the Singou Basin. ( Pama region). The population increase since 1982 averagies about 4.7% per year. Few carcasses were observed, and the number of elephant poached in recent times does not seem to be more than 20.
Effects of habitat on visibility of elephants during aerial census
Authors: Hoare Richard
Published: November 2024

Relocating individual radiocollared elephants during an aerial survey in northern Zimbabwe provided an opportunity to assess the effects of habitat and topography on the aerial visibility of elephants. Sightings were considered 'failed' when no elephants could be seen by aerial observers after the aircraft had flown in a tight circle around the radiocollar signal for some 8 minutes. These situations, which amounted to 15% (n=88) of the sightings, all occured in steep, rocky hills covered with high-canopy woodland and incised by narrow, thickly wooded valleys. This type of terrain did not cover enough of the study area to affect the accuracy of the census estimate. However, this trial served to illustrate localized failure rates of elephant visibility which can be appreciated by those seeking to improve routine census techniques.
Elephants et dissemination des graines de quelques espèces vegetales dans le Ranch de Gibier de Nazinga (sud du Burkina Faso)
Authors: Mipro Hien , Joseph Boussim , Sita Guinko
Published: November 2024

Seed dispersal by forest elephants was assessed from dung samples collected monthly July 1996-June 1997. Seeds contained in the dung piles were counted and natural germination was simulated. Seed densities varied significantly between months, with a maximum in April, suggesting that fruits replace green forage as the food supply for elephants during the dry season. The seeds collected at the beginning of the dry season germinated at a higher rate that those collected towards the end of the season. Elephants dispersed about 20% of the woody species at various habitats of the study area. Results illustrate that elephant feed on fruits mainly during the dry season, and that they play an important role in disseminating seeds in the Nazinga area.
Elephants hit by African arms race: recent factors affecting elephant populations
Authors: Douglas-Hamilton Iain
Published: November 2024

The paper presents different field reports that illustrate the elephant population status and gives an overview of the factors affecting elephants in the continent. In the 1960's the main problem of elephants in East Africa was one of overcrowding within the National Parks. The 1970's registered increased arms importation due to the prevailing wars and then later got into the hands of poachers. In some countries, such as in Uganda and Sudan, some elements of the military were the main poachers.
C. A. R. elephant population threatened by poaching
Authors: Anonymous
Published: November 2024

The present Gounda St Floris population of 2,500 animals are in a threatened position. It is estimated that 532 elephants have been injured or killed within the past year. 32 fresh carcasses with tusks removed were found by a research team during the March/May dry season. Poison as well as evidence of spearing from horseback is noted. Two onging studies are mentioned: Ruggiero is carrying out a time budget and dietary study, and Nelson is investigating the diurnal and seasonal variation on elephants movements.
Mode de dissemination des espèces les plus appetees par les elephants dans la zone Cynégétique de la Djona, les forets classees de Gouguon de la Sota et des environs, Nord-Benin
Authors: Tehou Aristide
Published: November 2024

Discusses habitat and wide range of vegetation elephants in the area eat and denotes their preferred foods as found from dung analysis in the Djona Hunting Zone in the dry Sudan zone of northern Benin. Suggests elephants are well adapted to various habitats in this area which range from almost desert conditions through savanna to forested areas, two of which the animals spend significant time, namely the Goungoun and Sota Notes there seems to be about 99 elephants in the area at present . Their feeding behaviour and species preference were observed directly, often photographed, and germination of plants in dung was noted. Two tables list the parts of 25 plant species which elephant consume during February to May and from June to January respectively.
Less elephant slaughter in the Okapi Faunal Reserve, Democratic Republic of Congo, with Operation Tango
Authors: Mubalama Leonard , Mapilanga Jean
Published: November 2024

Reviews the apparent success of Operation Tango, a military-wildlife guard anti-poaching initiative, devised in October 2000 in an attempt to eliminate elephant and bushmeat poaching and illegal coltan mining in Okapi Faunal Reserve in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Large scale poaching activities were evident, with 17 new or recent poaching camps reported. 20 poachers were caught with evidence (111 kg raw ivory and 215 kg elephant meat). 17 weapons (small machine guns) and 331 rounds of ammunition were confiscated by a 34 man team of Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) and Armee Populaire Congolaise (APC) personnel. All active law enforcement was vested in a closely supervised rapid deployment strike force based at Epulu. The force undertook armed patrols throughout the Reserve, manned observation at strategic vantage points, and responded to intelligence reports or calls for assistance from the outposts. 3 months prior to the launch of Operation Tango less than 10% of the Reserve was under wildlife management authority control. After 5 months of the Operation no new signs of poaching were found. Future management needs/objectives are discuss.
Resolving human-elephant conflict in Luwero District, Uganda, through elephant translocation
Authors: Wambwa Elizabeth , Manyibe Thomas , Litoroh Moses , Gakuya Francis , Kanyingi John
Published: November 2024

