Open AccessDistribution and status of the African elephant<i> Loxodonta africana </i>in South Africa, 1652-1992
Author(s) -
A.J. Hall-Martin
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
koedoe
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.419
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 2071-0771
pISSN - 0075-6458
DOI - 10.4102/koedoe.v35i1.390
Subject(s) - national park , african elephant , geography , proboscidea , population , range (aeronautics) , census , ecology , biology , demography , archaeology , materials science , sociology , composite material
The historical decline of African elephants to a low of 120 animals in 1920, and their subsequent recovery to over 10 000 is described for the major populations of South Africa. Population growth rates of 6,8 and 6,7 per annum are derived from census and estimates for the Kruger National Park and the Addo Elephant National Park respectively. The reasons for elephant population control in the Kruger National Park, and the impact of elephants on both the Kruger and Addo environments, are discussed. The translocation of young elephants to found new populations is mentioned. The consequent increase of elephant range and numbers in the next decade to a possible maximum of 31 000 km2 and 13 000 animals, is envisaged