Elephant Database
African Elephant Specialist Group

Population Survey

Zimbabwe
Phenotype: Savanna (based on geographical location)
Data contributed by reuben@refleqt.co.za, last updated 07/01/2016
Report restricted by data provider
5339 km²
Dryseason
Recorded at stratum level
Show aggregates
0
Chitsa S
91km²
2979
Chipinda Pools
1075km²
1874
Chilojo A
451km²
3384
Chilojo B
603km²
645
Naivasha
895km²
1580
Chefu
1012km²
658
Mabalauta NP
814km²
0
Malapati
177km²
332
Mahenye
221km²
This dataset comprises aerial sample count data from a survey conducted in Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe, in October 2014. The survey was conducted using a Cessna 185, giving an estimated elephant population of 11 452 based on a coverage of 11.9% of the survey area of 5 339 km². This population estimate represents a 6% per annum increase in the elephant population 1995 - 2014. The all-carcass ratio was observed to be 4.4%. If it is assumed that all unidentified carcasses were in fact elephant carcasses, then the all-carcass ratio increases to 6.6% (a reasonable assumption, since it is noted that there are no other large bodied mammals in Gonarezhou). *** Data capturer notes: *** All 2014 Zimbabwe surveys were conducted using the same methodology, which appears robust, and the reports are of high quality. In this instance, details of transect lengths were omitted for the Chitsa S and Malapati strata, where no elephants were observed. The report mentions that the location of the park boundary seems to be disputed by the local community: this is apparent by the incursions of domestic animals in parts of the Chitsa S stratum, which was delineated according to the official park boundary for the purposes of the survey.
Source:Dunham, K. M., & van der Westhuizen, H. F. (2015). Aerial Survey of Elephants and other Large Herbivores in Gonarezhou National Park and Save Valley Conservancy (Zimbabwe): 2014. Frankfurt Zoological Society.
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