Status and past and present distribution of elephants in the Kaokoveld, South West Africa/Namibia

Abstract

The status and the past and present distribution of elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Kaokoveld are examined. The elephants of the Kaokoveld are divided into a western and eastern 'resident' population with a transitional population in between. In 1983, 357 individual elephants were identified with 70 in the western desert-dwelling population, 207 in the eastern population and 80 in the transitional population. A distinction is made between permanent distribution and occasional wanderings. The available records indicate that elephants were present in the northern Namib Desert long before the advent of western man. From the present data it is also clear that man had little or no influence on the occupation of the western areas by elephants, but since 1880 man has caused a decline in elephant distribution and numbers. Currently the elephant's status there seems relatively stable following intensified law enforcement. However, with the small population sizes, the situation remains vulnerable. Die status, en huidige en voormalige verspreiding van die olifante (Loxodonta africana) in die Kaokoveld word bespreek. Die olifante word basies in 'n oostelike en westelike bevolking verdeel, met In derde oorgangsbevolking tussenin. Gedurende 1983 is 357 olifante in die Kaokoveld ge'identifiseer met 70 in die westelike bevolking, 207 in die oostelike en 'n verdere 80 in die oorgangsbevolking. In hierdie studie word 'n onderskeid tussen permanente besetting en ongereelde swerftogte getref. Beskikbare rekords dui daarop dat olifante in die noordelike Namibwoestyn teenwoordig was voor die koms van blankes in die gebied. Uit die huidige navorsing is dit ook duidelik dat die mens min of geen invloed op die westelike besetting van die olifante gehad het nie. Sedert 1880 was daar 'n drastiese afname in die olifantgetalle. Op die oomblik is die bevolkings egter relatief stabiel na 'n verskerping in wetstoepassing , maar met die klein bevolkings bly die olifante se toekoms in die weegskaal.

S.Afr.l.Zool. 1987,22(4)