STS Set to Collar 40 Elephants in Niassa National Reserve
Niassa National Reserve (NNR) is Mozambique’s largest protected area. It covers 42’300 km2, and contains Mozambique’s largest populations of Elephants, Lions, and Wild Dogs. Niassa’s Elephants are under threat of poaching for the illegal ivory trade. Recent estimates suggest that as few as 1’500 Elephants remain.
This project, implemented by WCS, aims at ramping up the Elephant protection. We will achieve this by increasing ranger patrols and deploying 40 satellite radio collars. As a result, 3-5% of the remaining population can be tracked continuously.
NNR and partner organisations will monitor the location of the collared Elephants daily. They will use this information to coordinate protection efforts. This includes two NNR rapid response units which they can deploy within 30 minutes notice.
To apply 40 collars, we will use the WCS fixed-wing aircraft to locate herds. Following this, trained vets will sedate target Elephants from a helicopter, and then land to secure the collars. Closer monitoring of a significantly greater proportion of the Elephant herds is expected to greatly improve protection efforts.
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Why do poachers kill Elephants?
The poaching of Elephants occurs at alarming rates. Poachers illegally kill approximately 20,000 Elephants each year, leading to declines in populations. Poachers target Elephants for their ivory tusks which they sell to international markets at high prices. There is a large demand for ivory in many parts of Asia. This is for ivory trinkets including figurines and small carvings.
Why are Elephants important?
Elephants are keystone species meaning they have great influence on the environments they live in. Elephants influence their environments by pushing over trees in savanna, keeping them open, allowing other species to thrive. They also help to keep watering holes open and fertilise the land.
How can I help save the Elephant?
Remember that our work is only possible with your support. Please donate to ensure that we are always on hand to tend to Africa’s most special species. You can support our work by becoming a monthly or one-off donor. With your help we are able to help every injured animal in need. Donate here.
You can also support us by following us on social media. Share our stories to give these vulnerable animals a voice. With your help we can raise awareness of the issues these animals face and make a change, creating a more positive future for them. Check out our other supporters views on facebook. Check out our instagram here.
Thank you from all of team STS for your support!