Study on the elephants of Mago National Park, Ethiopia

Abstract

A dung count survey plus ground observation of elephant in Mago NP during June 1997 to April 1998 estimated the population to be between 387 and 575. The maximum number of animals counted from a total of seven sights was 182. They occupy semi-arid bush and riverine valleys. During the past century elephants have become somewhat restricted in their range. They use to inhabit areas near Jinka town, Woito valley, Hamer, areas around Omorate and a large part of Tama Wildlife Reserve. However people coming from the central and northern parts of the country heavily exploited the populations. Data on movement suggest that some elephant may move south travelling up to 43 kms outside the park boundary. Calculated home ranges average 1597 sq kms. During the study period 26 elephants were known to have been killed for ivory. Both poaching and habitat destruction are threats to maintaining a elephant population in the Park.