Total Aerial Count Of Elephants In Laikipia-samburu Ecosystem In November 2008. (2010)

The total aerial count of Elephants in Laikipia-Samburu Ecosystem and for the second time in Marsabit was conducted between 24th and 28th November 2008. Total counts of elephants, their carcasses and Gravy’s Zebra were done. Livestock and other wildlife species mainly the large herbivores were also counted. Coming six years after the preceding total count of Omondi et. al. 2002, the data provides a basis for assessment of the trends in the ecosystem. Within Laikipia-Samburu ecosystem, 7415 elephants were counted, up from 5447 elephants counted in 2002, an estimated annual growth rate of 5.3%. West Isiolo/Samburu block hosted 26% of the elephant population in Ewaso Ecosystem at the highest density of 1.332 elephants per square kilometer. Most of these elephants were encountered in Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Ninety five elephant carcasses were recorded.