This week, PeaceParks.TV encounters resourceful elephants sizing up and stepping on Maputo National Park’s fences in order to get through them. The team reveals an ingenious solution which protects both people and wildlife by keeping the two separate and safe.
Here in the area neighbouring the park – communities’ lives and livelihoods are vulnerable to wildlife encounters. Elephants, in particular, cause conflict when they cross into community areas in search of food, trampling crops and potentially endangering lives. Until recently, fences have failed to deter these crafty animals because elephants are quick learners; they have worked out how to avoid electric wiring by pushing down poles with their tusks and feet.
Brian Neubert, Peace Parks Foundation’s Operations Manager in working in the park, explains how the team are constructing tentacle fences that prevent these breakouts. These fences have been successfully trialled with elephants in other conservation areas. The basic fence structure is fitted with electrified wires that extend outward by a metre from the main fence, forming a fringe which can’t be grasped or trodden on by the elephants attempting to cross. Used to a more solid structure, elephants are now confronted with a wobbling and unpredictable fence line which they avoid. There has been an estimated 90% decrease in breakouts since the project began. This forms part of several strategies to manage elephant movements, ensuring that people, crops, livelihoods and elephants are protected.
Another great benefit of installing tentacle fences is that the park employs community members to construct and then maintain the new fences. This provides meaningful employment for people in this rural landscape who have very few work opportunities.
The two-year project started in January 2024 and is being made possible thanks to financial support from the Portugues Embassy in Mozambique.
Maputo National Park was first established in 1960 as the Special Elephant Reserve to protect the coastal elephant population in the region – with impressive results. Numbers have grown well, leading to famously flourishing herds and spectacular sightings. Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas and Peace Parks Foundation have been working together to restore, protect and develop the park, with the crucial support of partners, funders and donors. It is immensely encouraging to see conservation and community initiatives such as this working hand-in-hand, helping to ensure peaceful coexistence between people and #NatureWithoutBorders.
Keep watching PeaceParks.TV for more updates and action from the field.
