The return of the giants: ecological effects of an increasing elephant population.
Northern Botswana and adjacent areas, have the world's largest population of African elephant (Loxodonta africana). However, a 100 years ago elephants were rare following excessive hunting. Simultaneously, ungulate populations were severely reduced by decease. The ecological effects of the reduction in large herbivores must have been substantial, but are little known. Today, however, ecosystem changes following the increase in elephant numbers cause considerable concern in Botswana. This was the background for the "BONIC" project, investigating the interactions between the increasing elephant population and other ecosystem components and processes. Results confirm that the ecosystem is changing following the increase in elephant and ungulate populations, and, presumably, developing towards a situation resembling that before the reduction of large herbivores. We see no ecological reasons to artificially change elephant numbers. There are, however, economic and social reasons to control elephants, and their range in northern Botswana may have to be artificially restricted.
Skarpe
Christina
C
Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway. christina.skarpe@nina.no
Aarrestad
Per Arild
PA
Andreassen
Harry P
HP
Dhillion
Shivcharn S
SS
Dimakatso
Thatayaone
T
du Toit
Johan T
JT
Duncan
Halley
J
J
Hytteborn
Håkan
H
Makhabu
Shimane
S
Mari
Moses
M
Marokane
Wilson
W
Masunga
Gaseitsiwe
G
Ditshoswane
Modise
M
Moe
Stein R
SR
Mojaphoko
Rapelang
R
Mosugelo
David
D
Motsumi
Sekgowa
S
Neo-Mahupeleng
Gosiame
G
Ramotadima
Mpho
M
Rutina
Lucas
L
Sechele
Lettie
L
Sejoe
Thato B
TB
Stokke
Sigbjørn
S
Swenson
Jon E
JE
Taolo
Cyril
C
Vandewalle
Mark
M
Wegge
Per
P
D000818:Animals; D000866:Antelopes; D001902:Botswana; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D004606:Elephants; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D063245:Plant Development; D011157:Population Dynamics