MEP added six new high-tech drones to its conservation fleet, thanks to the incredible support of Aero Smart UAV and Expert Drones Africa. These new additions include two powerful DJI Matrice 4T and four Mavic 3T drones, fully equipped with thermal imaging and night vision to help our rangers monitor elephants around the clock.
Whether it’s gently guiding elephants away from farms, spotting injuries in thick forest, or responding to conflict before it escalates, these drones are game changers. With multi-sensor tech, subject tracking, and precision night ops, we’re now flying farther, seeing clearer, and acting faster to protect elephants and support local communities.
Special thanks to Aero Smart Africa for donating a Matrice 4T and Expert Drones Africa for donating a Mavic 3T. With these new tools in the sky, we’re excited to take coexistence to new heights across the Mara.
Thirty rangers from 16 conservancies across the Mara concluded their phase two of the training of trainers (ToT) course supported by the Basecamp Explorer Foundation – Kenya in June. This advanced stage of the program is aimed at bolstering what the rangers have already learned in previous TOT sessions and for the first time it included participants from the East African Wildlife Society – Mount Elgon Elephant Project (EAWLS -MEEP) and rangers from the Bongo Surveillance Project, both MEP’s operational partners that support our expanded wildlife conservation efforts in Kenya.
Before closing their training, the rangers had a session at the MEP vehicle maintenance center to learn basic vehicle mechanics. An important member of any ranger team, vehicles are critical for conducting patrols, and rangers need a basic understanding of vehicle maintenance and “Do It Yourself” tips to respond if their vehicle has minor mechanical issues.
“The training course was a resounding success, with trainers delivering sessions with confidence, clarity, and dedication. Their strong performance earned high praise, and they are well-positioned to drive meaningful change as they share their knowledge in their respective conservancies."
Jackson Maitai, MEP Lead Trainer
The helicopter once again proved to be an importance resource in elephant conservation this June when it was deployed to assist the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in treating a young bull elephant in the Emkutan area in Kajiado County. The male bull elephant, estimated to be around 25 years was sighted by rangers from the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO) while they were on patrol. KWS vet Dr. Mukami Ruoro assisted in treating the elephant for a large, infected wound on its front ankle. The prognosis for the elephant’s recovery is reported to be good.
Overall, in June, MEP rangers, alongside government partners, arrested five bushmeat poaching suspects and 14 habitat destruction suspects. They confiscated 65 kg of bushmeat and removed 280 snares. They also confiscated 300 pieces of timber, 1,233 posts, destroyed 15 charcoal kilns, 16 charcoal sacks, and mitigated 76 human-elephant conflict incidents.
During the World Female Ranger Week, Mara Elephant Project celebrated its female rangers and all the women working to support their efforts to protect elephants and their habitats. That week, they highlighted the story of Purity Masuntu who began her career at MEP in 2020, mostly serving on the MEP Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Mau De-Snaring Unit, the “Charlie” team, operating in the Mau Forest and later joined the “Bravo” team in the Loita Forest. She was promoted to the rank of corporal and is one of 18 rangers at MEP to receive her drone pilot’s license. Purity’s commitment to her work encourages people in her home community to emulate her passion for conservation.
From the Coexistence farm team they recorded significantly low rainfall levels, which delayed the team from proceeding to planting in the other three Outgrowers Group farms as planned. The first module of entrepreneur classes was successfully conducted with all the participating groups. The team acquired foundational entrepreneurial knowledge, and the team is excited to progress through the remaining four modules in the coming months. The two out-grower groups who had previously planted rosemary have commenced the crucial weeding process, ensuring the healthy growth of their crops. The team harvested a total of 25 kg of chili and remodeled and replanted the chili plot, increasing the size by utilizing the larger pathways and maximizing the plots.
Finally, Mara Elephant Project had a first this month while on patrol. While on their night drone patrol along the Mara River, the newly deployed “Delta” ranger team witnessed a herd of elephants attempting to cross the swollen Mara River with a young calf in tow. Their anticipation was building as they watched the elephants attempt their crossing, only for them to be swept down the river. Luckily, they quickly recovered and climbed onto the riverbank unscathed, baby and all. A big sigh of relief for the team.
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