Not only is the Acacia tree essential to the elephant habitat, but the elephant is also essential to the future of the Acacia tree. The trees provide much needed shade, and during "podding" season, elephants feed on thousands of Acacia tortilis seed pods and distribute them far and wide in their dung droppings. This gives the seeds a chance to germinate away from the old trees.

However, elephants also harm the trees. They strip the bark from Acacia trees, resulting in the death of the tree when a full circle of bark is removed. Elephant Watch Safaris and Save the Elephants are cooperating on two projects aimed to protect the Acacia trees of the Samburu National Reserve, as well as surrounding areas.

The first project, Wire Trees, involves wrapping the trunk of a tree with chicken wire. This simple process is highly effective in protecting the trees, as the elephants find it difficult to get through the chicken wire with their tusks.


The second project, Bees and Trees, will both protect the trees and help the economy of local people. It has been shown that when elephants begin stripping bark from trees hung with beehives, the bees swarm and chase the elephant away. A total of 80 log hives will be placed in large trees along the Ewaso Ngiro River and outside of the park boundary. Through the sale of by-products, such as honey and beeswax, the local economy will benefit.

Elephant Watch Safaris also plans to support the local school with technical advice in harvesting, packaging, marketing and sale of honey. The local Samburu schools have had major financial problems providing their students with basic necessities, such as food. It is hoped that the beehive project will provide the schools with sustainable income. In addition, students will be actively participating in conservation of the park and surrounding areas. Ideally this local honey will be sold to and in lodges within the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

If you would like to make a contribution to support any of the Elephant Watch projects, please contact Oria Douglas-Hamilton at elephantwatch@africaonline.co.ke. A contribution of any amount will help make a difference!