Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra is one of the last strongholds for Sumatran elephants. The forests are home to 180 Sumatran elephants - herds that make up more than 10% of the world’s remaining population.
But these forests, and the elephants that live there, are under threat. Which is why, with your help, the River Patrol Team vigilantly patrols these precious forests to fight fires, protect against illegal activities, and help prevent human-elephant conflict.
Since the River Patrol Team’s formation in 2019, they have noted that the three most dominant threats to elephants and other wildlife in Way Kambas are poaching, logging, and wildfires.
Today, we're happy to share some stories from recent patrols that prove just how powerful your support truly is in standing strong against these deadly threats.
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Defending Against Poaching
The River Patrol Team’s presence in the forest saves countless wild lives every single day – just by physically being there in the forest and stopping poachers in their tracks.
On one recent patrol, the team tracked a group of three poachers through the forest. Noticing the team on their tails, the poachers immediately fled the forest before they could be arrested.
While continuing the patrol, the team found a heart-breaking total of 17 snare traps in nine different locations, all set to injure and kill wildlife.
Every single snare was destroyed on the spot, saving countless elephants and other precious wild lives.
And it’s all because you care.
Your support meant that the River Patrol Team could be there, on the ground, protecting Way Kambas. And not only did the poachers leave and their snares were destroyed, they are much less likely to ever return again, knowing that they can be caught at any moment.
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The removal of deadly snares set by poachers in the forest.
Prosecuting Offenders
In February this year, the River Patrol Team arrested four poachers in Way Kambas. They confiscated firearms, ammunition, knives, ropes, and sadly, animal remains. The offenders were interrogated, and evidence was handed over to the local police department.
And today, they are on trial.
The River Patrol team are acting as witnesses, providing essential evidence to hold each poacher responsible for their actions.
Your kindness gives our teams the support they need to participate in cases like this, prosecuting wrongdoers and setting a very clear example for other poachers in the area. With your help, we can end poaching, one arrest at a time.
Evidence of footprints used to help track poachers in the forest.
Your kindness funds these patrol missions. With every gift, you help stop poachers in their tracks, prosecute offenders, and destroy countless deadly snares set to injure and kill wildlife.
Thank you!
With you by their side, elephants can roam safe, free and protected in the thriving wild forests of Way Kambas National Park.
Program: River Patrol Team
Location: Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia
Program partner: Community for Sumatran Forests