INTRODUCTION
This third edition of the newsletter gives an update of the activities undertaken by the African Elephant Fund in 2020 and 2021. The African Elephant Fund, established under the auspices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), brings together thirty-eight African elephant range States, donor States, the United Nations Environment Programme , the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), CITES and other wildlife conservation actors to work collaboratively to safeguard the African elephant from facing extinction.
The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the world’s largest terrestrial mammal found in 38 range States across Africa. It is a species of considerable economic, ecological, cultural, and aesthetic value to many people and is arguably the world’s most charismatic mega-herbivore. African elephants possess extraordinary intelligence, complex social structures and remarkable abilities to adapt to their surroundings. Still, elephants continue to face a multitude of very serious threats, including illegal killing and poaching, conflict with humans, and the loss and fragmentation of their habitats. To reverse this trend, the African Elephant Fund (AEF) was created to support the overall implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP).
In 2020 and 2021, several projects and activities were implemented under the AEF. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the AEF continued to support implementing partners in the African elephant range States in their elephant conservation efforts by providing emergency funding. This proved to be a timely response as it has contributed significantly towards the reinforcement of elephant conservation efforts during a period of increased threats to elephant populations.
Highlights of the projects implemented in 2020 and 2021 include trainings and the use of Spatial, Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) in antipoaching and elephant monitoring, the capacity building of local communities on elephant management, and conducting studies to better understand elephants and their habitats. Across most of the projects, law enforcement capacities and operations have been strengthened, particularly after the onset of the pandemic. More information on these projects is detailed in this newsletter.
In addition to the record high volume of projects, the new AEF Steering Committee finalized the revision of the Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure guiding its work, and continued to work on the review of the AEAP and increasing the visibility of the fund. Updates on these activities are also captured in this newsletter’s different sections below.
- Implementing the African Elephant Action Plan.
- Covid-19 Pandemic Response
- Completed Pre-Covid-19 Projects
- Completed Covid-19 Projects
- Administration of the African Elephant Fund
- 2020 Call for Proposals
- New AEF Steering Committee Elected
- Review of the African Elephant Action Plan
- Updating of the Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure
- Meetings of the AEFSC
Since the initiation of the AEF in 2010, 48 projects have been completed in the African elephant range States in support of the implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP). Despite the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic which slowed down operations in all sectors across the world, 13 projects were completed between 2020 and 2021.
Covid-19 Pandemic Response
In 2020, the AEF issued an emergency call for proposals to provide funding to range States to address elephant conservation challenges related to Covid-19. The AEF Steering Committee approved a package of 19 Covid-19 related projects, the largest number of projects selected in one call since the inception of the AEF. The increased risks to elephants due to the pandemic was evident from the narratives in the proposals submitted. Range States were anticipating a rise in poaching-related activities and human-elephant conflict incidences. There was already a rise in bushmeat poaching, with smaller animals being targeted.
The main objective of the projects was to mitigate poaching (objective 1 of the AEAP) and to sustain the progress made in elephant conservation at a time when access to other sources of funding to support these activities were limited (e.g. income from tourism). The projects also focus on addressing human-elephant conflicts in close collaboration with the communities, and on strengthening the enforcement of anti-poaching regulations (objectives 3, 4, 5 and 7 of the AEAP). 3 projects were completed in 2021 while implementation of most of the projects was initiated and continued throughout the year.
Completed Pre-Covid-19 Projects
Improving Law Enforcement and Reducing Elephant Poaching through SMART (Oban, Nigeria)
Oban is an important site for forest elephant conservation in Nigeria. However, the site has been neglected and poorly protected for many years, leaving hunting largely uncontrolled. Surveys in the late 1990s estimated a population of 74 elephants in the entire Park, with the suspected cause of the population’s decline being poaching in the absence of current data on elephants’ population.
According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigeria, it is estimated that at least 4 elephants are killed each year in Oban. In addition to poaching, habitat loss from farming and logging is an increasing threat. Park rangers are inadequately trained and lack basic equipment and field supplies to carry out effective patrols. In 2016, a law enforcement monitoring project was initiated in Oban based on the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) to address these threats. Since the start of the SMART patrols, levels of hunting have gradually declined.
The AEF project aimed to build upon the benefits derived from using SMART by increasing the number, coverage and effectiveness of SMART patrols. Park rangers were trained in anti-poaching patrol techniques including intelligence gathering and the use of SMART software for data collection, analysis and reporting. They were also provided with essential field equipment and rations.
