Africa on the front lines of climate change

Wildlife under pressure

Wildlife, too, is facing growing climate pressure. Africa's elephants-keystone species vital to the health of savannah and forest ecosystems-are among the most vulnerable to climate extremes.

For over two decades, the Conservation Ecology Research Unit (CERU) at the University of Pretoria, supported by IFAW, has studied elephant behaviour, movement, and ecology across southern Africa. Their research shows that climate change is forcing elephants to adapt: altering daily routines, migration routes, and access to water.

Water is the key to elephant survival. As temperatures rise and water sources dry, elephants must travel farther, rest more, and become more active at night. These adaptations have limits-especially where human activity blocks movement or competition for water increases. Young elephants are particularly at risk; in places like Amboseli and Kruger, drought years have caused high calf mortality. When rainfall drops, breeding declines, and even resilient populations begin to struggle.

Room to Roam: a vision for climate resilience

CERU's research provides the scientific foundation for Room to Roam, IFAW's vision for climate-resilient landscapes where people and wildlife can thrive together. Instead of managing elephants in isolated, fenced areas, Room to Roam connects habitats across countries, restores degraded land, secures wildlife corridors, and works with communities to reduce conflict.

By protecting and regenerating ecosystems, the initiative safeguards carbon stores, captures additional carbon, and strengthens biodiversity. At the same time, it helps people adopt climate -smart livelihoods-such as regenerative farming, agroforestry, beekeeping, and improved livestock management. These approaches restore soil health, improve food security, and reduce pressure on wildlife and natural resources.