The ecological importance of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in both savannah and forest ecosystems supports its designation as a “keystone species”. The wide spread decline of  Africa’s elephant populations and the destruction of suitable habitat has led to several studies  aimed at finding suitable management options for  saving Africa’s largest terrestrial animal. In Uganda despite some studies of savannah elephants, little is known about the elephants in forests such as Bwindi.

This study aimed to estimate the number of elephants in Bwindi and to describe their movements, distribution and feeding habits. This information will clarify the influence the animals have on the forest and indicate whether the population is recovering from past declines.  The study also aimed at generating baseline data for more detailed ecological studies that would help in the conservation of Bwindi elephants. The methods used included following fresh elephant trails (0-5 days old), signs of elephant feeding were determined directly by sight i.e. plants broken and leaves stripped from branches by elephants. Spoor data was used in differentiating between individual elephants and assessing age of the animals.

Approximately 22 elephants were estimated to be in Bwindi a decline from the previous estimates. The majority were younger than 15 years. This may reflect recovery following heavy poaching in the 1970s.

Elephant locations and trails were entered on a map to determine their distribution and seasonal movements. Elephants only occurred in an area of 186 square kilometers in the southern sector of Bwindi. The Bamboo zone was the most preferred habitat during the wet season likely due to shoots of the young bamboo (Arundinaria alpina) which are consumed in large numbers. Chrysophyllum dominant mixed forest around Mubwindi swamp was the most frequented habitat during dry periods.  The overall impact of the elephants on the forest seems to be small because of their low numbers and there is little habitat modification as compared to other places.