Patterns and Causes of Elephant Mortality in the Mara Ecosystem, Kenya

The increasing trend in elephant mortality pauses challenges to their conservation and management globally. Elephant mortality in Mara Ecosystem are due to several factors, among them trophy poaching, Human -elephant conflict, natural death, accident and euthanasia among others. Leading cases such as poaching and Human-elephant Conflict have been on the increase and can affect conservation efforts if not taken into consideration. The objectives for the study included: determining the spatial and temporal patterns of elephant mortality; determining the trend of elephant mortality over the last 12 years; establishing the causes of elephant mortality; and lastly, assessing the attitudes and perceptions of the local community towards elephant conservation. The study indicated that illegal killing has been a major cause of elephant mortality over the past 12 years. The attitudes and perceptions of the local community towards elephant conservation were significantly different. Various mitigation measures to curb the high rate of mortality were identified among them equitable benefit sharing and education and extension.

Elizabeth Wakoli is currently an Environment Officer/inspector and holds a B.Sc. and MSc. Wildlife Management from Moi University and University of Eldoret respectively, Noah Sitati is a Programme Manager at African Wildlife Foundation and Hellen Ipara is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Eldoret, Kenya