Post-war effects on the rhinos and elephants of Garamba National Park

Abstract

During the first 8 years after the Garamba NP project began the elephants in that vicinity increased from an estimated population of 3300 in 1984 to an estimated population of 11175 in 1995. The war is souther Sudan increasingly affected the area from 1991 onwards as both refugees and military groups came into the area. By 1998 the estimated elephant population 5874. Systematic aerial counts taken in April prior to the beginning of the wet season noted that by 2004 there were no elephant north of the Garamba River. The Apil 2004 elephant population in the southern part of the park was estimated to be 6354. A rough count in November 2004 suggested abut 2000 elephant remained in the park area. A total aerial count in August 2005 counted 1202 elephant. Counts are planned for early 2006 and it is hoped that intertnational interest and assistance in a post war situation may serve to conserve and maintain an elephatn as well as a northern white rhino population.