One of Nigeria's Last Herds

There are few surviving populations in West Africa. This one needs protection.

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THE ISSUE

Yankari Game Reserve occupies 866 square miles in a volatile region of Nigeria, home to buffaloes, hippos, lions, and, at 100-200 animals, one of the only elephant populations left in this huge country.

Among the threats to the elephants, in addition to poaching, is conflict with farmers in the villages surrounding the park. Elephants raid the farmers' crops and the farmers retaliate.

Photo Credit: © WCS Nigeria

COMBATING THE PROBLEM

WCS co-manages this reserve with the state government. As part of our protection efforts, we launched the Elephant Guardian Program in six of the most vulnerable villages around Yankari.

In collaboration with village heads and chiefs, our WCS team trained 12 people from these towns on safe and effective means of chasing elephants from farms and how to act as a first line of defense. We also armed them with solar-powered lanterns, monthly phone credits for communicating with the WCS office, and modest monthly allowances. So far, it's been a tremendous success.


SUPPORT THE YANKARI COMMUNITY

Yankari is a remote reserve in an unstable region. Its champions need our support to protect an important population of elephants. Donate today and help them hold the line.

SUPPORT THE YANKARI COMMUNITY

Yankari is a remote reserve in an unstable region. Its champions need our support to protect an important population of elephants. Donate today and help them hold the line.