subject: Volunteering In Namibia Saving The Elephants [print this page] Animals all over the world are disappearing in front of our eyes. It is more important than ever that we focus our efforts on conserving the habitat of as many species as possible. If you are looking for opportunities to get involved, volunteering in Namibia can be a great way of contributing to the African wildlife's conservation.
On of the species that African conservation work is focused on is the African elephant. It used to walk the plains of the continent in strengths of millions, but now their numbers have significantly diminished. African elephants are the largest animals in the world and its presence on the earth is vital for the biosphere. It can easily be identified by their ears that look like the shape of continent itself. A fully grown animal can weigh up to 6000 kg and measure up to 3.3 meters (this is the equivalent of 10 ft.) high to the shoulder.
The main threat to the African elephant is the ivory market main, which is the main driver for poaching. Although some people hunt elephants for their meat, most do so for the animals big tusks and their value. Since 1989, when the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora banned ivory trade, the business has been limited and slowly diminished. However, to this date, on the world's ivory market there is still a demand for ivory only being satisfied if 12,000 elephants die. Many local governments do not have the resources to stop the poaching. As a volunteer it is your job to help raise awareness in the local community and help them understand why it is so important to conserve the species. This is also vital when it comes to the second main reason for the African elephant's vulnerability. The conflict between local communities and elephants is also posing a significant threat to the species. The main impact on the animal comes from logging, agriculture, development of infrastructure and human settlements.
As a volunteer in Namibia you can contribute to the collection of important data that biologists can analyse and compare to come up with suggestions for the future conservation of the animals in the area, such as the elephant. You will also help develop and deliver material that is designed to pass on the knowledge gathered about the elephants and what we can do for them. By educating the local population, you as a volunteer, can help create a long term sustainable conservation project that can be maintained long after you have gone home.