As a result, 56 anti-poaching patrols were conducted during the project period leading to the arrest of 57 offenders including 29 hunters and 2 loggers who were handed over to the park authority for prosecution. The patrols led to the discovery and destruction of 6,172 wire snares, and 18 hunting camps. It is fortunate that no elephants were killed during the project period. To add, the project raised awareness to strengthen the community’s support for elephant conservation. This was through holding community meetings involving chiefs, opinion leaders, local politicians, hunters, farmers and loggers. Furthermore, educational field trips for school children and conservation clubs were organized. Overall, the project has resulted in a significant improvement in the protection of elephants in Oban.
Supporting SMART-based Ranger Patrols to Strengthen Law Enforcement and Reduce Elephant Poaching (Yankari, Nigeria)
The Yankari elephant population continues to be the largest remaining population in Nigeria although it has decreased from an estimate of 348 elephants in 2006 to no more than 100-150 today. This dramatic decline occurred due to poaching for the international ivory trade. In 2014, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) signed an MoU with Bauchi State Government to manage the ranger programme at Yankari. This has proven effective as only 1 elephant carcass has been recorded since then and the population is believed to be increasing.
To maintain this trend, WCS aimed to strengthen SMART-based patrols in Yankari through this AEF project.
Thus, 190 anti-poaching patrols were conducted resulting in the arrests of 68 offenders including 28 hunters, 3 loggers and 1 suspected elephant poacher. A SMART refresher training was also conducted with the rangers, and patrol allowances and field rations were provided to boost their capacity and motivation.
Understanding Habitat Use by African Elephants in the Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe
The Zambezi Valley is in Northern Zimbabwe and forms part of a Man and Biosphere Reserve, being made up of eight protected areas. The landscape recorded a 40 per cent decline in elephant populations between 2001 and 2014. The decline could be ascribed to changes in the environment, migration and poaching.
The AEF project sought to establish the factors contributing to the decline in elephant populations.
Monitoring equipment (drones, elephant satellite collars, cyber trackers, etc.) were procured, and rangers and researchers were trained to use them in habitat monitoring both inside and outside the park area. The rangers and researchers were also trained on GIS, remote sensing and data analysis and modelling to improve field data collection, analysis and reporting. A habitat map for the Mana Pools National Park was also developed.
Additionally, among the great achievements from the project was the meeting held between Zimbabwe and Zambia, a first of its kind within the landscape, whereby opportunities for future collaboration in elephant research within the landscape was discussed and promoted.
Enhancing the capacity of Sengwa Wildlife Research Institute to deliver training in SMART Ranger Based Monitoring (RBM) System in the Sebungwe and other elephant Range areas in Zimbabwe
The 2014 national aerial survey in Zimbabwe indicated that the elephant population in Zimbabwe had decreased rapidly by 75 per cent, from the previous 2001 estimate of 13,989 to only 3,407. The decline has been attributed to poaching, loss and fragmentation of habitats, increased human-elephant conflicts, and the possible migration of elephants outside the region. To strengthen and improve consistency of elephant monitoring and management in the Sebungwe Region, the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) was established as the standard framework and database management system for elephant conservation.
Under the AEF project, a SMART curriculum was developed and used for training field staff leading to an improvement in elephant monitoring and facilitating faster decision making. The quality (both in terms of volume and accuracy) of the data being collected has improved through accurate recording of information by field workers. A standardized database was developed which is usable by stations in elephant ranges across the Sebungwe region and beyond. Due to the training in SMART, more illegal activities and mapping of its distribution has been recorded. This information has been useful for law enforcement and for biological monitoring across elephant range landscapes, as well as for updating the elephant databases.
Further, research activities were conducted to establish the main causes of elephant fluctuations in Sengwa Research Area and the major threats to elephant conservation. The data collected from the field and the knowledge of the staff trained in SMART was used for this. The reports provided policy makers with recommendations on ways to improve conservation of elephants and other large herbivores and to protect their habitats.
Supporting the Integration of Local Communities into the Management of Elephants in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park (Togo)
Togo’s natural resources have declined over the years. Combined with human population growth, this has led to an increase in human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with elephants. This has also resulted in damages worth thousands of dollars and even loss of human lives. The situation has caused friction and conflicts between park management and the local communities, heightening the risks of locals working with poachers and ivory traffickers.
