The reality of wildlife conservation in many countries, not just Kenya, is that areas of raw, natural wilderness are generally vast, roadless swathes of earth and brush. Here at Tsavo Trust, along with our exceptional colleagues at KWS, we are faced with this reality every single day.
Without the use of aerial operations, it would be impossible to monitor the huge areas of roadless land in Tsavo. With our reliable fleet of Super Cub aircraft and our exceptional team of pilots, we overcome many of the obstacles that present themselves in the wild bush of Kenya.
Despite the Super Cub being a small and convenient aircraft for wildlife conservation, annual running costs for these kinds of activities can be high. Contributions from donors and other elephant conservation organisation are vital in maintaining aerial reconnaissance over Tsavo.
Despite the costs, aerial reconnaissance remains the most effective form of elephant conservation and is the best way you can help some of the majestic ‘big tuskers’ that reside in Tsavo. Here are the main benefits of aerial reconnaissance:
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Directing anti-poaching efforts
A key aspect of aerial reconnaissance is the ongoing battle between conservationists (Tsavo Trust, KWS) and illegal poachers. The ivory trade remains a multimillion-dollar industry. Sadly, there appears to be no end to the poaching that goes on in Kenya’s game reserves.
Through aerial reconnaissance, the Trust has been able to map poachers’ movements as well as monitoring poaching camps and platforms. Between 2013 and 2018, 648 arrests were made in Tsavo following illegal activities. The use of our Super Cub aircraft was vital in allowing ground units to make these arrests.
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Information retrieval on elephant populations
Another huge benefit of aerial reconnaissance is the ability to gather huge amounts of data and information on the ever-changing elephant populations of Tsavo. A 2017 census, made possible through our airborne fleet, estimated there to be 12,866 elephants in the Tsavo Conservation Area. Seemingly simple statistics like this are extremely difficult to gather but make a huge difference in the wider conservation effort.
Additionally, using aircraft allows the Trust to keep track of the elephants that are most at risk, such as the few remaining ‘big tuskers’.
A vital aspect of elephant conservation is reducing the global supply of ivory as a constant supply maintains demand. Using aircraft, we are able to keep track of elephant carcasses and prevent ivory from falling into the wrong hands.
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Assisting ground units in emergency situations
KWS and Tsavo Trust ground units engage in dangerous work every day. At times, ground units help with conservation by being stationed in some of the most isolated parts of the Tsavo Conservation Area. In the rainy season, it can be difficult to supply these rangers with the provisions they need. With the help of our Super Cub pilots, we can ensure these rangers stay safe as they protect Kenya’s wildlife.
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Creating a micro-economy for Tsavo locals
Maintaining the Tsavo Trust fleet and airstrip requires constant work, especially in the unpredictable conditions fostered by the Kenyan wilderness. Thankfully, we have an exceptional team of pilots, engineers, technicians and field marshals who are always on hand to ensure that aerial reconnaissance can continue across Tsavo.
In an area that suffers from low employment, aerial reconnaissance creates an important micro-economy for Tsavo locals. It is also a way of creating a collective community spirit and a passion for conservation.
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Preventing illegal grazing and bushfires
Wildlife conservation is not just about catching poachers and monitoring elephants. It is also about ensuring the integrity of the ecosystem is maintained, and the animals continue to thrive.
Illegal grazing may seem like a minor issue but it can heavily impact the habitats of all animals, not just elephants. Bushfires can easily occur in Tsavo and, during the dry season, there is a risk that they will expand. Through aerial reconnaissance, we can respond to these issues swiftly and decisively.
Those are the five ways that aerial reconnaissance helps to save Tsavo’s elephants. If you are still unconvinced about our Super Cub aircraft, check out the ‘Tsavo Conservation Area’ page on our website. Here, you can visually understand the amazing and difficult work we at Tsavo Trust and the KWS do every single day.