The Mara Elephant Project

As the human footprint expands, the space available for wildlife shrinks, making Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) the single greatest threat to the Greater Mara Ecosystem. Elephants are particularly vulnerable; a single night’s crop raid can wipe out a family’s entire harvest, leading to devastating retaliatory attacks that endanger both people and wildlife. To combat this, MEP’s Rapid Response Units work around the clock—now utilising thermal drones alongside ground patrols—to safely mitigate these intense situations and protect communities before damage occurs.

While ivory poaching has diminished thanks to successful intelligence operations, a new silent killer has emerged: bushmeat poaching. The use of wire snares is on the rise, with MEP rangers removing a record-breaking 1,000+ snares in 2025 alone. Permanent ranger teams are deployed deep within key forest areas not only to confiscate these lethal traps and arrest poachers but also to halt illegal habitat destruction, such as logging and charcoal production, which threatens the ecosystem’s vital water towers.

MEP combines boots on the ground with cutting-edge science. The organisation actively monitors over 1,100 identified elephants through its ElephantBook database and deploys satellite collars to track movements in real-time. This critical data helps rangers react effectively to threats and informs long-term spatial planning to protect the ecosystem’s biodiversity. By understanding how elephants navigate this shrinking landscape, MEP is building a future where communities and wildlife can coexist.

For a deeper understanding of this complex work, we can arrange a private presentation by a member of MEP’s core team at the camp. This exclusive experience requires a minimum donation of USD $1,000 to the project. If requested, the presenter would be delighted to join you for dinner to continue the conversation.

Please note: This activity must be booked in advance and is subject to availability.