The Majestic Baobab Tree

On July 9, 2026July 9, 2026 By Jon Stevenson2 Comments

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.

Honey Harvest Time

On June 21, 2026 By Jon StevensonLeave a comment

From our partner in Malawi, Wildlife Action Group

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.

BTW The honey was great!

New Life in the Forest

On May 25, 2026May 25, 2026 By Jon StevensonLeave a comment

By Lynn Clifford

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!

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Elefence delivered 10 camera traps to WAG last year. The remote cameras significantly help in monitoring wildlife and other activity in the reserves.

Protecting elephants and people, our primary mission.

On May 8, 2026May 25, 2026 By Jon StevensonLeave a comment

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.

Little Sergeant, alive and well

On April 18, 2026April 18, 2026 By Jon Stevenson2 Comments

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.

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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.

Community poultry clubs

On April 7, 2026 By Jon StevensonLeave a comment

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

Elefence International Inc.

Another success for WAG

On March 18, 2026 By Jon StevensonLeave a comment

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.

Baby Mwayi update from Lynn

On March 6, 2026 By Jon Stevenson1 Comment

Today we received this sad news from Lynn

lynn clifford
Attachments
11:43 AM (2 hours ago)

I just wanted to reach out to you personally to thank you for everything you did to help little Mwayi.
Yesterday, with heavy hearts, we said goodbye to a very special little life — our Mwayi.
She arrived to us very fragile and vulnerable, yet quickly captured the hearts of everyone. From the beginning we knew her chances were uncertain, but we were determined that she would not face those challenges alone. Our carers stayed by her side day and night, giving her every chance through medical care, nourishment, comfort, and love.
Though her time with us was short, Mwayi reminded us why this work matters so deeply, because every wild life is precious, and every one is worth fighting for.
For more than fifteen years, Wildlife Action Group has worked to safeguard the elephants that live within the Thuma / Dedza-Salima Forest landscape. This region is home to what may be one of the last remaining escarpment elephant populations in Africa. When our work began, only about 65 elephants remained. Today, through persistent protection and the support of people who believe in this mission, that number has grown to more than 300.
Mwayi was one of them, born into this fragile and remarkable herd that we work every day to protect.
In her memory, we will continue that work with even greater determination.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and for your kindness and caring so much.
Sending our deepest gratitude always
Lynn and the WAG team.xx

Since Lynn has a deep affection for animals of all kinds this loss has hit her particularly hard. Knowing Lynn as we do, however, we expect to continue on in her fight to protect the two forest reserves and the people who surround them.

Baby Mwayi Update

On February 27, 2026 By Jon StevensonLeave a comment

From Lynn. The little one is improving but she has a way to go for full recovery. She recently had some surgery to treat an infected umbilical which seems to be healing

Baby Mwayi Update ♥️🐘
There are gentle signs of hope for little Mwayi.
Her milk intake has increased, and she’s showing more energy. While we remain cautious given her fragile condition, these small steps forward feel incredibly meaningful. Each feed, each spark of strength, is something we hold onto tightly.
One of the most beautiful things to witness is the bond she has formed with her caregivers. They are by her side 24/7, watching over her, comforting her, responding to her every need. In the quiet hours of the night and the long days of careful monitoring, love surrounds her constantly. They lovingly call her “our daughter” and it’s easy to see why. She reaches for them for reassurance, and they are always there.
Mwayi needs all the love, care, and attention she can get to give her the fighting chance she deserves.
Thanks to your incredible support, we are able to stand beside the team on the ground and ensure she receives everything she needs.

Baby Elephant Rescue

On February 9, 2026February 9, 2026 By Jon Stevenson1 Comment

In mid January a baby elephant was swept into a river which was swollen from the recent rains. It was quickly washed away from its mother who could not get to it. Fortunately a group of the local villagers were able to pull it from the river but it was exhausted and in bad shape. They immediately contacted Wildlife Action Group who came quickly to take care of the baby. Baby ellies are very hard to raise and Lynn knew they had very limited time to bring it back to health. The first thought was to get it back to the mother as soon as possible but locating the correct herd and mother was not successful. Lynn went into action and immediately contacted several people who had the specific knowledge on what needed to be done. The baby is currently still in poor condition and recovery is far from guaranteed. Following is Lynn’s recent update to us.

HI Dick
Sorry this is a generic update for you as we have so many people wanting to know
At present, the calf remains in a fragile and critical early-stage condition. She is experiencing ongoing difficulty with feeding and has been suffering from episodes of diarrhoea, which have made stabilization challenging. Her condition fluctuates on a daily basis, with periods of improvement followed by setbacks, which is not uncommon in neonate orphan elephants of her estimated age and size.
The previously identified umbilical infection is currently being actively managed and appears to be under control at this time, though continued monitoring remains essential. The calf is notably small and weak and very young, which further complicates her recovery and requires intensive, adaptive care.
To ensure the highest possible standards of welfare and technical guidance, we have secured 24-hour access to expert support from expert and experienced wildlife rescue and elephant rehabilitation specialist Ms. Liz O’Brien, , who is providing continuous remote oversight and guidance. In addition, Game Rangers International(GRI) is available as backup support, including expert input from Dr Amanda Le Salb, should further intervention or consultation be required.
On the ground, Baby Ellie is receiving round-the-clock care from a dedicated team of eight Malawian staff members, operating on a 24-hour rotation. These staff members are undergoing continuous hands-on training and mentorship and have demonstrated exceptional commitment, empathy, and responsiveness to the calf’s needs under difficult and emotionally demanding conditions.
It is important to note that Baby Ellie remains in the very early days of care, and despite all reasonable and appropriate interventions being applied, her prognosis remains guarded. As with all neonatal orphan wildlife cases, particularly elephants, outcomes can be unpredictable, and changes—both positive and negative—can occur rapidly.

All actions taken to date have been guided by animal welfare priorities, professional advice, and the best available knowledge under the circumstances
Lynn

Following are photos of Baby Mwayi, which means ‘Luck” and she certainly needs it. Stay tuned for updates on her condition. If you have not done so scroll down to see our post about our newest fence project.