Protecting Elephants: Anti-Poaching Efforts in the Tsavo Conservation Area

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Super Tusker BU1

Tsavo Trust/Joseph Kyalo

Spanning 42,000 km², Kenya’s Tsavo Conservation Area (TCA) is home to over 16,500 elephants, including the world's last viable gene pool of "Big Tuskers," elephants with exceptionally large ivory. The elephant population faces persistent threats from poaching and illegal wildlife trade. In response, Tsavo Trust (TT) in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), deploys seven anti-poaching teams and an aerial unit to protect elephants and other wildlife. IUCN Save Our Species African Wildlife initiative, which is co-funded by the European Union has supported these efforts.

Aerial patrols serve as "eyes in the sky," locating poachers, monitoring wildlife, and providing vital intelligence to ground teams, significantly enhancing their effectiveness. TT rangers are recruited from local communities, enhancing livelihoods and stewardship of natural resources.

Over the past 11 years, combined efforts of KWS, TT, and partners have reduced elephant poaching by over 80%, and the population is now growing at an annual rate of 5%.

Last update: 09 Jan 2025

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Context

Challenges addressed

Poaching

Scale of implementation

Local

Ecosystems

Tropical grassland, savanna, shrubland

Theme

Poaching and environmental crime

Location

Impacts

Tsavo Trust (TT) in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), deploys seven anti-poaching teams and an aerial unit to protect elephants and other wildlife. IUCN Save Our Species African Wildlife initiative, which is co-funded by the European Union has supported these efforts. These collaborative efforts have contributed to the following impacts:

Environmental Impacts

Reduced Poaching: There has been an 80% reduction in elephant poaching in the Tsavo Conservation Area (TCA) over the past 11 years, significantly enhancing wildlife security.
Growing Elephant Population: The TCA's elephant population, currently estimated at 16,500, is increasing at an annual growth rate of 5%, reflecting successful biodiversity conservation efforts.
Enhanced Wildlife Security: Ground and aerial anti-poaching teams are critical in safeguarding elephants and other wildlife by deterring poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Their presence ensures a safer habitat for wildlife and reduces threats to biodiversity through regular patrols and effective law enforcement.

Social Impacts

Community Empowerment: Tsavo Trust recruits rangers primarily from local communities, creating sustainable livelihoods while fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over natural resources.
Community Support for Conservation: Local communities are more likely to support and actively engage in conservation efforts when they benefit directly.