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
Census and ear-notching of black rhinos (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya
No full textThis paper updates the status of the black rhino population in Tsavo East National Park (NP). Data were acquired through aerial counts of the black rhino between 3 and 9 October 2010 using three fixed-wing husky aircrafts and a Bell 206L helicopter in an area of about 3,300 km2. Based on previous sightings of rhinos, the area was divided into 14 blocks, with each block subdivided into 400 m transects. An aircraft flying at about 500 m above the ground was assigned to carry out the aerial survey following these transects within each block. Observers scanned for rhinos about 200 m on either sides of the flight paths. Intensive searches in areas with dense vegetation, especially along the Galana and Voi Rivers and other known rhino range areas was also carried out by both the huskies and the helicopter. The count resulted in sighting of 11 black rhinos. Seven of these individuals were ear notched and fitted with radio transmitters and the horns were tipped off to discourage poaching. Three of the seven captured rhinos were among the 49 animals translocated to Tsavo East between 1993 and 1999. The other four animals were born in Tsavo East. Two female rhinos and their calves were not ear-notched or fitted with transmitters. It is recommended that another count be carried out immediately after the wet season as the rhinos spend more time in the open areas while the vegetation is still green. The repeat aerail count is to include blocks north of River Galana
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
