Surveying cross-border elephant populations in Southern Africa

Abstract

A coordinated aerial survey programme monitors the approximately 1,000,000 elephants, the key cross border population in the southern African region, found in the area comprising northwest Zimbabwe, northr Botswana and parts of the Caprivi strip in Namibia. Coordinated surveys carried out in the dry seasons of 1994 and 1995 demonstrated the usefulness of international cooperation. Standardized methods are being used and the ELESMAP project will no doubt continue even after outside funding for some of the members ceases.