The status of elephants in Uganda: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Abstract

Provides an overview on the trend of the elephant population in Uganda from the early sixties, when it was so high culling was considered necessary, through the period of the 1970's when military operations and rampant poaching brought the population down to perhaps under 300 animals. The present study involves fitting animals with radio collars to monitor the ranging patterns of the three major groups now occupying the Queen Elizabeth National Park area. The Northern sector population of about 250 animals is the focus of the study, but information will also be accumulated for the Kazinga group of about 60 and the Ishasha population of approximately 200 which move between Queen Elizabeth and Albert National Park in Zaire. Present human and elephant relations and potential problems which may arise due to future land use needs and conflicts are outlined.