The numbers and distribution of large mammals in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania*

Abstract

Summary Two aerial sample counts were carried out in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, in the dry season of 1972 and the wet season of 1973. Population estimates of elephant, buffalo and other large mammals were made, and trend surface analysis was used to identify the basic gradients and contours of density, diversity and biomass within the Park. A cluster analysis, based on similarities between principal component scores, and validated by a multiple discriminant analysis, produced a classification of the Park into three Regions which differed significantly in densities, diversity and biomass. Ruaha Park carries year round a high density of elephants (1–7 km ‐8 ). Seasonal movements into and out of the Park were not found, although movements within and between Regions could be detected.