Aerial census of the Gash-Setit elephant population of Eritrea and Ethiopia

Abstract

During a total aerial count in southwestern Eritrea and northern Ethiopia between 31 October to 16 November 1996, 8 elephant were observed. Two animals were near Haicota along the Gaxh River and six were along the Tekezze River on the Ethiopian side of the border. The two groups are considered to be one population although there was a good distance between them. These Gash-Setit region animals are thought to be the only remaining elephants in Eritrea. This is significantly lower than expected,and because the survey was done at the end of the wet season when the animals are dispersed it is recommended a dry season count be done in order to determine the status more clearly. No elephants were seen near the Sheraro settlements which have reported crop damage and it is assumed the two bulls observed near Haicota may be responsible. Two old carcasses were seen.