Elephant population declines in the RFO compared to other sites in DRC.

(1)the post-war survey in 2007 covered the southern core zone of the park only (2567 km2) as this was the area where remaining populations of elephants were concentrated. Very few elephants were reported outside this area.
(2)de Merode E, Bila I, Telo J, Panziama G (2005) An aerial reconnaissance of Garamba National park with a focus on northern white rhinoceros. Technical report to ICCN and the European Union Further technical input from ACF and WWF-CARPO staff.
(3)Emslie RH, Reid C, Tello J (2006) Report on the different target species counted and evidence of poaching activity recorded during aerial and ground surveys undertaken in southern Garamba National Park and adjoining Domaine de Chasse Gangala Na Bodio, DR Congo 17th–30th March 2006. ICCN, AP, IUCN-SSC, UNESCO.
(4)Hillman-Smith K, Atalia M, Likango M, Smith F, Ndey A, et al. (1995) General aerial count 1995 and evaluation of the status and trends of the ecosystem. Garamba National Park Project Report. Unpublished.
(5)estimates are informed guesses based on recce surveys in a sub-area of the protected area. Current populations may be lower. Surveys in sub-area in 2005 indicate a 150 times lower encounter rate of elephant dung than in the same area in 1992.
(6)Nixon SC A Preliminary Survey of the Maiko National Park Southern Sector and Adjacent Forests, January-May 2005. Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, unpublished field report.
(7)this was not an exhaustive survey due to continued rebel presence, but the lack of elephant signs is ominous.
(8)Hart J, Carbo M, Amsini F, Grossmann F, Kibambe C (2007) Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega, Secteur de Basse Altitude: Inventaire préliminaire de la grande faune avec une évaluation de l'impact des activités humaines et la situation sécuritaire 2004–2007. Inventory and Monitoring Unit, Rapport No7, Novembre 2007, Widlife Conservation Society, Democratic Republic of Congo.
(9)Kujirakwinja D, Plumptre A, Moyer D, Mushemzi N (2006) Parc National des Virunga. Recensement aerien des grands mammifères. Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, Wildlife Conservation Society, US Fish and Wildlife Service.
(10)Matunguru J (2007) Rapport de mission sur le suivi des éléphants effectuée à Kabaraza du 17 au 19 mai 2007. Wildlife Conservation Society , PN Virungas. Unpublished field report.