Density and seasonal movements of forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis, Matschie) in Bia National Park, Ghana

Abstract

The density of forest elephants in Bia National Park, Ghana was calculated using dropping counts. Density averaged 0.33 km-2. This result is compared to estimated densities of elephants in a variety of habitats, including forest in other parts of Africa, and to densities of the Asiatic elephant [Elephas maximus], in forest or partly forested habitat. Local densities of elephants at Bia fluctuated between 0.13 and 0.44 km-2. High densities appeared to be related to the local availability of ripe fruit of favored tree species. The hypothesis that elephants moved out of primary rainforest into surrounding farmland and secondary forest to feed during the wet season was not supported by the available evidence.