Elephants Alive, Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, & Free State Cheetah Conservation Program in Africa​

In January 2023, I joined Dr. Michelle Henley and her team at Elephants Alive, a South Africa based organization pioneering science-driven conservation to protect elephants and promote coexistence between people and wildlife.

Their mission is rooted in long-term ecological research tracking elephants across southern Africa using satellite collars, photographic ID databases, and behavioral studies to understand migration, communication, and the effects of human & wildlife conflict. Dr. Michelle’s work focuses on the delicate balance between elephants’ natural behaviors and the pressures created by expanding human landscapes.

One of their most fascinating projects is the Beehive Fence Initiative, which uses honeybees as a natural deterrent. Studies have shown that elephants fear bees not just the sting, but even the sound of buzzing. By placing beehives around farms and high-conflict zones, Elephants Alive creates a natural barrier that keeps elephants from raiding crops while producing honey that provides sustainable income for local families. It’s a perfect example of science meeting community empowerment.

Another vital part of their work is the Elephant Shepherd Programme , a field-based approach where trained “shepherds” monitor elephant movements and gently guide herds away from villages and farmlands. These local rangers use a rotating toolkit of non-lethal deterrents ,like chili-based sprays, reflective lights, and acoustic cues , to redirect elephants without causing stress or injury. The program’s success has led to over 80% reductions in human & elephant conflict in key regions, proving that empathy and science can coexist in the field.

Alongside this research, I met the inspiring Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, an all-women ranger force that partners with Elephants Alive to protect elephants from poaching and promote conservation awareness in rural schools.

Working alongside Dr. Michelle and her dedicated team opened my eyes to the true meaning of coexistence not just protecting elephants, but helping humans and wildlife share the same landscape in harmony.

To further expand my field experience, I traveled to South Africa’s Free State to study cheetah conservation, focusing on behavior, habitat management, and sustainable protection practices for these endangered cats.