Habitat use and preference by the African elephant outside of the protected area, and management implications in the Amboseli Landscape, Kenya

Abstract

Elephants in the borderland of Kenya and Tanzania landscape roam freely outside the protected areas. These areas are critical for long term elephant survival and viability. Understanding the ecological conditions in these landscapes and threats to elephants is critical in future elephant management. Using collared elephants, the habitat use and selection was studied. Elephants showed selection for habitats, but selection was independent on season, individual elephant and gender. Bushland and woodland habitats were most preferred by elephants because they represented better habitat patchiness and heterogeneity. This range was also shared by other elephants and wild large mammals particularly zebra, gazelles and giraffes. The presence of livestock in all habitats results in competition for forage and water and leads to conflicts over space and resource. Habitat (and its quality, quantity and risks) may be the most important factor in elephant viability and ranging in the landscape. Further, securing quality and sufficient space and controlling human-elephant conflicts are the most important aspects for elephant management. We therefore recommend focus on space needs and controlling conflicts outside protected areas, and negotiations with land owners for elephant space in this borderland landscape.