ELEPHANT EXTERMINATION

By 1973 the last populations of the bush elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) in the Republic of Rwanda comprised 2 small groups of about 70 animals each. Both were surrounded by expanding human settlement which caused rising conflict between elephants and man. Eventually the elephants'' removal became imperative. Adults (103) and unweaned immatures (3) were shot. Immatures (30) between the ages of 1 and 8 yr were immobilized and captured. Of these, 26 survived and were held in captivity for between 1 and 2 mo., then transported and released in the Akagera National Park to form the nucleus of a new population.