The ecology of the desert-dwelling elephants Loxodonta africana (Blumenbach, 1797) of the western Damaraland and Kaokoland

Abstract

The distribution, population biology, spatial organization, movements and habitat utilization of the desert-dwelling elephants residing in the northern Namib Desert region of the Kaokoveld, South West Africa are discussed. These elephants were present in the desert long before the advent of western man and the elephants' present distribution and movements indicate that they were and still are permanently and voluntarily in the desert. No migration to or from the Etosha National Park took place during the study period. The elephants' social organization, social structure, sex ratio, age structure, age at sexual maturity, movements and feeding patterns correspond largely with that of other elephant populations in Africa and there is no indication that the desert environment has an adverse effect on the vitality or condition of the population concerned. Mortality, caused by illegal hunting, was decidedly the major population limiting factor and the cause of the decline in numbers up to 1982. Since 1982 the population stabilized and it is predicted that the population will double by 1997 in the absence of human induced mortality. The elephants' mobility, intimate knowledge of resource distribution within their home ranges and ability ta go far extended periods without drinking water are regarded as key factors for their survival in the desert. The present number of elephants has no detrimental affect an the desert vegetation. These elephants fit well probably provide a vital link in the desert ecology. into, and The desertdwelling elephants of the northern Narnib Desert represent an unique ecotype of Loxodonta africana.