Elefence is fortunate to have Nic Polenakis as one of its trustees. Nic is a premier guide who operates custom safaris in several areas of Africa. His website is myprivateafrica.com. Nic’s years of experience in the bush has endowed him with the ability to ‘read’ wildlife and know when it is ok to approach them and when one should stay away. Nic is a close friend of our president, Dick Houston, who both share a love of Africa’s wildlife and the efforts to protect it. Following is the latest communication from Nic.
Hi Dick
I hope you are keeping well.
I returned home last night after a few wonderful back to back safaris and am home for another week before I venture out again.
As usual I have been lucky and the sightings have been extraordinary with some incredible animal behaviour. It is in fact interpreting animal behaviour that I love and certainly helps breathe life into any game drive.
On my last safari to the Lower Zambezi National park in Zambia we were fortunate to locate one of my favourite leopards, Mai. Mai is an old female leopard (About 14 years old), she is wiley, has great experience and has seen it all. She has to be to live in a territory which has an ever present large pride of lion, loads of hyena, dogs, countless leopard and of course baboons!
We were driving back to camp when we heard the baboons giving their rather peculiar alarm call, a call given when a leopard has been cornered. We slowly approached the scene and there in a tree was Mai who was surrounded by a number of irate baboon. Many a young cat would have panicked and run for their lives which could have placed them in mortal danger however Mai lay on the branch, head on her forepaw, and pretended that she was not concerned or intimidated and stood her ground. Her bravery was disconcerting and totally threw the baboons who hoped to break her nerve. When a baboon ventured a little too close she growled in a way that sent shivers down the spine and certainly had the desired affect as the baboon suddenly turned around, walked away, sat down and then looked in a rather puzzled way at the leopard. The constant staring and intimidation by multiple baboon continued on for quite some time before the whole troop finally gave up and one by one slowly melted away into the forest.
The following day we found Mai sitting in some thickets, she had been hunting impala and was having a break when we found her. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for. We slowly disembarked one at a time from the vehicle and respectfully sat down on the ground with her. She is one of very few leopard who will tolerate this and in fact fell asleep with her back towards us as we sat 20 yards from her. Total trust and what an immense privilege! I will be returning to this region in a few weeks time and will definitely be on the look out for Mai once again!
I have attached a few links from our safari so please feel free to share far and wide:)
Meet Yammy. Over 10 years ago, Yammy joined our team as a camp worker. Today, he is one of the most trusted, skilled, and respected members of the Wildlife Action Group family. From pumping water and cleaning camp in his early days, Yammy now oversees maintenance across our operations. Whether it’s plumbing, vehicle maintenance, electrical repairs, welding, sewing, fixing equipment, or caring for trees as one of our local experts, there is very little he can’t turn his hand to. What makes Yammy truly remarkable isn’t just his incredible range of skills. He has had very little formal education, yet his mind is razor-sharp. He has an amazing ability to solve problems, learn new skills, and work out solutions where others might give up. His attitude has always been simple: “Can do. Will do.” Born in a village close to the forest boundary, Yammy is deeply committed to protecting this landscape and takes immense pride in his work. He is loyal, dedicated, dependable, and always willing to help wherever needed. Perhaps the thing everyone notices most is his smile. In all the years we’ve worked together, we’ve rarely seen him angry or in a bad mood. He brings positivity, kindness, and quiet determination to every day. People like Yammy are the heart of conservation. They remind us that success isn’t built by one person—it’s built by extraordinary local people who care deeply about their community, their forest, and each other. We are incredibly fortunate to have Yammy on our team. Thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and for being one of the very best.
After several months of delays due to weather, logistics, and bureaucracy our fence project has been completed. This was made possible through the dedication of Wildlife Action Group and funds provided by the Elephant Protection Initiative Fund and Elefence International Inc. EPIF purchased the materials and Elefence paid for the labor, freight and site survey. WAG did all the groundwork and all the coordination with the local villages involved. As you will see in the detailed report the installation of a fence provides mutual benefits for the people, wildlife and the forest. Our thanks go out to all the parties involved and especially our generous Elefence donors.
