Translocation is a widely used elephant management tool in South Africa, involving the relocation of elephants from one reserve to another. ERT primarily focuses on translocating elephants in need, with the aim of enhancing their welfare. For many reserves, translocation serves as a population control measure to reduce elephant densities. At the same time, it allows for the introduction of elephants into regions where their presence or genetics are desired—whether to strengthen age structure, establish a more balanced bull hierarchy within fenced systems, or boost ecotourism, as elephants are a flagship species.
Any move is disruptive which is why it needs to be handled with care, especially when it comes to relocating such intellectual and social creatures. Being sensitive to the population structure, specific family groupings and even understanding the social importance of different herd members, is an important consideration before translocation takes place. Our approach is focused around analysing these factors to understanding who should be moved to which reserves to minimise the disruption caused by such moves and ensure the integration into their new environment is as seamless as possible.
Where possible, following translocation, we work closely with the reserve to conduct post-release monitoring, assessing the elephants’ adaptation to their new environment, including their behavioral interactions with resident individuals
Since 2019, we have successfully translocated a total of 11 elephants across South Africa. Here are a few of the recent translocations we have been involved in.
Photo credits: (1) Adam Cruise (3) Auds Delsink
