Ecological studies and Threats on African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted on the ecological, and threats to African elephants in the Babile Elephant Sanctuary in eastern Ethiopia from March 2019 to December 2021. The research aimed to understand population size, age structure, movement, feeding preference, impact on woody plant species, and threats to elephants. For the study, before carrying out data collection, the habitat of the sanctuary was first divided into riverine, woodland, and bushlands.  A total area of 48 km² divided into 16 km² each, was sampled to compare and collect the dung of an elephant. The study used dung counting techniques and woody species assessment to estimate elephant population size, feeding preferences, and the impact of elephants on woody species. The sanctuary had 210 to 250 elephants or (i.e., 230±20) at a Mean of (?) =230 and SD=20, with 47% being younger and 2.6% sub-adult. Others were adult (19%), calves (17.2%), and Juveniles (13.4%). According to all (100%) key informants and observations revealed, the elephants’ movement followed the Erer and Gobele valleys. The result also showed that 24(63.15%) of the 38 woody species were selected by elephants as a diet. The Acacia seyel (PI= 3.3033) and Opuntia ficus- indica (PI= 2.0328) were the most frequently browsed tree and shrub species, respectively. Observations revealed elephants uprooted debarked trees and destroyed parts, particularly a small size class. The study found that the high human population and settlers' need for land for cultivation increased conflicts between people and elephants. Despite a remnant elephant population in the sanctuary, the species could be negatively affected by human activities. Therefore, rehabilitating woody plants consumed by elephants, reducing threats and conserving the remaining elephant population is crucial.