Statement in response to media surrounding the translocation of 263 elephants

The government of Malawi chose to relocate elephants from one park that was at capacity, to another park that had space – a decision was determined by scientific reasoning. IFAW’s role was to support with financial means and expertise from a conservation perspective, with Malawian staff on the ground to provide expertise.

Recent media reports have highlighted conflicts between humans and elephants around Kasungu National Park in Malawi and Zambia, linking them to the translocation of 263 elephants to the park in 2022. 

IFAW has supported the Government of Malawi since 2015 with the rehabilitation of Kasungu NP. This includes ecological and infrastructural rehabilitation. 

Kasungu NP is managed by DNPW (Department of National Parks and Wildlife) of the Government of Malawi. Beginning in the 1970’s rampant poaching decimated Kasungu’s animal populations, to the extent that by 2015, only 50 elephants remained out of a population of over 1,000 in 1990. 

To re-establish a viable elephant population in Kasungu NP, the Malawian government decided to translocate elephants and other species from Liwonde National Park to Kasungu NP. Liwonde NP is Malawi’s second smallest national park with a thriving elephant population of 700 elephants. Given its size and ecological suitability, Kasungu NP which is 2,100 square kms was considered a suitable new habitat for the elephants. In mid-2022, DNPW, IFAW and African Parks translocated 263 elephants from Liwonde NP to Kasungu NP. African Parks are DNPW’s supporting partner at Liwonde NP. 

IFAW’s role was to support the Malawian government, that runs the Kasungu NP. IFAW does not manage any national parks or decide on the actions taken. IFAW assists with financial means, as conservation advisors and with law-enforcement and community engagement capacity. IFAW operates in a supportive capacity rather than having management and ownership of the operation.

Several human wildlife conflict (HWC) events affecting communities living close to Kasungu have occurred since 2022, leading to the deaths of several individuals, causing trauma, and negatively affecting bereaved families. We are deeply saddened by the deaths or injuries of each person impacted by the elephants that strayed into the surrounding communities. Our thoughts remain with their families.

Contrary to the articles published, the Malawi Government reports that human-wildlife conflict events close to Kasungu NP have significantly decreased due to interventions supported by IFAW.

IFAW operates in Malawi, Zambia and numerous other African nations. Work undertaken in the region is solely done by nationals, and executive decisions made are by African leadership and regional staff. IFAW employs local experts, local staff and local management, and operates in consultation with national and regional decision-making bodies and local communities.

While official figures do not show an increase in conflicts, this does not change the fact the elephants have negatively affected some communities around the park. 

IFAW supports Malawi DNPW Rapid Response Units to react swiftly to mitigate human wildlife conflict using non-lethal chili bombs and firecrackers to chase off elephants and to safeguard communities and prevent damage to property. The teams are strategically located in the park and deploy at short notice when required.  

Human-wildlife conflicts are widespread in areas where people and animals live together and represent one of the greatest challenges for nature conservation today. One of IFAW's main objectives is to facilitate better coexistence for humans and animals and to seek solutions that work for all. 

IFAW supports many communities near the parks in improving their livelihoods through employment, climate-smart agriculture practices, and income-generating activities such as beekeeping.  

IFAW is aware of how communities close to protected areas experience the difficulties of living close to wildlife. We work with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to reduce the risk to people living in these areas while ensuring the sustainable conservation of landscapes. 

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