Tuskers of Amboseli National Park

I went to Amboseli in search of Tuskers, in particular super Tuskers. Most typically older, experience bulls found in the Tsavo and Amboseli area in Kenya. A single tusk should weigh above 100 pounds, i.e. 45,4kg, to be considered a super Tusker.

This is genetically important individuals because they still carry genes from the past. The ivory trade have depleted these important genes for well over a century. Genes that need protection. That is why Tsavo and Amboseli carry such importance.

Kenya have studied elephants since the 70’s

It is fascinating that there is so much study being done here. You have two projects that have run for a long time and those are Amboseli Elephant Research Project and Tsavo Elephant Research. You can read more about them following the links.

There are more organizations in the area worth mentioning like Big Life Foundation. They work hard in protecting wildlife, by helping communities to survive with them as neighbors. Got to see their work up close and see how quickly it attracted the attention of Maasai warriors from nearby communities. They got to witness a veterinarian sedate an injured cheetah. It was a big thing for most as they don’t often get to see a predator up close. Sadly, the cheetah had a severe injury and I frankly think it was put to sleep later.

Get communities involve. That is key.

I felt an urge to learn more about how the communities live with such a plethora of animals as neighbors. We often sit behind our desk and express our opinion about how they should protect wildlife without exception. It is easy to have this opinion, but to be honest how well have we protected our wildlife?

That is why I took the opportunity to go and look at how crop fences is implemented to keep crop raiding elephants from doing damage. These fences help communities survive and lessen the human wildlife conflict in a good way. I would compare them to wild boar fences back home as both use electricity to keep animals out. It was great to understand the importance of these fences and see the green fields they protected.

What people need to grasp is that you need to get the people living with the animals on the train. If they cannot survive with wildlife as neighbors, then basic human needs will take over. That is food, water and a safe place call home. So, by helping the communities you directly help wildlife. I feel it is most often as simple as that.

Any luck finding Tuskers?

So, did my hope of finding Tuskers materialize or not. Well, I got to meet Craig up close one a few times. Had the pleasure of seeing Michael on a few occasions as well. He seemed to stay in the marshes all the time. Michael have impressive symmetrical tusks. He is a Super Tusker as Craig.

Also had the pleasure of meeting both Vronsky and Conner up close. Both considered emerging Tuskers. You can see pictures of all of these magnificent Tuskers if you check my photo album from Amboseli.

And lastly, all the links will take you to organizations that I feel do a very important job. You will find lots of information on their sites. And please donate to their cause if you find their goals worthwhile.