How Cooperation Secured the Future of South Africa’s Smallest Free-Roaming Elephant Herd
Human-wildlife conflict is rarely simple. In northern KwaZulu-Natal, it threatened the survival of a vulnerable elephant herd for more than a decade — until collaboration helped open the door to a lasting solution.
The greater Mawana/Loziba elephants are South Africa’s smallest isolated free-roaming elephant population. For many years, they ranged across northern KwaZulu-Natal. But as damaged fences went unrepaired and land uses shifted around them, their natural movements brought them into closer contact with nearby farms and communities. Tension grew not out of malice, but simply due to proximity. When the original reserve owners failed to restore key fences, the herd was declared res nullius — meaning they had no legal protection — which triggered an urgent search for a solution that could keep both people and elephants safe.
A historic partnership between Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, Humane World for Animals, and Loziba Wildlife Reserve formed with a shared goal: long-term coexistence rooted in science, welfare, and respect for surrounding communities.
In November 2024, a proposal was made for an emergency conservation area of approximately 8,300 hectares south of the original reserve. The plan was accepted, contingent on fences meeting strict standards and the implementation of a comprehensive Elephant Management Plan. While those conditions were being met, immediate conflict-mitigation measures were introduced to reduce risk on the ground.
Non-lethal, science-based strategies were deployed to stabilize the herd and reduce tensions. Fertility control through immunocontraception was introduced to manage population growth humanely, while conflict-response units were equipped with specialised tools. Community engagement was central to the effort, with dedicated elephant shepherds trained to help guide peaceful coexistence. GPS tracking and virtual fencing provided real-time insights into elephant movement and enabled rapid response when needed.
Months of effort culminated in the completion of a 66-kilometre perimeter fence around Loziba Wildlife Reserve. The design, which includes an innovative “tentacle” system, prevents elephants from making direct contact with risky areas while guiding their movement safely within the reserve. The virtual fence linked to satellite collars alerts rangers when elephants approach sensitive zones.
In early November, teams gently guided the herd toward the Loziba corridor and successfully closed the majority of elephants inside the newly fenced reserve. A few bulls remained outside temporarily, but were gradually shepherded in as well. By November 10, 28 elephants were safely within the reserve, and they are now being closely monitored and appear to be settling well.
This success is not only about protecting elephants. The establishment and ongoing management of the reserve have created jobs for local communities — from fencing and security to wildlife monitoring and eco-tourism. Elephants remain one of South Africa’s most powerful tourism attractions, supporting lodges, guides, and hospitality services in the region. Skills development initiatives linked to the reserve are also intended to boost income opportunities for surrounding villages.
The project demonstrates that coexistence is possible when science, collaboration, and willpower come together. Non-lethal, ethical solutions are ready to be deployed elsewhere, offering hope for other human-wildlife conflict situations. After years of uncertainty, this small elephant herd now has space to move, safety to settle, and a future shaped by cooperation rather than conflict.
