Population Survey

This report presents results of an aerial wildlife survey of large animals and human activities covering the Selous-Mikumi ecosystem in Southern Tanzania. The survey was conducted from the 21st October to 24th November 2018 with funding from the Government of Tanzania and the German Development Bank (KfW) through the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). The main objective of the census was to establish the population status and geographical distribution of large animals and human activities in the Selous–Mikumi ecosystem. The survey covered a total area of 104,143 km² with a total of 465 transects. Mean height above ground for all aircraft was 351±59 feet, and the average ground speed was 172 ± 14 km/h. Twenty-seven wildlife species were recorded in the survey area. Among these, there were twenty-five mammal species and two avian species. The most abundant species was buffalo (66,546 ±11,470 SE) followed by hippo (31,086 ± 4,934 SE), kongoni (23,250 ± 2,853 SE), wildebeest (22,740 ± 6,144 SE), Impala (19,296 ± 3,124 SE), warthog (17,475 ± 1,469 SE) and elephant (15,501 ±1,819 SE). On the other hand, the least abundant species were a bush pig (882 ± 299 SE), and puku (1,579 ± 589 SE). Furthermore, other species counts were very low to generate statistically meaningful results. These include bushbuck, wild dog, hyena, and ostrich. Notably, one rhino was observed during this survey (Table 3), a fortunate sighting. Key findings: 1. The Selous-Mikumi elephant population is stable at about 15,500 animals based on recent censuses (2014 and 2018). No fresh carcasses (less than one year old) were recorded and the carcass ratio dropped from 39% in 2014 to 16% in 2018, indicating significant management intervention of curbing poaching. More effort and time is needed to reach 8%, which represent natural mortality. 2. Conservation of puku needs deliberate efforts before it is too late for recovery of the population in the Kilombero Valley. The population has declined from over 50,000 in 1998 to less than 3,000 in 2018. 3. The Nyasa wildebeest need close monitoring following a decade decline. The average population estimate from 1994 to 2006 was around 69,000 wildebeest but from 2009 to 2018 the average population estimate declined to around 19,000 individuals; approximately a 72% decline between the two decades, which needs attention. 4. Most of the estimated livestock was recorded in the Kilombero valley (cattle 436,360 ± 60,426 SE and shoats 96,477± 21,695 SE), which is more than 60% of the total estimate in the ecosystem (678,303 ±73,205 SE cattle and 171,893 ±27,304 SE shoats).