We collated aerial census data collected during the late
1980s to early 2000s for large herbivore populations in
eight large census zones in Tanzania. Of the ungulate
populations that showed significant changes in densities at
the start versus end of this decade, most declined; very few
populations increased significantly. Thomson’s gazelle,
Grant’s gazelle, hartebeest, reedbuck, roan antelope, sable
antelope, warthog and zebra, for example, declined in over
50% of the zones where they were surveyed. Interestingly,
small-bodied species fared particularly poorly in many
census zones, whereas elephant and giraffe generally fared
well across the country. Most populations of all herbivores
declined in some portions of the country (e.g. BurigiBiharamulo,
Katavi, Greater Ruaha and Tarangire census
zones). These surveys suggest that, even in a country
renowned for its protected areas and conservation commitment,
some large herbivore populations need more
conservation attention in order to remain stable.