Elephant Appeal
To save a baby elephant… just add water
Freshwater is vital to every living thing on the planet, from the smallest plant to the biggest animal.
The Great Ruaha River in Tanzania has traditionally supplied drinking water for countless people and wildlife, including the magnificent African elephant.
But in recent times the great flow is often more of a trickle, with some stretches completely dry.
For an animal that needs up to 200 litres of water a day, the effect can be drastic – particularly for vulnerable youngsters.
Thirsty elephants might also look further afield for water, which can bring them into conflict with people.
You can help save elephants in danger
One of the main causes of the river running dry is the huge network of upstream farms, taking water to irrigate crops like rice, maize and potatoes.
Your donation helps our vital work in this area.
- Firstly, we’re looking into the feasibility of diverting water from one of the river’s tributaries to where it’s most needed. This could mean more elephants having year-round access to water – giving the youngest and most vulnerable a better chance of survival.
- Secondly, we’re teaching rice growers better, more efficient farming practices including ways that use less water – techniques which can increase crop yields by up to 50%.
- We’ve also helped create Water User Associations (WUAs) to manage water sources and resolve issues between farmers and local communities.
How your money could be used
Your money is vital to help us keep life-giving water flowing through Tanzania – and give baby elephants a better chance of survival.
- £10 could buy 100 tree seedlings, restoring vegetation around river banks, preventing soil erosion and creating important wildlife habitats.
- £20 could provide one day’s field allowance for an irrigation expert, to train farmers in water efficiency in rice production.
- £50 could pay a month’s salary for a gauge reader – they collect and record water levels from remote river hydro-stations, aiding better water allocation.
I’ve found that some of the simplest actions can be the most effective… There’s still a long way to go, but it’s been really pleasing to see water levels rising in the last two years.
Petro Masolwa, Programme Manager, WWF-Tanzania
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