The causes of the recent heavy elephant mortality in the Tsavo ecosystem, Kenya, 1975–1980

• Published in: Biological conservation Vol. 41; no. 4; pp. 279 - 289
• Main Author: Ottichilo, Wilber K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 1987
• ISSN: 0006-3207
• DOI: 10.1016/0006-3207(87)90091-7

The causes of the recent heavy elephant mortality in the Tsavo ecosystem between 1975 and 1980 were investigated. Poaching and drought conditions were thought to be the main reason. Whether the cause of death was poaching or other factors was ascertained from the examination of carcasses in the field. In the former case the front part of the cranium was cut while those of the unpoached animals were intact. Rainfall data were analysed to assess whether drought conditions occurred during this period, which might have caused the recent mortality. Other possible causes of mortality were assessed from interviews with park wardens and rangers and from records on poaching incidents and ivory recoveries. The overall results of this study show that the recent heavy elephant mortality in Tsavo ecosystem was caused mainly by poaching preceded by drought. It is therefore recommended that future conservation measures for the remaining elephant population require control of poaching, especially in wet season dispersal areas which are not under park management.