Statement on the killing of Super Tusker elephants in Tanzania

(Nairobi, Kenya – 26 April 2024) IFAW is deeply concerned about the recent killing of two ‘Super Tusker’ elephants in the transboundary landscape of Northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya. At a time when elephants are facing increasing threats from climate change, habitat loss and demand for their ivory, conservation interventions should be geared towards protecting the endangered species—not killing them. Trophy hunting is legal in Tanzania but illegal in Kenya. Elephants form part of this trans-boundary population and share one ecosystem. Decisions on trophy hunting in this area must consider the voices of stakeholders from both countries.

The transboundary landscape is a conservation jewel that is home to the world famous Amboseli National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve (places recognized for their significant conservation value and potential to drive sustainable development). A unique and scenic park, Amboseli is known for three things: majestic herds of elephants, breathtaking views of Mt Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania, and big tuskers.

With less than 30 Super Tuskers left today, these huge elephants are becoming a rare sighting. The bulls, active males in their reproductive prime, are critically important for breeding and spreading vital genetic diversity to their offspring. Killing Super Tuskers threatens the genetic integrity of populations, jeopardising their future existence. The killing of super tuskers cannot be ethically justified and the delusion that older elephant bulls no longer contribute to the gene pool in a population is not factual. Big tuskers also play a crucial social role within their herds, helping to keep unruly young males in check, thereby controlling their aggression.

Finally, elephants are critical to Kenya’s wildlife tourism portfolio, a cornerstone for the nation’s economy. In 2022 alone, tourism grossed over USD $1.8 billion, creating employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods to local communities.

Decision making on the hunting of wildlife, especially along the Kenya-Tanzania border should be grounded in science, data, and a clear understanding of the level of threat facing species - not just in legality. Together with other conservation partners, IFAW urges the Government of Kenya and Tanzania to engage in consultative bilateral dialogue to formally reinstate the moratorium, which agrees on a temporary suspension of hunting along the border of Kenya and Tanzania and has been respected by Tanzania since 1995 until last year.

The Amboseli-Kilimanjaro conservation area represents an important elephant cluster, central to the success of IFAW’s transformative Room to Roam initiative—a bold agenda to secure and connect key habitats and create safe passages for elephants and other wild animals to move freely through their ranges in Eastern Africa.

ENDS 

High-resolution photographs available at: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/CnlWcv6yLM

Notes to editors 

A Super Tusker refers to an elephant bull with huge tusks that each weigh over 45 kgs (100 pounds). In some cases, their long tusks may scrape the ground as the elephant walks around foraging for food. The bulls, active males in their reproductive prime, are critically important for breeding and spreading vital genetic diversity to their offspring. They also play a crucial social role, helping to keep unruly young males in check, thereby controlling their aggression.

Press Contacts: 

Nairobi, Kenya
Guyo Adhi 
Communications Officer, East Africa 
m: +254 701 928 662 
e: gadhi@ifaw.org