Malawi launches elephant monitoring operation in Kasungu

(Kasungu, Malawi – 9 October 2026) — Wildlife authorities have fitted new tracking collars to 20 elephants in Kasungu National Park.  

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW Malawi), with funding and technical support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), is conducting the operation alongside an aerial assessment of the park’s elephant population. 

“The exercise is part of an ecological monitoring operation aimed at improving understanding of elephant movements across the landscape and supports IFAW Room to Roam approach of protecting and connecting the habitats elephants need to move safely and thrive,” said Bruce Sosola, IFAW Director Malawi. 

“Tracking data helps DNPW monitor the elephants around the clock, providing conservationists with the information needed to support the long-term management and conservation of Kasungu National Park and the surrounding community areas”. 

Twenty elephants received new or replacement tracking collars, while collars were removed from 11 others. Some collars fitted to the 11 elephants in 2022 had reached the end of their battery life or no longer fitted as well as the elephants have grown. 

In the process, elephants are briefly immobilised by dart by a specialist team while collars are fitted, replaced or removed. Each animal is monitored until it has recovered and rejoined its herd. 

The research team is led by Prof. Robert Guldemond of the University of Pretoria’s Conservation Ecology Research Unit (CERU), working with DNPW, IFAW and veterinary and technical partners, including Wildscapes and Mhuirich Aviation Services. 

The fieldwork follows an assessment of Kasungu’s elephant population held earlier in the month. 

• Members of the public with questions should contact the Kasungu National Park office on +265999110781 or DNPW Headquarters on +26599921032 

Press Contacts 

Christina Pretorius,
Communications Director Africa
e: cpretorius@ifaw.org 
m: +27 82 330 2558