The elephants (Loxodonta africana) of Gash-Barka, Eritrea: Part 1. Historical perspective and related findings

Abstract

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'.