Population estimate of elephants in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

Abstract

This 1996 study was undertaken to determine the change in the elephant population in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest since a 1991 survey had estimated 78 to 90 animals occupied the area. Dung decay rate was estimated using two methods: reciprocal of the mean survival time, which yielded an estimate of 0.34 elephants per sq km; and, two points on the exponential curve, which gave an estimate of 0.46 per sq km. These estimates respectively translated into 126 to 172 elephants in the area as a whole. Results suggest the elephant population in the forest has increased substantially. Reports of crop raiding on farms adjacent to the forest have been noted. There is a need to monitor the elephant population to safeguard the forest's biodiversity and since there have been reports of crop raiding on farms adjacent to the forest it is important to watch for higher crop-raiding intensities and the conflict situations this would cause.