The AEF project sought to educate, sensitize and create awareness on elephant conservation among the local communities in order to strengthen their collaboration in elephant management in the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park.
Through the project, 37 people were trained on simple elephant pushback techniques, including measures to protect crops and property. They were also trained on beekeeping and small ruminant breeding as alternative means of subsistence. Additionally, 50 people had their skills in community techniques for managing human-elephant conflicts strengthened. A community sensitization campaign was conducted and an education programme on elephants developed.
Combating Illegal Killing of Elephants and Trafficking of Ivory in Malawi
In Malawi, elephant populations are estimated to be increasing in only 2 out of the 11 protected areas. The populations in the remaining areas have been gradually decreasing in size and range, resulting in the national elephant population standing at only 1,800.
Conservation efforts are hindered by ivory poaching and an increase in human-elephant conflicts. Malawi also faces challenges in the fight against ivory trafficking, whereby it is both a source and a transit country for ivory originating from other countries in the region. Malawi is being used as a major transit hub for illegal wildlife products, where traffickers and traders in ivory as well as illegal hunters are taking advantage of the acute lack of resources to remedy the shortcomings in the response mechanisms to address trafficking.
To contribute towards addressing these challenges, a joint training workshop was organized for investigators, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and border post officers. During the workshop, participants formulated a networking platform through which information and experiences in combating wildlife crime is shared.
Law enforcers were equipped with law enforcement field equipment which improved working conditions and staff motivation. Additionally, public awareness campaigns on conservation were broadcasted on radio and TV.
Enhancing Prosecution of Elephant Poachers Through Training, Ivory stockpile Genotyping and Construction of African Elephant DNA Library (Kenya)
Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013 established tougher penalties for perpetrators of wildlife crimes, particularly of endangered species such as the African elephant. Consequently, this increased the threshold of evidence required to prosecute and convict offenders. DNA evidence has increasingly become a minimum standard for litigations.
Therefore, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) utilizes wildlife molecular genetics as a forensic tool for sample identification. KWS set up a forensic and genetics lab to provide court-admissible scientific evidence to support prosecutions of wildlife crimes. However, while the lab did not have the capacity to extract DNA from bone and other difficult samples, hindering the prosecution of ivory traffickers, the University of Nairobi (UoN) developed laboratory and human resource capacity to do this.
Through the AEF project, KWS and UoN worked together to build KWS’ forensic laboratory capacity, and to optimize protocols for extracting and genotyping of ivory samples in order to have reliable and sustainable sample processing and prosecution. Further, the project aimed to genotype DNA samples collected before the largest ever ivory stockpile destruction in Kenya in April 2016.
As a result of this project, 240 elephant samples from 6 conservation areas were collected, preserved, and transported to the KWS forensic lab. Protocols for recovering DNA from ivory have been optimized and 440 DNA samples were extracted and genotyped. Furthermore, 120 frontline officers were trained on wildlife crime scene management, while 6 lab personnel were trained on analyzing difficult samples and genotyping. Scenes of crime protocols, monitoring, and training manuals were developed. In addition, bioinformatic analysis to assign exhibits to its source population is now being utilized and a DNA library to aid in future exhibit identification was developed.
Strengthening Elephant Conservation through Law enforcement and Stakeholder engagement in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
The lowest elephant population ever recorded in the trans-boundary ecosystem between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was in 1980 (150 elephants). Since then, there has been a steady increase in elephant numbers due to concerted trans-boundary law enforcement conservation efforts, resulting in the population returning to the average numbers estimated in 1960 to 1970. Nevertheless, poaching, encroachment of elephant habitats and human-elephant conflicts remain active and serious threats.
To sustain the progress made in the long-term, through the AEF project, 30 field ranger force staff were trained on use of modern technologies to collect, analyze and interpret data on HEC reduction (GIS and RS training). Similarly, community rangers and wildlife scouts were trained on approaches to mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
In addition, 76 local farmers received training on appropriate elephant pushback techniques that also provide a means of livelihood (use of beehives). Furthermore, representatives from the police, army and the judiciary were sensitized on elephant conservation strategies, and an awareness campaign on HEC mitigation measures and elephant conservation was conducted among the media, local and religious leaders, and training institutions.
