Estimation des effectifs des populations d'éléphants par la méthode d'inventaire pédestre total au Ranch de Gibier de Nazinga (Burkina Faso)

Abstract

The low number of observations recorded during a recce using transects often makes it difficult to obtain correct estimations concerning the number of a certain species. This applies to elephants in the Nazinga Game Ranch, Burkina Faso. In this study, another method was tested, that of the 'the total foot count'. It has been demonstrated that in the ecological conditions of Nasinga, this method produces accurate estimations. In August 2001 and March 2002, the numbers were 345 and 189 elephants respectively. This method also enables us to more accurately calculate the age and sex structure of the animals, which is another important advantage.