Elephant Database
African Elephant Specialist Group

Population Survey

Kenya
Phenotype: Savanna (based on geographical location)
Data contributed by reuben@refleqt.co.za, last updated 11/04/2016
Report restricted by data provider
18462 km²
Wetseason
Recorded at stratum level
Show aggregates
35
Shompole
1162km²
311
Kerio Valley
122km²
55
Marsabit
421km²
67
Milgis River
146km²
71
Mwea
79km²
0
Nasalot
103km²
79
Ol Ari Nyiro
273km²
351
Turkana
478km²
60
Lamu
15363km²
The report details an aerial survey in the Laikipia-Samburu, Marsabit, Meru and Lamu ecosystems in central and southeastern Kenya during May and June 2015. The area surveyed totalled 35 371 km2. The survey was conducted using a Cessna 182. For two areas (Milgis River and Marsabit), a Cessna 206 was used because it was better-suited for the terrain while 4 KWS aircraft were used for the block survey of the Lamu area. Both total counts (n = 11) and sample counts (n = 8) were conducted, as well as a single aerial search. In total, 20 strata were surveyed, yielding an estimated elephant population of 8 708 (95% c.i. 7 109 - 10 307). 1 023 transects totaling 23 878 km were flown. The search rate averaged 1.34 km2/min for sample counts and 2.81 km2/min for total counts excepting Lamu. The carcass ratio was estimated at 5.7 %, indicative of a healthy and potentially growing elephant population. The report mentions that in certain regions carcass ratios were high, which could indicate ongoing poaching. These areas include Nasalot, Nyahururu Forest, and Lamu. However, elephant populations in these areas are not large, so the threat to the greater population in the Laikipia-Samburu, Marsabit, and Lamu ecosystems appears limited.
Source:Chase, M., Schlossberg, S., Kenana, L., Mukeka, J., Kanga, E., & Ngene, S. (2016). Wet-Season Fixed-Wing Aerial Survey Of Elephants And Other Large Mammals In The Laikipia-Samburu, Marsabit, Meru And Lamu Ecosystems, Kenya. Elephants Without Borders and KWS.
IUCNSpecies Survival Commission

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