The escalating conflict between humans and wildlife poses a grave threat to elephants as human settlements expand into their natural habitats.
Recognizing this challenge, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) has joined forces with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to implement strategic measures to protect elephants and local communities.
Taking a proactive stance, the collaboration focuses on the critical tool of elephant translocation to mitigate conflicts and ensure the safety of these majestic creatures and the people sharing their space.
A significant operation unfolded on August 25th and 26th, 2020, within the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Tsavo West National Park.
Seven elephants, identified as problematic due to their destructive behavior around water installations, were targeted for relocation.
Their actions, including damaging water troughs, pipes, and tanks, directly threatened the water supply vital for the survival of rhinos and other sanctuary inhabitants.
Moving a group of seven elephants posed considerable challenges, especially in the challenging terrain of the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, characterized by dense bush and soaring temperatures.
Under the guidance of KWS head of animal capture, Dr. Isaac Lekalol, and DSWT pilots, the operation involved darting the elephants from the air and carefully loading them onto translocation trucks equipped with cranes.
Helicopters provided stability for accurate darting and guided the elephants to more open ground.
Precision and expertise were crucial in ensuring the well-being of each elephant during the relocation process.
Dr. Poghon, a KWS veterinarian, monitored the vital signs of the tranquilized elephants during transportation, flying in a DSWT helicopter.
The elephants were strategically unloaded near water sources in their new location, allowing them to wake up to a familiar and comforting environment.
Despite the challenges, the collaborative effort between DSWT and KWS successfully relocated all seven elephants within the targeted two-day timeframe.
This operation not only safeguards the elephants by providing them with a more suitable environment but also relieves the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary staff and rangers from the persistent challenges posed by these particular individuals.
In a broader context, this relocation effort underscores the importance of innovative conservation strategies to address the intricate dynamics of human-wildlife conflict.
Allowing these seven elephants to roam freely within the expansive Tsavo West National Park promotes a harmonious coexistence between elephants, other wildlife, and local communities.
This initiative reflects DSWT’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare of elephants while contributing to the conservation of Kenya’s rich biodiversity.
