Giant eland as the largest species of antelope has the potential to act as a flagship species for the whole region of West and Central African savanna. Its Western subspecies is listed as critically endangered, with the only wild population in the Niokolo Koba National Park, and a semi-captive population in two fenced reserves in Senegal. 

The Eastern subspecies is listed as vulnerable, with the current distribution representing only a fraction of the original distribution range. Besides poaching and other anthropogenic pressures, the lack of knowledge of its ecology and population dynamics have been identified as one of the major threats for the species.

Key activities include development of individual animal recognition tools; training and equipping students, field guides, and park staff to ensure continuous monitoring of giant eland populations, equipping individuals with GPS collars to understand movement patterns and habitat preferences, and conducting a population viability analysis. Data collected will support effective conservation measures, identify suitable habitats for reintroductions, and guide future management scenarios. Production of tailor made materials for protected areas management or/and governmental conservation representatives while facilitating functioning communication channels ensures scientific data implementation.

The final project objective is a secured Giant eland population across its original distribution range for both subspecies.