Elephant Research & Advocacy
At Bring The Elephant Home, our mission extends beyond conservation—we are committed to conducting scientific research that informs evidence-based policies, conservation philosophy, and strategies for elephant well-being, policy development, and conservation application. A key part of our work involves collaborating with governments, conservation organisations, and researchers to support elephant populations.
Scientific Research
Our research aims to understand the behavioural, ecological, and social needs of elephants to ensure their long-term survival. We also explore how elephant conservation aligns with societal aspirations, community attitudes, and the diverse values attributed to elephants, while advancing integrated coexistence strategies that benefit elephants, people, and the environment.
Our key research areas include:
- Elephant behaviour, movement, social dynamics, and well-being.
- Habitat connectivity, wildlife corridors, and landscape restoration
- Elephant rehabilitation, reintegration, and rewilding
- Human–elephant coexistence and conservation solutions.
- Elephant identification, monitoring, and emerging conservation technologies.
- Elephant ecology and ecosystem functioning.
- Ethical wildlife research and evidence-based conservation practice.
- Conservation philosophy, environmental ethics, and the multiple values of elephants.
Through interdisciplinary research, we aim to develop conservation solutions that are scientifically sound, ethically responsible, and socially inclusive.
Government Consultation & Policy Development
We work closely with government agencies, policymakers, and protected area managers to integrate scientific research into wildlife management policies. Our expertise helps guide:
- The development of South Africa’s National Elephant Heritage Strategy
- Elephant research priorities through reports created for the National Elephant Research Strategy of South Africa
- Task Team member of the Wildlife Wellbeing Forum for South Africa
Social empowerment
BTEH aims to foster human-elephant coexistence across Africa by promoting inclusive, community-driven conservation. Our work focuses on:
- Enhancing education and awareness to support the transition toward inclusive conservation and coexistence.
- Engaging local communities through workshops, questionnaires, and interviews, ensuring their voices shape conservation strategies.
- Creating equitable, sustainable, and ethical pathways for communities to benefit from conservation efforts.
- Mentoring and supporting emerging local conservationists and students through guidance and mentorship.
Join Our Efforts
- You can join one of our elephant research programs and conduct on-the-ground research with us!
- We are actively seeking sponsors and donors to support this vital work. By funding scientific studies and coexistence initiatives, we can ensure elephants have the space and protection they need to thrive.
- Donate to help us achieve our mission – every little bit helps to ensure the future for elephants!
- Adopt an African Elephant symbolically and receive annual and exclusive information on an elephant we are studying and updates from the team!
- Get involved in our mission and help shape the future of elephant conservation!