Aeiral wildlife survey of large animals and human activities in the Selous-Mikumi ecosystem, dry season 2018
This report presents results of an aerial wildlife survey of large animals and human activities covering the Selous-Mikumi ecosystem in Southern Tanzania. The survey was conducted from the 21st October to 24thNovember 2018 with funding from the Government of Tanzania and German Development Bank (KFW) through the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). The main objective of the census was to establish the population status and geographical distribution of large animals and human activities in the Selous –Mikumi ecosystem. The survey covered a total area of 104,143 km² with a total of 465 transects. The Selous-Mikumi elephant population is stable at about 15,500 animals based on recent censuses (2014 and 2018).No fresh carcasses (less than one-year-old) were recorded and the carcass ratio dropped from 39% in 2014 to 16% in 2018, indicating significant management intervention of curbing poaching. More effort and time is needed to reach 8%,which represent natural mortality.
