Status and distribution of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in Eastern Africa

Abstract

This review aims to illustrate the status and distribution of African elephant in Eastern Africa. The source of data for this review was secondary data including published articles, books, Master theses, PhD dissertations and unpublished literatures. The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest living terrestrial mammal on the earth and perhaps one of the most intelligent. They are present in 50 countries, 13 of which are in Asia and 37 in Africa. The total estimation of elephant in Africa is 472,269, with 29.1% in the Eastern Africa. In recent report, African elephant in South Africa holds approximately 42%, followed by Eastern Africa with 28%, Central Africa with 25%, and West Africa with 5%. As a result of illegal hunting, African elephant in Eastern Africa declined by 62 percent from 2006 to 2013. Largely attributed decrease in Tanzania. However, the number of African elephants in south Sudan has been increase but there is no longer a resident elephant in Somalia. To sustain African elephant, first and foremost requirement is identifying and assessing its population status and distribution across targeted areas. Therefore, this review is important to realize sustainable management approaches for African elephant in Eastern Africa by understanding their status and distribution.

Keywords

• population status
• distribution
• african elephant
• eastern africa