Overton, Greg L.

The African elephant is the largest living land mammal. It once inhabited most of the continent, from the Mediterranean coast down to its south tip. This picture of elephant range today is one of scattered, fragmented populations south of the Sahara Desert. Estimates suggested that elephant populations had more than halved in several areas between 1981-87. Partly as a result of the controversy that surrounds the question of trade in ivory, there is a persistent desire for regular updates on the status of elephant populations, particularly at the continental level.

This volume presents 21 papers given at a workshop held to demonstrate future policy towards hunting by tourists in Tanzania. It brings together contributions from experts from eastern and southern African countries. Papers cover a range of topics from administration of hunting, setting quotas, safari volume and returns from hunting, the involvement of local communities, and the professional hunter. The volume also includes recommendations from the workshop that were used to guide the preparation of policy.

The volume brings together contributions from experts from eastern and southern African countries. Papers cover a range of topics including the relevance of traditional practices, and of land, village and widlife laws and policies; case studies of different projects in Tanzania; and an overview of community-based conservation initiatives in five other African countries. Also includes recommendations from the workshop used to guide the preparation of new policy. A comprehensive guide to efforts to develop community-based conservation programmes in Africa.