Selous Game Reserve Indian Ocean elephant corridors: A perspective from Kilwa District

A study in Kilwa District, southeastern Tanzania, reveals the presence of Indian Ocean elephant corridors linking the Selous Game Reserve to coastal areas. Elephant movements were documented through a 20-day survey by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), following tracks from the eastern zones of the Selous GR to the Indian Ocean coast. This research highlights the resilience and adaptability of elephants in a region where they were nearly extirpated during the 19th century due to ivory and slave trades, with Saadani National Park being the only coastal area historically inhabited by resident elephants. The study also notes the sparse human population density (12 inhabitants/km²) in Kilwa District, which contributes to the preservation of wildlife habitats, including 'Open Areas' and Wildlife Management Areas, where hunting is restricted or prohibited.

Malima, C. (2012). Selous Game Reserve Indian Ocean elephant corridors: A perspective from Kilwa District. Pachyderm, 51, 78–80. https://doi.org/10.69649/pachyderm.v51i.293