Geospatial Information for Wildlife Conservation

Challenge Description

Africa’s diverse wildlife constitutes a significant part of the continent’s ecological and cultural heritage. Yet, conservation efforts are increasingly challenged by human activities, habitat degradation, and climate change. Geospatial technologies offer promising solutions to enhance wildlife conservation strategies by providing accurate spatial data for informed decision-making.

Geospatial technologies offer invaluable tools for addressing the complex challenges faced by wildlife conservation in Africa. Through collaborative efforts, innovative projects, and the integration of spatial data, these technologies empower conservationists, policymakers, and local communities to make informed decisions, mitigate threats, and promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife across the continent.

GIS- and GPS-based projects have already been implemented in a number of African countries. 

The Kenyan Save the Elephants’ Elephant Collaring Program employs GPS collars equipped with satellite tracking capabilities to monitor the movements of collared elephants in real-time. This data helps researchers understand elephant migration patterns, identify key corridors, and assess habitat use, aligning with the objectives of the Elephant Crisis Fund’s Collaring for Coexistence Program.

The University of Minnesota Lion Center’s Serengeti Lion Project in Tanzania utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze lion movement data collected from GPS collars. GIS allows researchers to map lion territories, identify important habitat areas, and assess connectivity between lion populations across the Serengeti ecosystem, supporting the IUCN’s Land and Water Use Planning for Wildlife Corridors.

In South Africa, tThe Greater Kruger Carnivore Project initiated by the University of Pretoria employs GIS to analyze GPS tracking data from collared carnivores, including lions, leopards, and hyenas. Spatial analysis techniques help researchers identify overlap zones, potential conflict areas with humans, and corridors connecting different parts of the landscape, corresponding with the objectives of Transboundary Conservation Areas.

International involvement

The African Wildlife Foundation’s Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is a geospatial tool designed to track wildlife movements and monitor poaching activities across protected areas in Africa. SMART integrates GPS data from collared animals with satellite imagery and other geospatial layers to identify key wildlife corridors, detect threats, and inform conservation interventions.

The Elephant Crisis Fund supports the Collaring for Coexistence Program, which focuses on collaring elephants and other wildlife species to track their movements and understand their habitat requirements. Geospatial information generated from these collaring efforts helps identify critical migration routes, hotspots of human-wildlife conflict, and areas in need of conservation attention.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) leads a project that aims to enhance the conservation of wildlife corridors in Eastern and Southern Africa through integrated land and water use planning. Geospatial information is used to identify and prioritize wildlife corridors, assess land use conflicts, and develop land management strategies that support both human livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.

Solutions

• Transboundary Conservation Areas

Transboundary conservation initiatives, such as the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, emphasize the importance of maintaining connectivity between protected areas to facilitate wildlife movement across national borders. Geospatial information is crucial for delineating transboundary conservation areas, identifying critical wildlife corridors, and coordinating conservation efforts among multiple stakeholders.

• Satellite-Based Wildlife Monitoring

Satellite imagery and remote sensing technology can be used to monitor changes in land cover and habitat fragmentation that affect animal movement routes. For instance, the technology has already been implemented by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). By analyzing satellite data, WCS and other conservation groups can identify threats to wildlife corridors, prioritize conservation interventions, and advocate for land use policies that support landscape connectivity.