Conservation and Management Strategy for the Elephant in Kenya

12 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR THE ELEPHANT IN KENYA
There are several points to note from this presentation of data. The first is that there is in the order of 90,000 –
100,000 km 2 of known elephant range in Kenya, with an additional 7,000–15,000 km 2 of possible range. It would
appear that there has been a slight decline in the amount of known range in recent years, but it is also possible that
this change is due to a better definition of range area rather than a measurable range contraction. The increase in
‘Possible’ range area may be partly due to improved information, and may also reflect the movement of elephants
into new areas. Alterations in range between 1925 to 1990 are extensive and reflect the drivers on elephant
behaviour in response to threats and habitat change (Parker & Graham, 1989).
A spatial depiction of estimated elephant range as of 2006 is presented in the map from the most recent African
Elephant Status Report (Blanc et al., 2007); Figure 11. Several points are clear:
1. There is considerable elephant range outside formal PAs.
2. The main areas of contiguous elephant range are:
i. the northern coast
ii. the Tsavo-Chyulu-Amboseli-Kilimanjaro complex
iii. the Aberdare-Mt Kenya-Laikipia-Samburu-Northern Area complex
iv. the Nguruman-Mara-Serengeti complex
v. Nasolot-Romoi-Kerio Valley.
3. The range of individual populations in many cases cross boundaries of KWS Conservation Areas,
indicating the need for coordination of management.
4. Some population ranges also cross international boundaries, with Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia,
with similar implications for coordination of management.
[ OPPOSITE - FIGURE 11 ]
Map of elephant range in Kenya as of 2006,
from African Elephant Status Report (Blanc et
al., 2007). Boundaries of KWS Conservation
Areas have been added.