Elephants of the Dzanga-Sangha dense forest of south-western Central African Republic

Abstract

The Dzanga-Sangha Forest Reserve contains the highest known population density of elephants remaining in the dense forest zone of Africa. Both Loxodonta africana africana and L.a. cyclotis as well as an intergrade between the two exist in the area. The ecological effects of the elephants in the forests are discuss. Elephant population density in the sub blocks of the study area as determined by dung counts is presented. Large scale poaching in part may account for the different density figures but should be considered along with the availability of water, type vegetation and human land use. A proposed conservation plan for the region is outlined.