Density, distribution and habitat utilization patterns of Elephants(Loxodonta Africana, Blumenbaeh, 1797) in Southern Aberdare Ranges, Kenya
Abstract
The African elephant IS an endangered species over most of its range.
Frequent monitoring of elephant numbers is critical to its conservation.
Census of elephants in African savannah ecosystems involves aerial and
ground counts while in the forested ecosystems, indirect methods of dung
surveys are used. This study, which was undertaken in the southern part of
the Aberdare range sought to determine the elephant densities, distribution,
habitat utilization and the various human activities affecting elephants in the
study area. Indirect sampling methods were used to assess elephant densities
and numbers, as well as their distribution and habitat utilization patterns.
The dung densities were highest in the moorland, followed by the bamboo
and lowest in the sub-montane zone in both seasons. Elephants were equally
distributed and highly utilized the bamboo and moorland habitat types
throughout the year. The use of the sub-montane zone was influenced by
season. Elephant dung decay rates differed significantly between the
bamboo and sub-montane zones.
The mean dung density was 5664.43 dung piles per km", while the mean
elephant density was 3.33 elephants per krn", A total of two thousand and
fifty three (2053) elephants were estimated for the study area irrespective of
the season. Habitat utilization was found to be influenced by season and
human activities. Elephants preferred the least disturbed bamboo and
moorland zones while the sub-montane zone was utilized more in the wet
season than in the dry season. The bamboo zone was the most preferred
habitat type irrespective of the season with an index of habitat utilization of
1.00(100% occupancy) for both seasons.
IX
More than 51% of the Aberdare elephant population belongs to the
reproductive age-classes of above ten years representing a growing elephant
population. Illegal human activities such as charcoal burning among others
are a great threat to the integrity of southern Aberdare ecosystem as an
elephant habitat. Human activities were found to have profound effects on
the distribution and habitat utilization patterns of elephants in the study area.
If the integrity of southern Aberdare ecosystem as an elephant conservation
area is to be maintained, then, proper management and conservation of the
area is of utmost importance.
Citation
Mbau, J. S(2005). Density, distribution and habitat utilization patterns of elephants(Loxodonta Africana, Blumenbaeh, 1797) in Southern Aberdare Ranges, KenyaSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Department of Range Management, University of Nairobi
Subject
Habitat UtilizationElephants(Loxodonta Africana, Blumenbaeh)
Southern Aberdares Ranges
Kenya
Description
Msc-Thesis