AFRICAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION

The purpose of this project is to maintain anti-poaching pressure to conserve Zambias largest elephant population.

Estimated at around 100,000 elephants in the 1970s, the Luangwa Valley still contains Zambias largest population of elephants, with around 14,000 individuals surviving across a complex of protected areas, game management areas, and village lands. Additionally, the Luangwa Valley is home to Zambias only population of black rhino.

This project works with the Government of Zambia to support an anti-poaching presence in North Luangwa National Park, home to around 4,500 elephants, where sustained long-term efforts have reduced poaching in the park.

Poaching incidents and other signs of illegal activities continue to increase in adjacent areas, however, and the elephant population is considered at risk of an escalation in illegal killing if support for anti-poaching efforts were to decrease.

Specific activities include: (1) operational support for anti-poaching units, including patrols, rations, equipment, and deployment vehicles; and (2) park infrastructure development and maintenance, including road repairs and fire management.