Factors Influencing Elephants to Destroy Forest Trees Especially Olea africana: The Case of Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Elephants are terrestrial mammals which adapt to many habitats ranging from forests to deserts. At birth an elephant weighs up to 120 kg and an average of 4,000 to 6,500 kg at maturity. Elephants are herbivorous and their feeding pattern greatly impact on vegetation. This study examined factors which lead elephants to destroy trees such as Olea africana in the forest. The study was undertaken in Ngare Ndare forest reserve covering 5,554.3 hectares in Meru County. Objectives of the study were; to establish relationship between feeding habits of elephants and destruction of O. africana, to establish the relationship between behaviour of elephants and destruction of O. africana, to describe the significance and status of forests in relation to elephant destruction and finally to determine whether there are other tree species destroyed by elephant in forests. A qualitative research design was used in the study and data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation. Data was sorted out, edited and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Presentation of data was done using tables, frequencies and percentages. The study found that elephants destroy more trees during dry periods compared to wet seasons as supported by 64(93%)  out of 69 sampled respondent in  forest user category and 100% of respondents in forest and wildlife manager’s category. Increase in elephant numbers observed by 67(97%)  respondents out of 69 was a key reason for increased destruction by elephants. 38(55.1 %)  out of 69 respondents held that elephants prefer O. Africana as food compared to other tree species while behavior of elephants especially rogue/lone elephants accounted for 54% (37/69 respondents) of forest destruction.  The study concluded that increasing elephant numbers and elephant’s behaviour were key factors in forest destruction.

Key Words: Elephant, Destruction, Forest, Tree, Behaviour, Feeding