The African elephant is a transboundary species, with individuals known to travel across several countries. Fauna & Flora International (FFI) therefore takes a transboundary conservation approach. FFI protects forest elephants in the forest landscape of Ziama-Wonegizi-Wologizi-Foya between Guinea and Liberia. This landscape offers one of the last viable and intact habitats to support forest elephants in West Africa. FFI is strengthening forest and species protection and maintaining connectivity between these forest areas, only some of which are officially protected.
In the Ziama classified forest (forêt classée) – a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve containing the last remaining population of forest elephants in Guinea – we are supporting the development and implementation of a management plan, which is essential for good governance, effective law enforcement and biomonitoring.
In Liberia, we are working with the government to implement the National Elephant Action Plan along with supporting the wildlife authority and communities on governance and management of protected and proposed protected areas.
FFI is also tackling the illegal wildlife trade crisis afflicting Mozambique’s vast and crucially important Niassa National Reserve by strengthening anti-poaching measures in Chuilexi Conservancy, which forms a key section of the wider reserve. As poaching has intensified in the area over the last five years, this conservancy is a vital refuge for Niassa’s elephants and contains up to a quarter of its remaining population. Alongside important community work, FFI is continuing to strengthen law enforcement in Chuilexi to help protect its elephants and other species from poachers.