“An ability to reliably estimate population numbers, trends and densities of wildlife has a prominent role in conservation and management of wetlands. The study reveals the usefulness of using simulations to test the reliability of survey data and plan more efficient surveys. These findings reinforce the need to address elephant management in the Okavango and surrounding wetland systems and call for the urgent consideration of management strategies such as fence realignments to affect the objectives of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) initiative, which will help relieve elephant population pressure.”