The Following is the report from Wildlife Action Group
Project Overview Wildlife Action Group is pleased to report the successful completion of a new 10-kilometre extension of the solar-powered elephant deterrent fence, extending from Gravel area TA Kalbalambe to the end of the Kamzati Group Village Head (GVH) area. TA Kachindimoto in the south eastern areas of the Dedza Salima Escarpment Forest Reserve. This extension was undertaken following repeated requests from local communities and traditional leaders who had been experiencing persistent crop damage caused by elephants moving between the forest and surrounding farmland. The project represents another important milestone in reducing human-elephant conflict while strengthening the long-term protection of both local livelihoods and wildlife.
Community-Led Planning The project began with a series of meetings involving Traditional Authorities(TA), Group Village Heads(GVH), village heads (VH) and community representatives. During these discussions: Communities explained the increasing impact of elephant crop raiding. The proposed fence alignment was presented and discussed. Traditional leaders formally agreed to the project. Community members committed their support throughout construction. Following these meetings, Wildlife Action Group staff walked the entire proposed fence alignment together with community representatives and Officers from the Department of Forestry. This participatory approach ensured that all boundary lines were agreed upon before construction commenced and prevented future land ownership disputes. The level of cooperation received from local leaders and residents exceeded expectations. The project was warmly welcomed by every community visited, creating a strong sense of shared ownership from the outset.
Procurement of Materials Once the alignment had been agreed, specialised fence materials were ordered and imported from South Africa. This included: High-tensile fencing wire Solar energiser equipment ie panels, energizers Insulators and tensioners Electrical components required for a long-distance wildlife fence Equipment such as fence testers, cutters, lightening divertors Careful planning ensured all materials arrived before major construction activities commenced.
Community Employment One of the major achievements of this project was the level of local employment created. More than 480 community members were employed to clear the fence line before construction began. The employment programme deliberately maintained equal opportunities for both women and men, ensuring the economic benefits of the project were shared fairly throughout the surrounding villages. The work provided valuable short-term income while simultaneously creating local ownership of the project.
Fence Construction Following completion of line clearing, Wildlife Action Group construction teams began installing the fence. Community members continued to work alongside our technical staff throughout construction, assisting with installation, wire placement and general site works. The result is a continuous 10-kilometre solar-powered elephant deterrent fence designed specifically to prevent elephants from entering agricultural land while allowing wildlife to continue using the protected forest.
Solar Power System A secure solar energiser system has been installed approximately at the midpoint of the fence. Positioning the energiser centrally enables electrical current to travel efficiently in both directions, maintaining consistent fence voltage across the entire length. The fence has undergone comprehensive testing and inspection. All faults identified during commissioning were corrected immediately, ensuring the system is now fully operational.
Security Camp To support long-term fence management, a temporary field camp has been established. This facility provides accommodation and operational support while bricks are being produced for the construction of a permanent secure camp that will become the long-term operational base for fence maintenance staff. The permanent camp will significantly improve security for the fence infrastructure while allowing rapid response to any faults or wildlife incidents.
Local Employment and Capacity Building Three full-time staff members have now been employed specifically for this fence. They are currently undergoing practical training in: Fence maintenance Electrical fault detection Vegetation management Solar energiser operation Daily monitoring and inspection and reporting Rapid repair procedures Building local technical capacity ensures the fence can be maintained effectively for many years.
Conservation Impact Beyond reducing human-elephant conflict, the project has already generated significant conservation benefits. During construction and boundary inspections it became clear that sections of protected forest land adjacent to the new fence had been illegally occupied. As a result of establishing this clearly defined boundary, a substantial area of protected forest has now been reclaimed from illegal encroachment. Unfortunately, extensive evidence of environmental degradation was recorded along parts of the boundary, including: Significant forest clearance. Illegal agricultural cultivation within the protected forest. Habitat destruction close to the forest edge. The fence now provides a clearly identifiable protected area boundary that will greatly assist future management and enforcement efforts and there is a good chance the forest will regenerate naturally with good protection.