Since the early 1970s migration routes between Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls NPs have been increasingly cut off by settlement and agricultural land, and elephant living in the area have become isolated subpopulations. Capture and translocation were chosen as the management option to deal with four adult elephants (2 bulls, 2 cows) involved in crop raiding, property damage, and competition for water in the Luwero area. The animals were anaesthised darted from a helicopter, and were loaded onto trucks and transported Murchison Falls NP. Article describes procedures used in locating, anaesthetizing, loading, transporting , and safely releasing the animals. One of which was radio collared while the other three were paint marked for further monitoring. The work was undertaking by the Kenya Wildlife Service Translocation Team in conjunction with staff for the Uganda Wildlife Authority
Elephant census in the Ankasa Conservation Area in south-western Ghana
Authors: Danquah Emmanuel , Boafo Yaw , Dubiure Umaru , Nandjui Awo , Hema Emmanuel , Appiah Mildred
Published: November 2024

Results from a dry season dung count carried out during January 2001 in Ankasa Conservation Area estimate a population of approximately 21 elephant. Most of the animals were found in the vicinity of the Suhien River. A pre-study reconnaissance had statified the areas into three stata, low, medium and high, based on assumed density. However, the study suggests it would be better to have a two stata system and arrange the high density stratum along the Suhien River. All 43 dung piles observed were on the 16 transects in the high density strata near the River. This 509 sq km Conservation Area which covers the two adjacent forests of Nuni-Suhian NP and the Ankasa Resource Reserve in southwestern Ghana appears to house the smallest elephant population in Ghana's forest zone. It is an important plant diversity region and has been only lightly logged thus far. It is important to monitor the elephant population in order to assess whether it is isolated or if the estimated 21 elephant move between Ankasa and the Draw River FR.
Quelques elements sur less effectifs d'elephants au parc national du Niokolo Koba (annee 2000)
Authors: Mauvais Geoffroy
Published: November 2024

Ground and aerial surveys undertaken during the first half of 2000 confirm that elephant numbers in Niokolo Koba NP are very low, and no animals were noted near the Gambia River which is considered an important dry season water source. Earlier survey results noted 150 during a one day survey in May 1969 in the vicinity of the Gambia River, 200 were estimated to be present in a May 1970 survey, about 50 in 1985, and 30 in 1993. The ground survey between April and July 2000 suggested 4 animals (2 adults and 2 juveniles) were present in the transected area within the Park's southern region. Only 4 animals (2 adults, one male and one female and two juveniles were observed duirng 21 hours of aerial survey time. Results suggest that less than 30 elephant may be present in the area and the future for elephant here is very uncertain. Poaching has been a problem for many years and a skull and bones seen during the survey suggest it may casue for concern.
Two successful elephant translocations in Kenya
Authors: Litoroh Moses , Omondi Patrick , Bitok Elphas , Wambwa Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

In the 7 years since the Kenya Wildlife Service made a decision to translocate rather than kill problem elephant the success rate of the transfer excercises has improved. Two excercises undertaken in 2000 were completed with no elephant deaths: in March 10 elephant (7 from Sweetwaters S and 3 from Lewa Conservancy) were moved from private game sanctuaries in Laikipia to Meru; and, in October 3 elephant were transferred to from Shimba Hills to Tsavo East NP. The 3 bulls moved in October were fitted with radio collars and subsequent monitoring has shown that thus far they have remained within 50 km of their release site
African Elephant Specialist Group report
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

This report serves as a programme review noting: the major points of discussion at the fifth AfESG Meeting, January 28 - February 1, 2002, in Shaba NR, Kenya; the integration of data and future of analysis and presentation as suggested by the Data Review Task Force which met November 30 - December 2, in Naivasha, Kenya; the situation vis a vis the implementation of MIKE; and the ongoing work implemented under the aegis of the Human-Elephant Conflict Task Force (now Working Group) which deals with both the training of managers involved in conflict mitigation and the mapping of conflict areas. Responsibilities undertaken by the Programme Officers in the West and Central African offices, improvements of the AfESG web site, and requests of assistance in possible elephant relocation in Senegal-Burkina Faso which prodded the establishment of the Reintroduction Task Force (RTF) which is working on recommendations and guidelines for such programmes are also discuss.
Aerial elephant count in the Shimba Hills ecosystem, Kenya
Authors: Litoroh Moses
Published: November 2024

