Big Tusker Project, Kenya

The Tsavo Conservation Area (TCA) holds Kenya’s largest elephant population and the largest sustainable gene pool of elephants carrying exceptionally large ivory (over 100 pounds per tusk). Massive in size and largely roadless, TCA is home to these Big Tuskers including numerous younger bulls that are classified as emerging tuskers and female big tuskers, the mothers, sisters and daughters of the Big Tuskers whose genetics are also valuable to conservation efforts of this iconic population. Working in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Big Tusker Project provides aerial surveillance and reconnaissance of the tuskers, aerial backup to anti-poaching operations, participates in censuses and scientific research, and monitors elephant, rhino and other wildlife populations.

IEF #AF1032

Project Years: 2014 – 2024

Project Partners:
Richard Moller, Tsavo Trust, Kenya