Space and habitat use of the African elephant in the Tarangire–Manyara ecosystem, Tanzania: Implications for conservation

Abstract

As migratory animals, sustainable management of African elephant populations, both within and around protected areas, is a major challenge in the conservation policy of many African countries. We captured seven female elephants, representative members of family groups, in different parts of Tarangire National Park (TNP), Tanzania, and used GPS satellite radio-tracking (November 1997-June 2000 to monitor their space and habitat use and seasonal migrations throughout wet and dry seasons. Patterns of home range overlap revealed the existence of two large clans that occupied the north-central and southern parts of TNP, respectively. At the end of the dry season, elephants from the southern clan migrated about 100 km southeast of the park boundary, those from the northern clan remained mostly inside the park, or used periodically wet-season core areas in the nearby Game Controlled Areas. No natural mortality occurred during the study, but two elephants were poached outside the park. Human disturbance also affected activity patterns, and elephants were less active at day outside than inside the park. Home range size varied from 477 to 1078 km 2 for the northern elephants, and from 1630 to 5060 km 2 for the southern elephants. Migration routes were characterised by higher cover (open and closed forest) than core areas. Our results indicate that elephant management must be considered across park boundaries and that migration corridors must be protected against human disturbance and land cultivation. Society problems linked to elephant conservation can be solved by creating alternative, sustainable, use of natural resources that enhance the livelihood of local communities.

Ranging behavior of the Asian elephant in Sri Lanka

“…Individual home range size variation was within limits attributable to differences in resource requirement due to body size, sex, reproductive status and sociality. No major individual deviations were observed as in north-eastern India (Datye and Bhagwat 1995) and parts of Africa (Thouless 1996;Grainger et al 2005;Galanti et al 2006), where divergent strategies of migration and residence within a single population, resulted in home range size differences of large magnitude.…”

Movement and Occurrence of Two Elephant Herds in a Human-Dominated Landscape, the Bénoué Wildlife Conservation Area, Cameroon

“…In the dry season, Doudjatou spent more time in the park, possibly to avoid humans and/or to seek refuge [19], as hunting is prohibited in BNP but allowed in the HC during the dry season. Oldiri's home range was mostly found within the HC, potentially putting her and the herd at greater risk of mortality and trauma associated with losing herd members [29].…”

“…Following observations, Doudjatou and Oldiri were selected as the individuals to be fitted with radio collars because, as the largest females in their respective herds, they were presumed to be the matriarchs. Herds generally include several related females, their daughters, and juvenile sons, with groups averaging around nine individuals [17]; locations of a single female are therefore representative of the entire herd [18][19][20]. At the time of capture, Doudjatou was observed with a herd of 27 elephants, while Oldiri was seen to travel with 32 others.…”

Responses of red deer (Cervus elaphus) to regular disturbance by hill walkers

“…Other studies have compared the distribution patterns of animals with those of humans in areas used for recreation (Nellemann et al 2000;Jayakody 2005;Manor and Saltz 2005;Galanti et al 2006;George and Crooks 2006). In this study, our approach was to look at the direct consequences of recreational disturbance by tracking animals with GPS (Global Positioning System) collars.…”