Population estimates and threats to elephants Loxodonta africana (Blumenbach 1797) in the Mago National Park, Ethiopia

Abstract

An estimate of the number of elephants Loxodonta africana (Blumenbach
1797) was made in the Mago National Park, Ethiopia, from June 1997 to April
1998. The population size was estimated indirectly from the droppings using line
transects within an area of 1,564 km2. The estimate of the elephant population
for the Mago National Park was between 387 and 575. The observed density for
the whole park was 0.22 elephant/km2. The maximum number in a herd from a
total of seven sightings was 182. The available data from field observations and
knowledge of the local people were used to assess the extent of poaching.
Between August 1997 and April 1998, 26 elephants were killed mainly for ivory.
Most of the poaching activities took place in the dry season. There are about
10,000 beehives in the park. Differentiating true honey gatherers from poachers
is a problem. The elephants of Mago belong to a very small population that may
be approaching the critical lower limit for long-term survival. Possible solutions
to the current conservation problems are discussed.
KEY WORDS: elephants, Loxodonta africana, poaching, population estimates, conservation,
Mago National Park, Ethiopia.