An Analysis of the Factors Contributing to Elephant Population Fluctuations in SWRA using Ranger-based Knowledge and Perceptions

Abstract

This study aimed at examining local ranger-based knowledge and perceptions on explaining contributing factors to variations on elephant fluctuations seasonally and over a long period in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area following a massive decline of elephants by nearly 76% after the 2014 National Aerial Survey done in Sebungwe Region, Zimbabwe. Data were collected between 1st and 20th August 2020 using a purposive sampling approach administered to questionnaire to resident SWRA rangers (n = 25). Our results show that rangers considered a combination of factors that may have affected elephant fluctuations in SWRA including poaching, migration, settlement and impact of climate change. However, our results suggest that rangers had inadequate knowledge about elephant migration destinations. Moreover, mixed perceptions about the impact of trophy hunting, poaching and climate change-induced factors were recorded from the participants. The results contribute to a growing understanding of poaching, climate change, trophy hunting and human settlement on elephant behaviour. The study recommends improvement in elephant monitoring through investments in elephant collars and radio tracking to better understand elephant daily and seasonal dispersal movements.