Elephant Inventory in Gamba Protected Area Complex (CAPG) (Gabon)
The Gamba Protected Area Complex (CAPG) is Gabon’s largest protected area. The African forest elephant, lowland gorilla, chimpanzee, and hippo are still abundant, largely due to the relative inaccessibility of the area. The only elephant inventory was conducted in 1998 during which the population was estimated at 11,000 individuals. However, there has been an alarming expansion of ivory trafficking and the disappearance of forest elephants.
Under the AEF project, a survey was undertaken from October 2020 to February 2021 to establish the population of elephants and other large mammals and their distribution. The study also aimed to estimate the intensity of human activities and identify areas of high pressure.
Results showed that the elephant population size is 1,134, hence remaining stable from the 2017 estimates. It was also seen that human activities were also hardly detected in the area. The data reinforced the continued conservation efforts in the Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, and more generally, in the landscape of the Gamba Protected Areas Complex.
Completed Covid-19 Projects
Elephant Collaring Operation in Zakouma National Park (Zakouma, Chad)
The elephant population of Zakouma National Park is one of the northernmost populations of the African elephant, one of the last remaining of a once thriving population in the Republic of Chad. However, few elephant populations currently remain in the country. Zakouma National Park saw a significant decrease in the elephant population from an estimated 22,000 elephants in the 1970’s to around 4,000 in 2002. This number plummeted once again to 450 in 2010. The African Parks Network was mandated by the Government to manage the Zakouma National Park in 2010. Since then, there has been a steady increase in the elephant population, currently estimated at 559 according to the last survey done in 2018.
The success in the decline of poaching can be attributed in part to the utilization of tracking collars by the new management. Through the AEF project, 17 new collars were successfully procured and fitted. Data collected using the collars provides information on the location of the elephants 24 hours a day, 7days a week, enabling real time protection. The data has proven invaluable to the management and law enforcement staff. It also enables the Park management to understand the drivers of elephant movements so that future migratory patterns can be predicted, hence management and law enforcement can quickly adapt.
Enhancing community collaboration and law enforcement capacity for effective management of human-elephant conflict (HEC) and protection of Digya elephants (Ghana)
According to a 2007 IUCN African Elephant Status report, nine areas in Ghana have elephant populations, of which Digya National Park has the second largest with an estimated number of 350 individuals. Similar to other African elephant range States, the elephant population in Ghana is highly threatened by poaching, habitat destruction and lack of support from local key stakeholders.
To mitigate this, Ghana sought to strengthen the requisite capacity and resources available to the wildlife staff at the Digya National Park for elephant conservation and effective management of human-elephant conflicts (HEC). With the support of the AEF, 80 field staff were trained in general anti-poaching operations, arrest and prosecution of wildlife crimes, and human-elephant conflict management techniques. They were also equipped with field supplies which boosted their morale and enhanced patrol coverage.
Moreover, the local communities were trained in elephant pushback techniques to reduce crop-raiding incidences, and in methods of generating alternative sources of income. This included training of 50 farmers in beekeeping and training of 80 women in soap-making. In addition, 5 Community Resource Management Committees were established, and the members were motivated to play their roles in helping to protect Digya elephants and in promoting wildlife and forest conservation activities in their respective areas. 30 community volunteers, 50 farmers and 39 wildlife staff were trained in HEC management. 1,200 high school students and 800 inhabitants from 10 fringe communities acquired knowledge on elephant conservation and are now supporting the park rangers in the protection of elephants. These activities have enhanced the protection of Digya’s elephant population.
Reducing Human-Elephant Conflict in Northern Kenya (Laikipia County, Kenya)
Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a major challenge in rural areas in Northern Kenya, resulting in social and economic losses such as crop destruction, property damage and loss of human life. In Kenya, Laikipia County supports approximately 42 per cent of Kenya’s second largest African elephant population. HEC in Laikipia County has historically been a major challenge. Since 2018, the County Government has been working with local and international partners to deliver a county-wide electric fencing strategy to combat the escalating levels of HEC. However, in 2020, funding ran short to complete the remaining section.
The AEF provided funding to complete the construction of the remaining portion of the county-wide electric fence and activities to support the mitigation of human-elephant conflict. A 6.2 km fence was constructed resulting in an estimated reduction in crop-raiding incidences by over 70 per cent, improving food security and human-elephant coexistence at a critical time due to the pressure which Covid-19 placed on local communities.
