How GPS Tracking Is Protecting Endangered Elephants From Poaching

Elephants are one of the most majestic creatures on earth. But did you know they face numerous threats including habitat loss, climate change, and illegal poaching? Yup! Sadly, the illegal poaching of elephants for their ivory tusks has become a growing concern, with populations declining at an alarming rate. This is where elephant tracking comes into play. By using GPS technology to track the movements of elephants, researchers and conservationists can gain valuable insights into their behavior and movements, helping to identify and prevent poaching activities. In this article, we will explore how wildlife GPS technology can play a crucial role in tracking and protecting endangered elephants from poaching. We will examine case studies from around the world, highlight the benefits and limitations of using GPS technology for elephant tracking, and ultimately demonstrate the importance of this technology in the fight to save these magnificent creatures. Let’s start by looking at case studies on tracking wild elephants.

Elephant Tracking Case Studies

Amboseli Elephant Research Project, Amboseli National Park, Kenya

The Amboseli Elephant Research Project (AERP) is a long-term study of African elephants in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. The project was initiated in 1972 by Dr. Cynthia Moss, who specializes in elephant research and conservation. AERP uses GPS technology to track elephant movements and behavior, which is then used to inform conservation efforts.

By collaring elephants with GPS tracking devices, researchers can track their movements in real-time, gaining knowledge about their migratory patterns, feeding behaviors, and social interactions. This information is then used to inform conservation efforts and protect elephants from harm.

AERP also provides educational resources for visitors to Amboseli National Park, including interactive tracking maps and stuffed animals representing the elephants of Amboseli. By supporting the Expedition Bracelet by Fahlo, a portion of all proceeds are donated to save elephants in Kenya. Here are some additional ways the research project is doing good for wild elephants:

• By using GPS technology to track elephant movements and behavior, the project can better inform conservation efforts and protect elephants from harm.
• Through community outreach and educational resources, the project is working to promote coexistence between humans and elephants in a rapidly changing world.
• The sale of the Expedition Bracelet by Fahlo allows individuals to support elephant conservation efforts in Kenya, with a portion of all proceeds donated to save elephants.
• By collaring elephants with GPS tracking devices, researchers can gain knowledge about migratory patterns, feeding behaviors, and social interactions of elephants, helping to preserve elephant corridors and reduce human-elephant conflict.
• The project is a long-term study of African elephants, providing valuable insight into the behavior and movement patterns of these magnificent creatures, which can be used to inform conservation efforts worldwide.

Through the use of GPS technology and community outreach, AERP is working to protect wild elephants and promote coexistence between elephants and humans in a rapidly changing world.

The Elephant Crisis Fund, Zambia

The Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF) is a partnership between Save the Elephants and the Wildlife Conservation Network, working to stop elephant poaching and ivory trafficking. In Zambia, ECF uses GPS tracking collars to monitor elephants and alert authorities of any unusual behavior that could indicate poaching.

By collaring elephants, researchers can gain knowledge of their migratory patterns and behavior, which can inform conservation efforts and reduce the risk of human-elephant conflict. The tracking collars provide an early warning system for poaching activities, allowing for quick intervention to protect the elephants.

Through the purchase of the River Blue Elephant Bracelet, a portion of all proceeds are donated to fight ivory poaching and secure a future for elephants in Zambia. The bracelet features a blue desert stone, symbolizing the harsh environment that Desert Elephants have adapted to survive in.

Elephants Without Borders, Botswana

Elephants Without Borders is a non-profit organization working to conserve elephants and their ecosystems through innovative research, education, and outreach. In Botswana, Elephants Without Borders uses GPS collars to track elephant movements and identify migration patterns, which can inform land management decisions.

By understanding elephant movements, conservationists can better protect elephant corridors and reduce the risk of human-elephant conflict. By purchasing the Turtle Track Bracelet, proceeds are donated to wildlife conservation efforts in Botswana.

The bracelet features a white howlite stone, representing the colors of the Botswana flag and the elephants that call it home. The bracelet comes with a tracking card, allowing individuals to follow the journey of a specific collared elephant and gain knowledge of their amazing stories.

Through the use of GPS technology and community outreach, Elephants Without Borders is working to protect wild elephants and their ecosystems, ensuring a future for these magnificent creatures.

Alarming Elephant Poaching Statistics 

According to the African Wildlife Foundation, an estimated 35,000 elephants are killed every year for their ivory tusks, with one elephant being killed every 15 minutes. In some areas, such as Tanzania, elephant populations have declined by over 60% in the past decade due to poaching. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that the African elephant population has declined by 111,000 over the past decade, leaving just 415,000 elephants remaining in the wild.

The Benefits Of GPS Tracking Elephants In The Wild

Did you know that tracking elephants with GPS technology offers numerous benefits for conservation and management efforts? By gathering real-time data on elephant behavior and movement, researchers can identify threats and develop effective strategies. Some of these benefits include:

• Improved data collection and analysis, leading to a better understanding of elephant behavior and movement. GPS technology allows researchers to track elephants in real-time, providing accurate and detailed information about their movements, migratory patterns, feeding behaviors, and social interactions.
• Early warning system for potential poaching activities, allowing for quick intervention. GPS collars allow researchers to track elephants in remote areas, and alert authorities if they detect any unusual behavior that could indicate poaching activities. This helps to reduce the risk of poaching and ensure the safety of wild elephants.
• Helps in identifying elephant corridors and migration routes, which can inform land-use planning and conservation efforts. GPS technology allows researchers to identify key areas where elephants travel, which can help inform land-use planning and conservation efforts. This helps to preserve elephant habitats, reduce human-elephant conflict, and ensure the long-term survival of wild elephants.
• Tracking elephants using GPS technology provides numerous benefits for conservation efforts. By purchasing an elephant tracking bracelet, you can help support these efforts and protect wild elephants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can GPS Technology Help Protect Endangered Elephants?

GPS technology allows researchers to track elephant movements and behaviors, which can inform conservation efforts and reduce the risk of poaching. By collaring elephants with GPS devices, researchers can gain knowledge of their migratory patterns and social interactions. This information can be used to inform land-use planning and promote coexistence between elephants and humans.

How Are GPS Trackers Placed On Elephants?

Real time GPS trackers are typically placed on elephants by trained researchers or conservationists. The trackers are attached to a collar that is secured around the elephant’s neck. The process is non-invasive and does not harm the elephant.

What Happens To Elephants When They Are Killed By Hunters?

When elephants are killed by hunters, their ivory tusks are often removed and sold on the black market. This illegal ivory trade is a major contributor to elephant poaching and population decline.