FOREST ELEPHANTS IN A RAIN-FOREST FRAGMENT - PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM A WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROJECT IN SOUTHERN GHANA

Data on the population status, foraging habits, and crop depredation activities of African forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) were collected in conjection with a three-month reconnaissance study of wildlife populations in the Kakum and Assin-Attandanso Forest Reserves, Central Region, Ghana. There were no visual sightings of elephants; spoor data were used to derive group size, age class, and population density estimates. The resident elephant population contains an estimated 100-150 individuals, which is equivalent to a crude density of 0.3-0.4 elephants/km2. Social group size estimates from fresh spoor data ranged from two to six elephants. Typical group size appears to be three or four although solitary individuals were not uncommon. The Kakum-Assin elephants appear to be completely isolated from contact with other elephant populations. Elephant poaching is not a problem in thc area at the present time. Elephants frequently cause major damage to food crops in farms bordering the two reserves, but do not damage orchard crops of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), and orange (Citrus sinensis). Cows with small calves are not known to raid farms.