Conducted by helicopter in the Shimba Hills ecosystem in August 1997 a one day wet season count observed 464 elephant, and served to verify the estimated 412 obtained through dung counts. 150 of the animals were in Mwaluganje Forest, giving a density of 6 elephant per sq km in this area. The population in the Forest has probably been increasing since the 1950's. Shimba Hills National Reserve itself is enclosed by an electric fence. A wildlife corridor, namely the Mwaluganje Community Conservation Area, joins the Reserve and the Forest but there is no additional habitat/range for this isolated population which is literally surrounded by human habitation and agricultural land. Vegetation damage by elephants in the Shimba Hills ecosystem has reached critical levels in localized areas, and the area's biodiversity may suffer if management action is not taken soon. The author discusses the growth of the population and the differing opinions of researchers who have undertaken previous surveys. He conclusions are in line with a recent consultant's report (Kamanga, 1997) who suggested 200 animals should be removed, and that a density of 0.5 elephants per sq km is probably good for the Shimba ecosystem. Translocation is suggested as an option to consider followed up by a population control immunocontraception programme.
Elephant status and conservation in the Upper Bandama Game Reserve, Ivory Coast
Authors: Bouché Philippe
Published: November 2024

Upper Bandama is the largest game reserve in the Ivory Coast. About 80 elephants were estimated to live in Upper Bandam GR's woodland savannah habitat during the 1980s, but no elephant were observed during a reconnaissance flight in 1996. However, between 1995 and 1999 several people observed elephant when flying over the area, and since large patches of forest are still present inside the Reserve elephant may still exist, but to locate them ground observation may be necessary. During the 1990s the estimate normally given for this area was 40 elephant, but the author suggests that now a more realistic estimate would be 20. Hunting pressure is high. The animals, if there are any, would have stayed in the Reserve area for protection from hunters and because of increasing conflict with human settlements and domestic stock in the surrounding area.
African Elephant Specialist Group
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

This report begins by noting ongoing work of the Human Elephant Conflict Task Force, including the GIS mapping of range areas in specific study locations, the work towards translocating just over a dozen amimals from Arly to Burkina Faos which is the first elephant translocation programme in which AfESG itself is involved. The text serves as a review of the ongoing work involved in the publication of the African elephant status report (this replaces the African Elephant Database), a update on MIKE, work being undertaken by the West African and the Central African offcies, and 10 studies handled through the small grants programme which. This latter programme which provides funds of 2000-10000 USD allows for young African researchers to become directly involved in investigations which they have had some responsibility in devising.
Movement of elephants in the Selous-Niassa wildlife corridor, southern Tanzania
Authors: Mpanduji Donald , Hofer H. , Hildebrandt Thomas , Göritz Frank , East Marion
Published: November 2024

Reviews elephant distribution and migatory movements through the Selous-Naissa wildlife corridor (SNWC - which at present has no official designation or protection) as obtained from data collected from village public meetings, questionnaire surveys and field observations in the 21 village located within the corridor. The corridor harbours several well-established migratory routes and numerous areas that are important as seasonal or year-round habitat for elephants and other wildlife. Elephants are abundant, they are present throughout the year with peak numbers occurring in April and May. Key factors responsible for the movemnts and migrations are thought to be 'availability to water, food and in some places increased disturbances from humans'. The major elephant routes probably depend on large permanent river systems, movements are reported to proceed from south to north between March and April, and from north to south between June and December. Three major migratory routes from Ruvuma to the centre of the corridor and four other routes which serve to connect the Ruvuma River and Selous GR have been identified. Migratory routes from the centre of the corridor to Selous GR are Malimbani, Ritungula and Nampungu ya Chakame while the Sasawala-Lukumbule route connects the SNWC with Mwambesi GR to the east. Several routes are plotted as Tree diagrams, one table includes a list of preferred food plants while another outlines major river systems in the SNWC area.
Do cattle determine elephant distribution in the Red Volta Valley of northern Ghana?
Authors: Sam Moses , Haizel Charles , Barnes Richard
Published: November 2024

Elephants in the northeastern Ghana border area adjacent Burkina Faso move along the Red Volta River Valley raiding crops enroute, and routinely cross back and forth between the countries. As much of the valley area is forest reserve land, in places up to 14 kms wide, elephant can readily retreat into this refuge after raiding farmers fields. Data collected in the 1999 planting season were used to test the hypothesis that elephant density was inversely proportional to cattle density. The authors developed a multivariate model to explain elephant distribution. Having controlled for other variables, results show that increasing numbers of cattle, indicated by the presence of dung, reduce the probablility of finding elephants outside the forest reserve. The authors suggest 'that cattle grazing could be manipulated to reduce the risk of crop raiding by elephants.
Rate of decay of elephant dung in the central sector of Parc National des Virunga, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Mubalama Leonard , Sikubwabo Kiyengo,
Published: November 2024

