The Abu Philososphy

The whole premise on which Abu Camp is based is that of elephant conservation. These largest of land mammals are a keystone species (in other words, a species that has a large effect on the ecosystem in which it lives) and an integral part of Africa’s web of life.

The great paradox of elephant conservation is that while many African countries are experiencing rapidly declining elephant populations, others – such as Botswana – have to cope with burgeoning numbers. Both declining and growing elephant populations present their own challenges, so applied research and adaptive management are essential in their resolution.

The Abu Camp elephant conservation strategy is based on understanding key issues impacting the conservation of southern Africa’s elephants through partnerships with different research institutions. Chief among these are Elephant Without Borders (whose research station is based on the Abu Concession) and Elephants for Africa, two forward-thinking Botswana-based NGOs that are investigating important aspects of elephant conservation and behaviour.