Satellite tracking of elephants in Laikipia District, Kenya

Abstract

Whereas satellite tracking has been successfully carried out on other species, it has not been easy to design a suitable satellite collar for elephants. Most studies of elephant movements have been carried out using conventional radio transmitters. This study, carried out on Ol Ari Nyari Ranch in Laikipia District, attempted to develop satellite transmitters for elephants and test their effectiveness in the field. The paper details the methods used and discusses the value and cost-effectiveness of the results in comparison with those from conventional radio tracking.