Greetings!

For elephants, Earth Day is every day. As ‘ecosystem engineers’ they help to shape and care for their habitats each time they take a step, dig a hole, and leave behind dung. Their presence is essential to habitat health and the lives of other fauna and flora from insects to acacia trees to giraffes and lions, making elephants an important player in preserving some of Earth’s most important areas that fight climate change by serving as carbon stores and carbon sinks. It is for this reason that conservationists often call elephants an ‘umbrella species’. In this way, elephants are partners in protecting our planet, so let’s remember them on Earth Day!

Protecting elephants has a ripple effect on their environments and the other creatures who share it. Naturally, the projects IEF supports have benefits for other species, many of whom are themselves endangered or threatened. Such is the case for the “Community Based Elephant Conservation” project in Nepal.

Building on work you supported over the past four years, this project helps protect approximately 120 elephants and 87 tigers who live in Bardia National Park and the surrounding areas, areas which are also inhabited by people. Increasing incidents of dangerous conflict with elephants and tigers including crop raiding, property damage, and even injury and death has unfortunately led to retaliatory killing of the wildlife believed to be responsible.

Helping these communities reduce conflict with wildlife is the first step towards changing their negative feelings toward wildlife. Camera traps and monitoring efforts track elephant and tiger locations and alert communities when animals are venturing close to Park boundaries. The project also establishes, trains and supports Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and village youth groups to teach safe practices for living with tigers and elephants “in their back yard”. These teams will also build a barrier fence to protect communities, and develop a plan for its maintenance. These efforts combined with 45 community education events will turn the tide away from animosity directed at elephants and tigers to an understanding of the importance of their protection

Even though conservation support is focusing on elephants, the tigers, and all wildlife in Bardia National Park are better for these efforts. This Earth Day we remember the umbrella effect that elephants have, and celebrate that your support is helping much more than you know!

We heard you and it’s finally here: the NEW IEF Store!

You can now wear your love of elephants on your yoga pants, tumbler, phone case, and of course your sleeve. Our new exclusive design features an outline of an elephant created with silhouettes of the many species that live under its “umbrella,” highlighting the positive benefits elephants have on their ecosystems. Perfect for Earth Day!

Visit IEF Store

There are many ways to support elephants, including gifts of stock, directing your Donor Advised Funds, and leaving a legacy in your will. Giving in these ways can help with next year’s taxes while making a bigger impact protecting the elephants we love. We’re always here to help guide you through the process.

If you liked this eNewsletter, please consider sharing it on social media, as well as with family and friends. Tell them about the great work that you support and how together we can secure a future where elephants thrive!

Warm Wishes,
Your IEF Team