Elephant Research. Our research on orphaned and wild elephants is led by PhD student Halina Malinowski, who brings extensive experience in elephant ecology and behavior. Halina has worked closely with elephant conservation programs for many years, giving her deep insight into the challenges and opportunities of studying these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Her research focuses on understanding how rehabilitated elephants, who were orphaned as calves, adapt to the wild after reintroduction. By comparing their behavior and health with wild-born elephants, Halina aims to shed light on key conservation questions that have global implications.

A central question in our research is whether rehabilitated elephants can fulfill the same ecological roles as their wild counterparts. Elephants are ecosystem engineers, and their movements, use of the landscape, and social structures have a profound impact on their environments. Our study seeks to understand whether rehabilitated elephants move through and use the landscape similarly, maintain similar health profiles, and form social bonds in a way that mirrors wild elephant populations. The answers to these questions are critical for informing reintroduction programs and ensuring that conservation efforts are truly successful.

Our research is also guided by a community-focused and decolonized lens, recognizing the importance of local knowledge and the impacts that shifting elephant movement patterns can have on surrounding communities. Elephants, as they move through landscapes, can influence agricultural practices, local economies, and access to resources. We are mindful of these dynamics, particularly around Kafue National Park, where communities and conservation agencies must navigate the complex relationship between wildlife conservation and human livelihoods. By working closely with local leaders, stakeholders, and organizations, we ensure that our research not only advances scientific knowledge but also supports the well-being of those who share the land with elephants.

This approach also involves being attentive to the needs and concerns of the communities surrounding the park. We aim to understand how changes in elephant movements, whether from rehabilitated or wild populations, impact local economies, from tourism to agriculture. By prioritizing community engagement, we strive to ensure that conservation efforts benefit both elephants and people. This decolonized approach emphasizes the value of local voices and seeks to avoid imposing external conservation models without considering the cultural, social, and economic realities of the region. Our collaboration with agencies operating in Kafue National Park also reflects our commitment to working within existing frameworks to support both conservation and community resilience.

This research is conducted in close partnership with Game Rangers International (GRI), an organization dedicated to protecting Zambia’s wildlife and ecosystems. GRI’s mission is to secure a future for elephants and other endangered species through direct conservation efforts, rehabilitation, and community engagement. Their community-based approach empowers local people to become stewards of their natural resources, creating a sustainable model for conservation that combines education, livelihood support, and the preservation of wildlife. GRI’s collaborative framework allows us to conduct field research in a way that respects both the elephants and the communities they impact.

We are also deeply grateful for the support and partnership of Dr. Daniella Chusyd from Indiana University, whose groundbreaking work on elephant physiology and behavior has been instrumental in shaping and supporting our research. Dr. Chusyd has made significant contributions to understanding how elephants respond to environmental stressors, particularly in the context of human-wildlife conflict and climate change. Her expertise in using innovative techniques to study elephant health and her collaboration with our team has been invaluable as we work to unlock the mysteries of rehabilitated elephant ecology. This project would not be possible without her continued guidance and partnership.

Wildlife Research. In addition to our focus on elephants, our lab is deeply interested in the larger ecological system of Kafue National Park. To understand this complex ecosystem, we employ multiple advanced technologies, including camera traps and collar data provided by Dr. Daniella Chusyd. These tools allow us to gather detailed information on wildlife movement, behavior, and habitat use. By combining these technologies, we can capture a more complete picture of how different species interact with each other and their environment, helping us identify patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.

A key component of our research is species distribution modeling, a powerful method for predicting where species are likely to be found based on environmental factors and observed occurrences. This approach provides valuable insights into habitat preferences, potential range shifts due to climate change, and areas of critical conservation importance. Species distribution models help us better understand the spatial dynamics of wildlife populations, informing management strategies that aim to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health. By integrating these models with the data we collect, we can make more informed decisions about conservation and restoration efforts, ensuring that Kafue National Park remains a vibrant and resilient ecosystem for generations to come.

 

About Kafue National Park. Kafue National Park, established in 1950, is Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, spanning over 22,400 square kilometers. Located in the center of the country, it boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, from floodplains and wetlands to miombo woodlands and savannas. This varied landscape creates habitats for a wide array of wildlife, making Kafue one of the most ecologically rich areas in Africa. The park is home to more than 150 species of mammals, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and several antelope species like sable, roan, and hartebeest. It also supports a vast bird population, with more than 500 species recorded.

Kafue’s ecological significance extends beyond its wildlife. The park plays a critical role in supporting local communities through ecosystem services such as water regulation, carbon storage, and soil conservation. Ecotourism is another vital aspect of Kafue’s importance, providing jobs and revenue for the local economy. Tourists are drawn to its vast wilderness and opportunities for wildlife viewing, helping sustain conservation efforts and raising awareness of Zambia’s natural heritage.

However, Kafue National Park faces a number of threats that put its ecosystems and wildlife at risk. Poaching remains a significant problem, particularly for elephants and other high-value species. Habitat degradation due to illegal logging, charcoal production, and agricultural encroachment also threatens the park’s biodiversity. Additionally, climate change is altering the park’s hydrology, which affects not only wildlife but also the ecosystem services that local communities rely on. Effective conservation efforts and sustainable tourism are crucial to addressing these challenges and ensuring that Kafue’s rich ecological landscape continues to thrive.