Above: The last charcoal oven found in the area and destroyed.
Strengthening Law Enforcement The completion of this fence extension allows Wildlife Action Group to expand its law enforcement presence further south than previously possible. With a secure physical boundary now in place, ranger patrols can focus greater effort on preventing: Illegal agricultural expansion. Illegal logging. Charcoal production. Poaching. Other forest crimes. Elephant protection The fence therefore serves both as a human-elephant conflict mitigation measure and as an important conservation management tool.
Wildlife Protection This section of forest supports a resident breeding herd of elephants throughout the year, together with a bachelor group of four young bulls. By reducing conflict with neighbouring communities, the fence significantly improves the long-term security of these elephants. Communities are less likely to experience crop losses, while elephants are able to remain within protected habitat, reducing the risk of retaliatory actions and dangerous encounters. This represents an important step towards long-term coexistence between people and wildlife.
Community Response Perhaps the greatest success of this project has been the extraordinary level of community support. Throughout planning and construction, local leaders and residents demonstrated enthusiasm, cooperation and commitment. The atmosphere remained positive from beginning to end, with communities actively participating in decision-making, construction and ongoing management discussions. This strong partnership provides an excellent foundation for the long-term success and sustainability of the fence.
Looking Ahead The next phase of work will focus on: Constructing the permanent ranger camp. Completing staff training. Establishing routine maintenance schedules. Continued community engagement and creation of income generating projects Monitoring elephant movements and crop-raiding incidents. Strengthening protection of reclaimed forest areas. The project demonstrates how community partnership, practical conservation and sustainable infrastructure can work together to reduce conflict, improve livelihoods and protect wildlife. It is important to note that the area south of this fence still has no fence which means elephants can still walk along this fenceline and out into community lands, so there is a need to continue to secure funding to continue to extend the solar fence.
Thank You This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation and Elefence International who has been key to the ongoing building of fences around both Thuma and Dedza Salima Escarpment Forests. Your investment has delivered tangible benefits for both people and wildlife by reducing human-elephant conflict, creating employment, strengthening forest protection, expanding ranger operations and securing vital habitat for one of Malawi’s most important elephant populations. On behalf of Wildlife Action Group, the traditional leaders and the surrounding communities, we extend our sincere gratitude for making this project possible.
The Ancient Giants of the Escarpment by Wildlife Action Group, Malawi.
There is something truly magical about the magnificent baobab trees scattered across the Dedza–Salima Escarpment. No two are ever the same. Like people, each has its own shape, character, and personality. Some stand tall and proud, others are twisted by time, while some grow together like families that have shared centuries side by side. Whenever I stand beneath one, I can’t help but wonder… if only they could talk. These silent giants have watched generations come and go. They have witnessed changing seasons, wildlife, villages growing, old traditions, celebrations, hardships, and history unfolding around them. Long before roads, vehicles, or even many of today’s communities existed, these remarkable trees were already standing here. Baobabs are among Africa’s most extraordinary trees:
🌿 They can live for well over 1,000 years, with some believed to be more than 2,000 years old. 🌿 Their massive trunks store thousands of litres of water, helping them survive long droughts. 🌿 Their fruit, often called the “superfruit,” is rich in vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants. 🌿 Their flowers bloom for just a single night and are pollinated mainly by fruit bats. 🌿 Almost every part of the tree has been used by people for food, medicine, fibre, and shelter.
The baobab is often called “The Tree of Life”—and when you stand among these ancient giants on the escarpment, it’s easy to understand why. We are incredibly fortunate that the Dedza–Salima Escarpment still holds these living monuments. They remind us that conservation isn’t just about protecting wildlife—it’s also about preserving the ancient landscapes and natural heritage that connect us to the past and inspire future generations. May these remarkable trees continue to stand watch for centuries to come.
