IFAW extends fence to protect wildlife and people at Kasungu National Park

(Lilongwe, Malawi – 22 August 2022) – Less than a month since 691 animals—263 elephants included—were translocated to Kasungu National Park in Malawi, another major investment to protect wildlife and people has been announced.

IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) said this week it will fund the repair and extension of a further 50 kilometre stretch of Kasungu’s boundary fence—the organisation has already constructed 40 kilometres of fencing providing employment to more than 150 people living outside the park.

Kasungu’s elephant population increased from 40 individuals in 2014 to 121 in 2022, due to the success of IFAW’s interventions in the park and, following the translocation, now numbers 384. Further extending the fence will help prevent incidents of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC).

“This is another significant investment by IFAW in Kasungu National Park and a further example of our commitment to ensure wildlife remains safe from poachers and at the same time protect communities living outside the park from wandering animals. The rehabilitation work will be done in phases, with a total of 20 kilometres expected to be repaired during the current fiscal year,” said Patricio Ndadzela, IFAW Director for Malawi and Zambia.

The announcement was made at the graduation parade of 18 fence attendants, including three women, who have been trained and hired by IFAW and Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to patrol and maintain Kasungu's solar-powered electric fence.

IFAW, through its Combating Wildlife Crime project, has been active in Kasungu National Park since 2017, virtually halting poaching of wildlife, upgrading infrastructure and supporting livelihood projects for surrounding communities.

The translocation of elephants and other wildlife including impala, buffalo, warthogs, sable and waterbuck significantly improves Kasungu’s tourism potential, with the added benefit of providing jobs to surrounding communities. 

About IFAW

IFAW is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org 

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