Environmental Correlates of African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Distribution in Manyara Area, Tanzania

Abstract

African elephants are a dominant feature of the African Savannah. Their numbers are however declining, partly due to habitat alteration and loss. Understanding how elephants respond to environmental variables and anthropogenic activities is necessary in conserving elephant habitats. This has become imperative in human dominated rangelands such as the Tarangire Manyara Ecosystem (TME). We present a baseline survey on the effects of formal protection, presence of agriculture, roads, urban areas and specific habitat characteristics (surface water presence, tree density, vegetation cover and habitat type) on elephant distribution (indicated by elephant dung) in Manyara Ranch (MR), Lake Manyara National Park (LMNP) and the adjacent community area (CA). We supplemented the dung survey with opportunistic direct elephant sightings. Twenty six elephant groups were identified within the study area. Elephant dung density was higher within protected areas than in the CA. Elephants largely avoided farmland and urban areas but not main roads. Elephant dung density was positively related to tree density and habitat cover but not tree height. There was differential distribution of bull and family elephant groups from fresh surface water points. The family groups remained in closer proximity to fresh surface water than male groups, and family groups avoided areas with high poaching pressure. Results suggest that protection of suitable habitat, strategic water provision, law-enforcement and wildlife friendly land-use planning is key for the future of elephants in TME. We propose Community Based Conservation (CBS) mechanisms that engage local people and village governments to ensure that elephants are able to move between protected areas. We recommend consistent monitoring of elephant movement and habitat use outside protected areas in the TME.