The 1988 Tsavo Elephant Count. (1988)

Results from a large scale aerial survey of large mammals in the Tsavo ecosystems in February are compared to earlier surveys. 4,327 elephants were counted in the Park, a decline of 75% since the 1972 count. Another 1,036 were counted in surrounding areas, a decline of 87% over the same period. Results confirm the downward trend noted in KREMU sample counts which suggest that the Tsavo ecosystem 1969 population of 42,000 elephants stood at about 5,700 in 1987. The worse affected areas were Mkomazi GR where numbers are down by 96% and Galana Ranch where they have fallen by 98%. In Taita-Taveta District area near the Park they decreased by 31% while near the Taita Hills and Salt Lick Lodges an increase in numbers suggests that tourism may offer some degree of protection from poaching.