This was also complemented by an elephant drive that relocated 72 elephants to the correct side of the fence, as well as the fitting of 3 elephants with tracking collars. Drama performances by a team of local actors were delivered at schools and communities alongside the fence to create awareness on elephant conservation among local communities.
2020 Call for Proposals
As a result of the ninth call for proposals, the AEF received a total of eighteen (18) project proposals with a deadline of 14 February 2020. However, Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the process for evaluating the proposals from the ninth call was put on hold. This was to enable the AEF to provide emergency funding to African elephant range States to address elephant conservation-related challenges caused by the pandemic. A majority of the COVID-19 projects were rolled out in 2021 and based on this progress, the Secretariat was requested by the Steering Committee (AEFSC) to proceed with pre-screening of proposals received during the 2020 call, with a view of preparing for the final evaluation and selection by the Committee.
New AEF Steering Committee Elected
In April 2021, a new AEF Steering Committee (AEFSC) was elected following the expiry of the term served by the previous AEFSC. The election was conducted by a written no-objection procedure. The current AEFSC will serve for a period of three years (2021 - 2023) as stipulated in the Rules of Procedure. The new AEFSC comprises of: Chad and Cameroon representing the Central Africa sub-region, and also serving as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively of the AEFSC; Tanzania and Uganda representing the East Africa sub-region; Namibia and Zimbabwe representing the South Africa sub-region; and, Niger and Nigeria representing the West Africa sub-region. Donor members include the European Commission, France and the Netherlands, with Belgium and Germany as observers. CITES, CMS and UNEP continue to serve as ex-officio members. UNEP (Law Division) is also providing the secretariat services to the AEF.
REVIEW OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT ACTION PLAN
The review of the African Elephant Action Plan (AEAP) was initiated in 2018. Several consultative meetings and discussions had been held to gather views and expert opinions on the recommended revisions to the Plan. In 2019, the IUCN African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) had provided detailed technical inputs for consideration to reflect on the current realities of the conservation of the African elephant. These reports informed part of the discussions by the African elephant range States who also shared their views on the current Plan and proposed changes during a meeting held in November 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. However, further progress in the review of the AEAP was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The process was reinitiated in 2021 by the newly elected AEF Steering Committee (AEFSC) and is ongoing.
Updating of the Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure
The process of reviewing the Terms of Reference (ToRs) and Rules of Procedure (RoPs) of the AEF begun in 2018 during the 10th AEFSC Meeting. The objective of the review was to reflect the developments of the AEF and incorporate lessons learnt. The revised RoPs were finalized and adopted by the AEFSC during its 7th Virtual AEFSC Meeting held on 29 September 2021, while the ToRs were endorsed by the African elephant range States and officially adopted in January 2022. Click on the following links to access the ToRs and RoPs on the AEF website.
Meetings of the AEFSC
The 12th AEF Steering Committee (AEFSC) Meeting was to be held in Kampala, Uganda on 10 – 13 March 2020. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the 2020 Call for Proposals. However, this was disrupted by the global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The AEFSC therefore shifted to virtual meetings. Between 2020 and 2021, the AEFSC held four formal (4th, 5th, 6th and 7th) and four informal Virtual AEFSC meetings. The projects selected for funding under the emergency call for proposals were approved during the 6th Virtual AEFSC meeting. In addition, the processes of reviewing the AEAP, ToRs and RoPs were resumed during the 7th Virtual AEFSC meeting held on 29 September 2021.
Funded by:
Since its inception, the African Elephant Fund has received voluntary contributions in total of USD 4,714,206 by the end of 2021 from the European Commission and the Governments of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, China, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and South Africa to assist the thirty-eight African elephant range States to implement the African Elephant Action Plan.
Get involved
For more information on the African Elephant Fund or to collaborate with us, please contact us on email: unep-africanelephantfund@un.org or visit our website at www.africanelephantfund.org
Disclaimer: The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or official opinion of the African Elephant Range States, Donor States, UN Environment Programme or other contributing organizations
Credits:
Created with images by: Pawan Sharma / Unsplash; Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority; Department of National Parks & Wildlife, Malawi; Ministère de l’environnement et des ressources forestières, Togo; WWF-Gabon, Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute; Zakouma National Park; Wildlife Division-Forestry Commission, Ghana; Space for Giants; African Elephant Fund; Sergie Ferrete