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Emerging Tuskers Project

Help the ‘big tusker’ legend live on in Kruger National Park!

Scientists in the Kruger National Park are studying these impressive animals to identify all of the Park’s large tuskers and clearly define their home ranges.

Information is compiled from annual aerial censuses, and specific collaring and tracking projects. This work helps to improve our understanding of these animals and ensures future visitors will be able to appreciate them.

You can help us by providing photographs and information about any tusker you see within Kruger National Park and neighbouring private reserves. Any elephant with remarkable tusks (more than 1m long) is of interest. Full face images showing both tusks and ears are most useful. Close-up shots of any characteristic features will also be appreciated. Detailed information about the location and date of the sighting is crucial.

How to take and submit photos

You can help us with our research on emerging tuskers by providing photographs and information about any tusker you see within Kruger National Park and the neighbouring private reserves.

How to take tusker photos

Any elephant with remarkable tusks (more than 1.5m from the lip line) is of interest. Full frontal images showing both tusks and ears are most useful. Individual elephants are identified by their ear notches and any unique features (scars, swellings, etc.) they might have. Close-up shots of ear notches, full ivory, side views, special markings and trunk patterns will be most helpful. General wildlife photography tips apply. Prepare in advance by charging batteries, bringing enough film/digital storage cards, and if you have a telephoto lens, set your camera properly considering the time of day, weather (ISO, aperture) etc. Make sure your photos are in focus. Be patient, the animals may not move or behave the way you wish they would. Please remain a safe distance away at all times.

How to submit your images

Larger sized images are preferable but no more than 2MB – 4MB per email/photo. Please identify each print/slide/digital image by a clear name/number on each photo. You may send photos to the postal or email address below with the below information included:

  • Location of elephant: (example: 4.2 km north of Letaba on the H1-6)
  • Name of Photographer
  • Address and Postal Code
  • Daytime telephone
  • Email address
  • Date elephant/s was/were seen
  • Number of elephants in group
  • General comments

Detailed information about the location and date of the sighting is crucial!

Post your images to:

Letaba Elephant Hall/Emerging Tuskers Project
Kruger National Park
Private Bag X402
Skukuza
1350
South Africa

Or

Email your images to:

[email protected] (this is a no response email address, for submissions only)

Alternatively for submission and identification you can send these directly to: [email protected]

Rules and Requirements

  • We can accept prints, slides, digital images as well as digital videos. Please label each entry clearly. Do not write directly on the back of prints or staple them to your entry. Please send duplicates as no material will be returned.
  • All information and photographs will be retained for our research and education purposes. By submitting your images to Letaba Elephant Hall you agree to allow SANParks to use your material in printed and electronic form, (photographers will be acknowledged).

Thank you for contributing to our research on tuskers!