Census of the Kafue lechwe by aerial stratified sampling

摘要

SummaryThe Kafue lechwe population of the Kafue Flats, Zambia, was counted four times within a 26‐month period (April 1970‐June 1972) by aerial stratified random sampling. The censuses gave good agreement which did not differ statistically. By combining the data for the three most precise surveys, the estimated population is 93 975 with 95 confidence limits of ± 8563 (or ± 9‐1). A method of sampling was used which is based on calculation of animal densities on a linear basis, instead of on densities per unit area. This method has several advantages and is discussed in relation to the problems involved in aerial census. The past and present status of the Kafue lechwe population is r