From Hive to High Tech
In a recent training session, the Women’s Beekeeping Initiative took a technological leap forward. Our Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Adaptation (MELA) team guided local Queen Bee leaders through APW’s advanced mobile tracking platform, transforming how they monitor hive health and honey harvests.
The event became even more special with the presence of our newest Women in Conservation mentees, who observed and learned from these experienced beekeepers. Adding an extra spark of excitement, Conservation Nation fellows Yamat Lengai (APW) and Taylor Rabe (Yellowstone Forever/Yellowstone Wolf Project) joined the gathering, continuing to bridge conservation efforts across continents.
New Voices in Conservation
As part of the African Women in Conservation initiative, we welcomed a new cohort of four Tanzanian women to Noloholo for our three-month mentorship program. The group has been immersed in everything from beekeeping and monitoring rangeland health to engaging with girls’ clubs and assisting with elephant coexistence campaigns. Learn more about each mentee and their journeys to careers in conservation.
Fast Action for Elephant Coexistence
Greater Serengeti
We’re happy to report significant improvements in human-wildlife conflict response times and a steep decline in the number of crop-raiding incidents in 2024 compared to last year. The continued trust of local communities and support from partners–including the Elephant Crisis Fund, Global Conservation, and Conservation Nation–will expand our corps of coexistence officers in additional villages next year!
Greater Lake Natron
In November, community members in the area joined hands-on training and awareness sessions on non-lethal elephant deterrents like chili bombs, flashlights, airhorns, and fireworks. Another round of soccer matches, inspired by earlier success in Ngorongoro, further united the community. With newly trained Human-Elephant Coexistence officers supported by WWF-UK’s Land for Life initiative and the Novum Foundation, the region is quickly building capacity for coexistence.
Greater Mkomazi
We’re excited to launch a new human-elephant coexistence initiative in the critical stretch of lands between Mkomazi National Park and Kenya’s Tsavo ecosystem. With key support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a strong coalition of partners including TANAPA, this program will track elephant movements in the region, provide hands-on training in mitigation techniques, and strengthen local capacity to address human-elephant conflict.
Fine-Tuning Carnivore Conservation
Living with big cats is a complex challenge, and our Human-Carnivore Coexistence officers play a vital role in data-driven solutions. In Greater Lake Natron, officers have responded to nearly 1,300 livestock depredation incidents, with almost 20% involving cheetahs or African wild dogs—species rarely seen elsewhere. In West Kilimanjaro, the return of lions is intensifying human-carnivore interactions, with leopards responsible for 19% of conflicts and lions increasingly involved in pasture incidents. These predators face high retaliatory risks, so officers will continue to work closely with herders and promote Living Walls as a tool for protecting livestock at homesteads.
Successful carnivore conservation also starts with collaboration. In our Greater Mikumi landscape, with support from the Lion Recovery Fund, we brought together local communities, park authorities, and government representatives to share existing conservation strategies and develop plans to improve human-carnivore coexistence across the region in the year ahead. More to come soon!
Rangeland Revival
Connectivity is central to our rangeland restoration efforts, from forming new joint grazing areas to supporting habitat improvements. In Gelai, community members stabilized major gullies, enhancing soil health and water retention. In Olasiti and the shared grazing area of Muriamunyi in Longido, invasive species were removed to allow native grasses—essential for wildlife and livestock—to regenerate, adding to the long-term resilience of local habitats.
To further support grassland management, we held refresher trainings for community rangeland monitors in Trias and DARWIN Initiative-supported villages, and for livestock health workers from 20 villages in Longido District. Read how one livestock health worker grew from learner to leader!
Game Scouts Shine
They did it again! Our community game scouts proved their mettle in the international Wildlife Ranger Challenge! On September 21st, more than 100 ranger teams competed in a grueling 21km race, carrying 22kg of equipment. Our two teams secured an incredible first and second place:
- First Place (2:06) Team: Alex Kipii, Saruni Piikini, Jackson Thomas, Tendee Masangusi
- Second Place (2:08:30) Team: Ezekiel Loserian, Ramadhani Mustafa, Masudi Nasiru, Milya Hodati
Teaching the Future
Our latest youth outreach in Simanjiro is an evolving blend of conservation, leadership, and life skills. By integrating lessons on climate change, community values, and health, our education team is equipping young leaders with the tools to drive meaningful change in their communities and their personal lives. These efforts, supported by partners like CHASE Africa, reflect our commitment to fostering new generations of confident, informed, and engaged conservationists prepared to tackle the challenges of school, careers, and beyond.
Quick Notes
PHOTO CONTEST | Share the View
Calling all photographers! The deadline to submit entries to the Share the View photography competition is Thursday, Dec. 5th. APW is thrilled to be named a beneficiary once again this year, receiving a portion of contest proceeds.
BOOK | East African Wildlife Guide
Perfect for curious minds of all ages, author Birgit Hendry set out to bridge the gap between detailed safari guides and simple children's books. A portion of the proceeds supports our conservation education programs! Read more about the book and Birgit in a previous post.
With insights from Esri co-founder Jack Dangermond, this book showcases the transformative power of geospatial technology in addressing global challenges like climate change. See how maps—and APW’s tech-forward approach—are part of a more sustainable future.