Number and migration patterns of savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana africana) in northern Cameroon

Abstract

The Sudanian region of Cameroon covers about 198,000 sq kms and comprises two major domains; the Sahelian and the Sudanian. The Waza-Logone floodplain, which lies in the sahelian domain, contains about 1100 elephant, one of the largest populations of the this region of west and central Africa. Waza NP is the core for elephant migrations in the sahelian region of northern Cameroon. Three subpopulations have been indentified in Waza: one migrates between the two Parks tending to be in Kalamaloue in the dry season and Waza during the wet season; a second one is resident throughout the year but moves to different habitat areas according to seasons; and, a third uses the southern part of the Park in the dry season and moves into agricultural areas to the south during the wet season. Recently an influx of elephants, probably from Chad, brings the number in the Kaele area to over 320. (Tchamba 1995). Populations in Faro, Benoue, Boubandjidah NPs are 60, 540 and 660 giving a total of about 1620 in the sudanian region of northern Cameroon. Elephant migrations in northern Cameroon are a cause of concern as during them elephants are killed, farms are damaged ,and crops lost.