Population Survey

This section presents a snapshot of the dry season systematic reconnaissance flight survey (SRF) for large mammals conducted in the Katavi-Rukwa and Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystems from 21st September to 10th October 2021. The SRF is part of the ecological monitoring censuses undertaken in the country tri-annually for large mammals in the major ecosystems. The 2021 survey in the aforementioned ecosystems employed three aircraft namely 5H-CFA, 5H-MPZ, and 5H-SNP covering an area of approximately 89,213 km². Key findings Ruaha–Rungwa ecosystem The top-most abundant species in this ecosystem included buffalo (20, 911 ± 6,883 SE), elephant (15,751 ± 1,902 SE), zebra (10,550 ±1,828 SE), impala (8,643 ± 1,516 SE) and sable (6,996 ± 1,370 SE). The least abundant species at this scale were lesser kudu (322 ± 204 SE), klipspringer (354 ± 145 SE), bushbuck (415 ± 156 SE), waterbuck (658 ± 409 SE) and greater kudu (1,702 ± 359 SE). The good news is that the 2021 survey observed a carcass ratio of 1.4% which is within the 8% of natural mortality. Furthermore, compared to the previous survey of 2018, the 2021 carcass ratio presents a significantly decline suggesting poaching has declined significantly across the ecosystem. Roan and Sable indicated an increasing trend over the past three years while stable populations included Elephant, Buffalo, Warthog, Hartebeest, Giraffe, and Zebra. On the contrary, Impala and Greater Kudu showed a declining trend at the ecosystem level. The distribution patterns of buffalo were similar in the last two surveys with more clusters of high concentrations in the eastern and central part of Ruaha NP, and the north-western part of Rungwa GR. The highest population of buffalo were observed in the Ruaha NP and Rungwa GR in both surveys. Factors that might have influenced the distribution patterns of selected species include rainfall, increased human activities (agriculture and livestock).