Spatial analysis of aerial survey data reveals correlates of elephant carcasses within a heavily poached ecosystem

• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.11.016
• Publication Date: 2017-12-20T09:08:26Z
• Authors: Colin M. Beale; Severin Hauenstein; Simon Mduma; Howard Frederick; Trevor Jones; Claire Bracebridge; Honori Maliti; Hamza Kija; Edward M. Kohi
• Keywords: Poaching; Hunting season; African elephant

Growth of the illegal wildlife trade is a key driver biodiversity loss, with considerable research focussing on trafficking and trade, but rather less focussed supply. Elephant poaching for ivory has driven recent population decline in African elephants typical example trade. Some heaviest been Southern Tanzania's Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem. Using data from three successive aerial surveys modern spatial analysis techniques we identify correlates elephant carcasses within ecosystem, which important information about how poachers operate can be gleaned. Carcass density was highest close to wet-season (but not dry season) waterholes, at higher altitudes intermediate travel cost villages. We found no evidence an ecosystem-wide impact ranger patrol locations carcass abundance, strong that different posts showed contrasting patterns relation carcasses, some being significantly associated clusters others showing expected negative correlation most pattern all. Despite change between years, find little suggest have changed their behaviour modelled covariates. Our maps activity feed directly into anti-poaching control measures, also provide general insights harvest high value products occurs field, our spatio-temporal provides valuable framework survey protected areas globally.