Amboseli’s Big Tuskers Are Being Slaughtered For Sport; Take Action Now!

In recent months, mounting concern over the fate of the iconic Amboseli elephants has drawn international attention, particularly concerning the alarming number of big tuskers being killed in and around Amboseli National Park, which straddles the border between Kenya and Tanzania. These majestic animals, known for their enormous tusks, are among the most celebrated and recognizable elephants in Africa.

Last year alone, reports indicate the tragic deaths of at least five big tuskers in these regions. Trophy hunting is identified as the primary cause of death, with hunters killing the largest elephants for so-called sport, targeting the big tuskers. Additionally, poaching poses a significant threat in the area. Motivated by the value of ivory, poachers target these majestic elephants for their tusks, subsequently selling their ivory on the black market.

The death of these big tuskers is a significant blow to the population of elephants in Africa for various reasons. Each big tusker, often a dominant male, plays a crucial role in breeding and maintaining the social structure within elephant herds. Their loss impacts the genetic diversity and stability of the population. These elephants are also vital symbols in wildlife tourism, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the globe, making their preservation crucial to both Kenya and Tanzania.

The Amboseli Elephant Research Project (AERP), founded by Cynthia Moss in 1972 after her collaboration with Iain Douglas-Hamilton and Harvey Croze, is an extraordinary initiative dedicated to the preservation of these iconic elephants. It holds the distinction of being the longest-running elephant study in the world.

The project has provided groundbreaking insights into elephant behavior, communication, and population dynamics by tracking and monitoring individual elephants in the region for decades. So far, it has documented the lives of more than 3,500 elephants. In 2000, the Amboseli Trust for Elephants (ATE) was established to support AERP’s ongoing research and conservation efforts across 8,000 km² of elephant habitat.

The organization has fostered a deep and collaborative bond, not only with the elephants, but also with the local Maasai communities living within and around the Amboseli ecosystem. Through this enduring partnership, community members assist their team in locating the elephants and alert the organization to any issues that might necessitate their intervention or support.

This strong sense of neighborhood among their team, the elephants, and the Maasai people has served as the inspiration for their Elatia Project, launched in 2015. In the Maa language, “elatia” translates to “neighbor.” By participating in the project, you essentially become a neighbor to an elephant family, experiencing the joys and challenges integral to elephant familial life. The data collection unveils tales of friendship, rivalry, and collaboration. Elatia is their avenue for sharing these captivating stories. You can join the Elatia Project HERE!

The efforts of organizations such as Amboseli Trust for Elephants (ATE) are crucial in preventing the extinction of Africa’s remaining big tuskers. Globally, conservationists are also making significant contributions by urgently advocating for more robust cross-border agreements and enhanced protective measures.

They are urging the governments of Kenya and Tanzania to bolster their wildlife protection legislation. One of the suggested strategies involves establishing a joint task force dedicated to safeguarding elephants in these regions.

Last year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule that will improve African elephant conservation by increasing protections for elephants imported to the United States. The rule strengthens protection and conservation requirements to help ensure long-term conservation and survival of elephants in the wild.

The plight of the Amboseli elephants, especially the renowned big tuskers, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges wild animals face amidst human greed and conflict. The international community’s attention remains vital. With sustained public pressure, necessary legal reforms may be enacted to provide these extraordinary creatures with the protection they so desperately need, ensuring their survival for future generations to come.

To help stop trophy hunting in northern Tanzania and save Amboseli’s migratory elephants, please sign the petition to President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania HERE!