Elephant census

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

An elephant and her calf are seen during an aerial census at the Tsavo West national park within the Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem, Feb. 4, 2014.

The elephant is Kenya's flagship species and its distribution and condition is a good indicator of the status of wildlife there.

Census results help policy makers and park management make sound decisions on resource allocation for security operations and conflict management.

Kenya

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

A family of elephants are seen under a tree during the aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

A herd of elephants are seen during their aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

An elephant grazes during the aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Elephants graze during the aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Elephants are seen near water during the aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Elephants are seen near water during an aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Elephant herds are seen during the aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Elephants herds are seen during the aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

An elephant stretches during the aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) scientists prepare their plane for an aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.

Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

An elephant walks during the aerial census at the Tsavo West national park.