Population estimates, densities and biomass of large herbivores in Simanjiro Plains, Northern Tanzania

A total of twenty-four aerial censuses were carried out in the Simanjiro Plains, northern Tanzania, from 1970 to 1972 in order to estimate the populations, densities and biomass of eleven common large herbivores. Results show that amongst wild herbivores zebra and wildebeest have the highest populations which reach a peak during the wet season between March and May. They were estimated to be about 6000 and 5000, respectively. The corresponding densities were 10-96/km2 and 7 44/km2, respectively. There were practically none of these species in the area during the dry season. Figures for the other species arc given. Cattle have the highest population which reaches a peak during the dry season. It was estimated to be about 26,000 with a corresponding density of 44-83/km2. The average total biomass density for all herbivores was 8500 kg/km.