The fundamental purpose of game counts in communal areas is to inform conservancies and MEFT of wildlife trends for the purposes of adaptive management of resources. While estimates of species numbers are provided, these should only be considered as an approximate guide to species abundance. The 2023 data suggest: populations for 4 of the main game species (Roan, Eland, Steenbok and Duiker) showed positive or stable trends. There were however sharp drops in the numbers of gemsbok and kudu seen. Estimates suggest that these populations are still well balanced in number. Recent rainfall seasons have been quite variable. The validity of the 2022-23 season is questionable as all north-eastern values seem unreasonably low. Lion presence has seen a marked drop since 2019, while hyaena sightings have risen to an all-time high. Since 2017 elephant numbers initially dropped but have now risen.