In plane sight: Airborne rangers follow elephants through the park while looking out for poachers. Ivory hunting has threatened to decimate herds (Picture: Supplied)
In plane sight: Airborne rangers follow elephants through the park while looking out for poachers (Picture: Supplied)

Hunters have become the hunted at this wildlife reserve in Kenya as conservationists take to the skies to track down elephant poachers.

A sharp resurgence in gangs targeting the animals has prompted rangers to carry out daily flights over Tsavo national park.

While improving their chances of catching those responsible, rangers also manage to capture magnificent images of the park.

A new wave of criminals attracted by the growing global demand for ivory has threatened the good work in reducing poaching at Tsavo, which is roughly the size of Wales.

Threat: A view over Tsavo shows how illegal livestock grazing has contributed to the degradation of the park (Picture: Supplied)
Threat: A view over Tsavo shows how illegal livestock grazing has contributed to the degradation of the park (Picture: Supplied)
Ivory hunting has threatened to decimate elephant herds at the park, which is also home to giraffes (Picture: Supplied)
Ivory hunting has threatened to decimate elephant herds at the park, which is also home to giraffes (Picture: Supplied)

Elephant numbers became worryingly low during the 1970s and 1980s before swelling again to about 12,000 today.

Rob Brandford, director of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, said: ‘Tsavo is a magical place but it needs continued protection to prevent its elephants and wildlife being decimated.

‘It is akin to a war. Poachers are armed and many rangers have died, showing just how much the wildlife is under threat and needs our help.’

About 400 poachers were arrested at Tsavo last year but it is estimated an elephant is shot dead every 15 minutes around the world. For more information, visit sheldrickwildlifetrust.org.

Saving Tsavo: Rangers’ photos show the beauty of Kenya’s oldest strong-hold for elephants (Picture: Supplied)
Saving Tsavo: Rangers’ photos show the beauty of Kenya’s oldest strong-hold for elephants (Picture: Supplied)