Forest clearings and the conservation of elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) in north-east Congo Republic

Abstract

The high population of forest elephant in Odzala NP is related to the diversity of habitat and in particular the large areas of Maranthaceae forest which provide herbaceous foods and the presence of many forest clearing which offer mineral salts. Both the Mananthaceae forest distribution and the location of forest clearing appear to influence forest elephant movements. Besides being important foraging sites for elephants, forest clearing provide excellent conditions for observing forest animals and accordingly are ideal for both tourists and hunters. The frequency and number of elephants visiting clearings such as Maya Nord, a favoured clearing which served as a major observation site as no evidence of poaching activity was associated with it, during the day offer a remarkable opportunity to observe these and other animals. Such forest clearing have both ecological and economic value for ecotourism. Paradoxically such clearings provide situations wherein the same animals may be vulnerable to hunters thus conservation programmes considering the use of such sites must also develop management and community programmes to discourage poaching.