By Eleanor E | Individual Giving Executive
As 2024 draws to a close, we’re excited to share the progress and challenges of all of the work done by our elephant field partners, made possible thanks to the incredible support of our GlobalGiving community. This year has seen impactful strides in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and community engagement, as well as some critical lessons learned that will guide us into 2025.
In the last few months, our field partner’s teams in Zambia have successfully rescued one elephant, bringing much-needed care to animals in need. Beyond rescue, together there have been meaningful achievements in rehabilitation and release efforts, with 26 elephants in varying stages of care: five are receiving intensive support in nursery settings, 12 are being prepared for life in the wild at our release facility, and nine have been successfully released and are actively monitored. Our partner’s field teams are monitoringthesenine successfully released elephants, gathering critical data on their movements, behaviours, and health. In total, 165 elephants are under the careful observation of our field partners, who rely on data from 37 camera traps installed in strategic locations.
An essential part of protecting these animals is ensuring the security of their habitat. Over the last half-year, our rangers have covered 44,280km in anti-poaching patrols across five Game Management Areas. These patrols have yielded significant results, including the apprehension of 36 suspects involved in illegal wildlife activities, with 33 convictions secured. We were able to confiscate 830 kg of bushmeat, along with 34 illegal firearms, 18 rounds of live ammunition, 377 wire snares, and 318 axes.
This progress is supported by our field partners increasing their highly capable teamwith the addition of 12 new scouts, bringing their ranger force to 174, and the recruitment of an Operations Manager and a pilot to enhance aerial patrol coverage.
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) remains one of our field partner’s most complex challenges. Their teams responded to 116 reported incidents in Kafue South and RufunsaGame Management Area, helping farmers use safe deterrence methods. This year, our partnership also establisheda HWC Steering Committees in these regions to facilitate faster, more coordinated responses. Recently, our partners were able to safely capture and collara suspected crop-raiding elephant to provide early alerts to at-risk communities.
Our efforts, however, are not without setbacks. This past year, three lions and one hyena were killed in retaliation by community members. These incidents highlight the urgent need for more community education about predator behavior and focus on the challenges of fostering coexistence.
As we reflect on this past year and look forward to the next, we remain inspired by the resilience of the wildlife and communities we serve and grateful for the vital role you play in our work. Thank you for standing with us, helping us protect elephants and other endangered species, and supporting the journey toward a future where humans and wildlife can thrive together.
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By Eleanor E | Individual Giving Executive
By Eleanor E | Individual Giving Executive
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