5 research outputs found
Decline of elephants and other wildlife in the Nasolot-South Turkana and Kerio Valley-Kamnarok conservation areas, Kenya
Get PDFThe total aerial count of elephants (total counts for elephant and other wildlife, estimation for livestock numbers) in Nasolot, South Turkana, Kerio Valley and Kamnarok NRs undertaken 4-8 August, 2002 was flown over areas containing the largest elephant populations in western Kenya. The 490 elephant counted were largely present the northern portion of their range. This count showed significant loss in numbers in recent years: a decline of 362 individuals or 42.4% since 1997 and 302 or 38.1% decline since 1999. The distribution pattern during all three of these counts has been similar, most elephant were observed in the northern and southern parts of the ecosystem. 62 skeletons (carcasses) were observed in 2002 compared to 45 in 1999 and 13 in 1997. The carcass ratio of 11.2% was much higher than that in other elephant ranges in Kenya, and if it is considered to be a relative index of poaching levels, the illustrates an alarming situation. The estimated 29,000 head of livestock signify a high level of human activity and thus there is a high potential for human-wildlife conflict in this area
Two successful elephant translocations in Kenya
Get PDFIn the 7 years since the Kenya Wildlife Service made a decision to translocate rather than kill problem elephant the success rate of the transfer excercises has improved. Two excercises undertaken in 2000 were completed with no elephant deaths: in March 10 elephant (7 from Sweetwaters S and 3 from Lewa Conservancy) were moved from private game sanctuaries in Laikipia to Meru; and, in October 3 elephant were transferred to from Shimba Hills to Tsavo East NP. The 3 bulls moved in October were fitted with radio collars and subsequent monitoring has shown that thus far they have remained within 50 km of their release sit
Recent translocation of elephant family units from Sweetwaters Rhino Sanctuary to Meru National Park, Kenya
Get PDFThis paper focuses on the ninth, most recent, and largest elephant translocation, project undertaken in Kenya since KWS began transferring animals in 1996. 56 animals, 51 of which lived to be released, were translocated from Sweetwaters Rhino Sanctuary to Meru NP. The free ranging 'elephants were monitored for four months to identify animals to be moved'. From the total of 140 elephants individually identified 56, comprising 9 family units and 9 bulls, were identified for relocation. The paper notes the rationale for the pre-translocation monitoring, outlines the procedures followed by personnel in the helicopter and ground teams during the darting and anaesthesia regime, and the subsequent work involved in the loading, transportation and release of the animals. The animals were translocated in July 2001 during 12 capture operations conducted over a period of 22 days. Six animals were fitted with radio collars. Post-release monitoring involved both ground and aerial monitoring. To date it appears that the majority of the animals have settled close to the point of release and range within the Meru ecosystem
Elphas maximus versus loxodonta cyclotis. Porównanie gatunków słoni bojowych stosowanych w armiach hellenistycznych.
No full textDivisions of war elephantus used to be one of the main type of military formations used in the Hellenic ststes. During the Mediterranean wars two species of the animals were used: the Asian elephants and the African forest elephants. Due to a kind of monopoly on Asian elephants, possessed by the Seleucids, the Ptolemies were forced to look for their own source of the animals in Africa. Physically, African elephants differed significantly from the Asian ones, and the differences affected their military value, which made the Lagids the weaker side in battles fought against the Seleucids. It is evidenced by the battle of Raphia, description of which is crucial in this paper. Apart from this issue, the author also discusses the question of physical differences between the two species, identifies the period in which war elephants appeared in Hellenic armies, and determines the type of weaponry, organization, and tactics in fights conducted by elephant divisions, until the point of their disappearance from the Hellenic ststes' armies