The Baobab is often called ‘The upside down tree’ and it is easy to see why as that is how it looks when its leaves fall off. There are several tales about why the tree is this way but the most common is that the tree was very proud and boastful about its beauty. The gods became angry at its arrogance so they uprooted it and planted it upside down.
Just to give you an idea about how massive these trees can grow this is Paula and I standing beside one.
This week, several of our community beekeeping groups completed their annual honey harvest. These projects form part of a long-term income-generating programme that helps communities benefit from living alongside and protecting the forest. We visited the Lilongwe side of Thuma to inspect the hives, purchase the honey, and, of course, enjoy plenty of tasting along the way! One of the most fascinating discoveries is how each group’s honey has its own unique flavour, despite the bees foraging within the same forest. The subtle differences in nectar sources create distinctive tastes that make every harvest special. Pure, natural forest honey has to be one of nature’s greatest gifts. Delicious, sustainable, and directly linked to healthy forests and thriving communities. I’m still buzzing from the taste! 🍯🐝🌳
When Dick and I visited the Thuma and Dedza-Salima forest reserves we saw one of the hives used to produce the honey. Quite different from what we see here but they are designed to prevent the honey badgers from raiding the hives. The beekeepers also place ashes around the base of the poles to keep out other predators.
An interesting fact is that elephants are terrified of bees and will not go near a hive or nest. The bees will sting an elephant in sensitive areas like around the eyes and tip of the trunk. Villages often keep hive around to prevent elephants from raiding their gardens.
First Baby Kudu Sighting of 2026! A special moment captured in Thuma Forest this April — the first baby kudu spotted on our camera traps for 2026! Hidden carefully in the tall grass beside its mother, this young calf is a beautiful sign of a healthy and thriving ecosystem. During this time of year, many antelope species begin giving birth as the rainy season provides abundant food and cover for their young. For the first few weeks of life, kudu calves spend much of their time lying quietly concealed in vegetation while their mothers feed nearby and return regularly to nurse them. This natural survival strategy helps protect them from predators. Every new birth in the forest is a reminder of why protecting habitats matters. Through ranger patrols, habitat protection, and ongoing wildlife monitoring, we continue working to ensure these incredible animals have a safe future in Thuma Forest. Welcome to the wild, little one!
In many areas in Africa people and elephants live in close proximity. Paula and I learned just how close when coming out of a restaurant in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, a town of about 30k people, there was an elephant walking down the middle of the street stopping traffic. While our encounter was entertaining that is not the case in rural areas. Elephants raid crops planted by local farmers. A few elephants can wipe out a farmer’s entire crop in one night causing economic disaster for a family. Even worse, it is not uncommon for elephants to kill people.
In the area where Elefence is partnering with Wildlife Action Group three people were killed by elephants in less than two years one of which was an experienced forest ranger. Before traveling to Africa I would have wondered, how this can happen. Elephants are very large animals. A full grown bull can be 13 feet tall and weigh 5-6 tons. To get an idea of just how large they are look at the following photo of one close to a compact auto. How can something this huge be overlooked in the forest?
When we were on a game drive with our guide, Custard, and yes that was his name, we came around a bend and standing in the path about 100 yards away was a large bull elephant. Custard stopped and turned off the engine and told us to remain quiet and move around very little while taking photos. Shortly the bull began to walk toward us. It was about 30 yards away when I became struck by the fact that we were sitting in the open back of a pickup truck and should the bull decide to remove us from his path he could easily turn the vehicle over. Custard was unconcerned. About ten yards away he turned off the path and moved around us through the bush. When I began breathing again I became aware that had I shut my eyes all I would have heard was a slight rustling of the bushes. He was that quiet.
Elephants are large but walk very gingerly, putting one foot down softly before advancing another. In addition if you look at their feet closely you will notice the wide area at the end of their leg which acts like a big cushion. It is almost like they walk on pillows. They can move so quietly it is no wonder they can go undetected until it is too late.
