Elephants of Tsavo

  Kenya

• Nairobi: 
Nairobi

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: see website for details

Description: Research Mission
Monitoring the movements and behavior of elephants in a breathtaking Kenyan wildlife sanctuary.

Situation Report
Tsavo East National Park and Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary, Kenya -- The Tsavo ecosystem harbors Kenya's largest and most important single population of elephants, numbering more than 10,000. But not all of this ecosystem is protected, and fragmentation of the elephant's original range has resulted in the disruption of traditional routes. Human-elephant conflicts are occurring with increasing frequency. The Kenya Wildlife Service needs accurate information on the seasonal movements of elephants to provide safe access to their dispersal areas and protect local communities and their crops. You can help Drs. Barbara McKnight and Samuel Kasiki continue a 15-year study of elephant seasonal distribution, ranging patterns, resource use, and behavior. These data will help managers and landowners make wise decisions on wildlife corridors, fencing, and water development.

Meals and Accommodations
You will stay at the fabulous Voi Wildlife Lodge, a spacious and airy tourist lodge located just outside Tsavo East, with a view of the beautiful Sagala and Taita Hills from the swimming pool and bar. There are two waterholes nearby, where wildlife might come to drink, so be prepared to wear your binoculars full-time. Comfortable double rooms include electricity, a private toilet, and hot showers, and a laundry service is available. The lodge provides hearty Western and Kenyan fare to keep your energy up for elephant-searching.

Highlights: Conducting all day surveys from a vehicle, you will spend four days in Tsavo East, two day in Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary, and one day along the boundaries. At each elephant sighting, you will work with your team to take digital photographs for individual identification, note identifying features such as ear notches, broken tusks, and scars, and record group size, composition, and behavior. You'll be trained to locate elephant groups on study maps, using GPS technology and physical features. You'll also spend time surveying other wildlife species that abound in the area, and learning about local wildlife conservation issues through informal lectures. A day off in the middle of the expedition is yours to relax back at the lodge, help input data, or explore the colorful markets of Voi town.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. There is no upper age limit, yet all volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Cost in US$: 4,546

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18-90

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-10

Scholarships are Available. Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971