"This article focuses on the dung decay analysis undertaken in January-May 1999 as a follow up to the April-July 1998 study of the status and population estimate of elephants in the central part of Virunga NP. (Mubalama 2000) Excessive growth of Acacia sps and bush invasion into savannah areas as a result of the large scale loss of elephants in the 1970s-1980s disallowed easy observation in this area so researchers chose assess the utility dung counts. This study assesses the decay of dung in this area. During both research periods a sample set of fresh elephant dung piles was monitored at 14 day intervals. It is considered that the length and seasonal timing of the study periods provide sufficient information to assess dung counts in this area in both the wet and the dry seasons. The latter time allowed for dung piles to be observed from the time they were fresh until they decomposed and dissappeared. Decomposition is principally brought about by three factors: dung beetles, termites and mechanical disturbances such as heavy rain, fire, trampling and foraging for insects by birds."
Decline of elephants and other wildlife in the Nasolot-South Turkana and Kerio Valley-Kamnarok conservation areas, Kenya
Authors: Omondi Patrick , Bitok Elphas , Mayienda Rose
Published: November 2024

The total aerial count of elephants (total counts for elephant and other wildlife, estimation for livestock numbers) in Nasolot, South Turkana, Kerio Valley and Kamnarok NRs undertaken 4-8 August, 2002 was flown over areas containing the largest elephant populations in western Kenya. The 490 elephant counted were largely present the northern portion of their range. This count showed significant loss in numbers in recent years: a decline of 362 individuals or 42.4% since 1997 and 302 or 38.1% decline since 1999. The distribution pattern during all three of these counts has been similar, most elephant were observed in the northern and southern parts of the ecosystem. 62 skeletons (carcasses) were observed in 2002 compared to 45 in 1999 and 13 in 1997. The carcass ratio of 11.2% was much higher than that in other elephant ranges in Kenya, and if it is considered to be a relative index of poaching levels, the illustrates an alarming situation. The estimated 29,000 head of livestock signify a high level of human activity and thus there is a high potential for human-wildlife conflict in this area.
African elephant genetics: request for samples
Authors: Roca Alfred , Georgiadis Nicholas , O'Brien Stephen
Published: November 2024

Reviews ongoing research focused in a continent-wide genetic survey of African elephant conducted under the aegis of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity in Maryland, USA and Mpala Research Centre in Nanyuki, Kenya. References published data, notes the geographic locations from which samples have orginated thus far, and the areas from which representative data is lacking. Requests additional samples and outlines the format under which samples of tissue (including muscle, organs and skin), blood and dung should be taken and where to send them.
African Elephant Specialist Group report/Rapport du Groupe des Specialistes des Elephants d'Afrique
Authors: Dublin Holly
Published: November 2024

Reviews the CITES COP12 meeting in relation to African elephants, the completion of the draft text for the guidelines on elephant reintroduction and translocation, ongoing work culminating in publication of the 2002 African elephant status report (formerly the AED) , work and case study projects being undertaken by the HEC working group, and work completed and ongoing in the regional office plus three short notations on: the small grants fund, the 6th AfESG meeting to be held in Namibia December 2003, and future funding.
The elephants (Loxodonta africana) of Gash-Barka, Eritrea: Part 1. Historical perspective and related findings
Authors: Hagos Yohannes , Yacob Yohannes , Ghebrehiwet Medhanie , Shoshani Jeheskel
Published: November 2024

This article reviews the historic range of elephant in Eritrea, as gleaned from archaeological and literary sources, notes taxonomic knowledge, and provides recent field data on the presence and status of elephant in the Gash-Barka area in the south-west. The shrinking habitat in Eritrea is due to both human settlement and lack of water resources. Two recent ground surveys, December 2001 and January-February 2003, implemented by the fourth author, as well as regular low flying United Nations flights between Ethiopia and Eritrea provided invaluable information of Eritrea's southwestern region. The dense riverine forest composed mostly of doum palms makes observation from the air difficult. During the last ground survey (Jan-Feb 2003) 'All 83 elephants, young and adult, observed in various locations within the watersheds of the Gash and Setit Rivers appeared in good physical condition'.
North-west Namibian desert-dwelling elephant project
Authors: Namibian Elephant
Published: November 2024

"The elephant involved in the Kunene region study are for the most part resident outside protected areas and within communal lands. Since both the elephant and human populations are increasing there is a growing problem of land use conflict. Although this desert population has been photographed and discussed many times little scientific research has been carried out. This current project, which in September 2002 radio-collared 8 animals, as part of the programme to identify and monitor the elephants in the Kunene region of north-west Namibia should rectify this situation."