One of Elefence’s mission is resolution of HEC, Human Elephant Conflict, which is a widely recognized problem in rural Africa and often draws demands from locals to kill the elephants. Our solution is construction of solar powered electric fencing to keep the two species apart therefore protecting both. WAG is currently erecting an extension to the fence around the Dedza-Salima reserve funded by a private donation to Elefence. A fence not only protects both people and elephants it is an economic benefit as local villagers are paid to construct the fence but also patrol and maintain it as well.
A Story of Survival: Little Sergeant Back in late 2016, we first spotted a young elephant we came to call Little Sergeant — less tha one year old, and heartbreakingly missing half his trunk. At the time, we didn’t hold out much hope for his survival. Life in the wild is tough… and even more so with such a disadvantage. Then, in 2019, he was seen again — against the odds, still going strong. After that… nothing. No sightings. No signs. Just silence. Until now. While reviewing recent camera trap footage, we couldn’t believe our eyes… there he was. Little Sergeant — alive, thriving, and all grown up. Now around ten years old, he’s no longer the vulnerable calf we once feared for. He’s strong, resilient, and even captured play-fighting with another elephant — a true sign of confidence and health in the wild. This is why we do what we do. This is why protecting wild spaces matters. Nature is powerful. Nature is resilient. And sometimes… it gives us stories like this.
PS Little Sergeant probably lost half of his trunk in a snare set by a poacher. Snares are horribly cruel and subject wildlife to an agonizing death or maiming. The rangers are in a constant battle to remove snares in the forest reserves.
As you know Wildlife Action Group’s primary mission is protecting the Thuma and Dedza-Salima forest reserves and its wildlife. A close second is helping the surrounding villages improve their standard of living. The establishment of poultry clubs is one way which has been very successful. Following is a recent post from WAG:
Poultry Clubs Thriving Through Knowledge & Good Practice Our community poultry clubs are doing incredibly well — and it’s no accident. Through good animal husbandry practices, consistent monitoring, and improved housing and feeding systems, members are seeing healthier birds and stronger flocks. A major success has been the implementation of a strict Newcastle Disease vaccination protocol. Our trained community vaccinators are ensuring timely and correct vaccine administration, significantly reducing preventable losses and improving flock survival rates. But the real impact goes beyond healthy chickens. Households are now: ✔️ Making informed decisions about flock size and stock management ✔️ Planning sales strategically to generate income ✔️ Improving household nutrition ✔️ Strengthening financial independence Access to knowledge means access to choice. And choice means empowerment. When farmers understand disease control, feed management, and market timing, they are no longer reacting to losses — they are planning for growth. This is what sustainable, community-led development looks like.
The raising of chickens provides multiple benefits. The flocks supply meat and eggs for better nutrition as well as income when the clubs sell the birds and eggs. It also gives a sense of self worth to the people for engaging in a worthwhile enterprise and teaches them valuable skills about business.
In the future we will report on the success of some of the other WAG programs
Zebra Thriving in Thuma! The recent introduction of zebra into Thuma Forest Reserve has, to date, been a great success — and we are absolutely thrilled. Seeing these beautiful animals settling in, grazing peacefully, and adapting well to their new environment is a powerful reminder of what careful planning, strong partnerships, and dedicated protection can achieve. Their presence strengthens the ecosystem, restores natural balance, and adds to the rich biodiversity of Thuma. It is not just about adding a species — it is about rebuilding and enhancing a healthy, functioning landscape. Moments like this make the hard work worthwhile. We look forward to watching them continue to thrive and contribute to the future of Thuma’s wildlife. Here’s to restoration. Here’s to resilience. Here’s to zebra running free. Thank you to all who have been part of this revival.
By the way the correct pronunciation is not zEEEbra, it is Zebra with a short E. Not sure if I will ever get used to that.
Elefence International, Inc. 