Akagera National Park in Rwanda has acquired two electric motorcycles from the company Ampersand to use for wildlife tracking and park operations.
The electric motorcycles, designed for off-road use, will enable park staff to monitor animals like rhinos, elephants and lions with less noise and zero emissions compared with traditional gasoline-powered motorcycles.
"The e-motos reduce operating costs and minimize disturbances, which improves our ability to track and protect species," said Luke Davey, operations manager at Akagera National Park.
Park officials say the quiet electric bikes enable staff to approach wildlife more closely without alarming the animals. The motorcycles have speakers that can alert animals to the approaching vehicle without loud engine noise.
For Ampersand, providing vehicles to Akagera enables the company to test its electric motorcycle designs and battery technologies on the park's rugged terrain.
The partnership aims to support conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism. Gasoline vehicles can disturb park serenity with noise and fumes.
"Using electric vehicles demonstrates our commitment to environmentally-friendly tourism practices," Davey said.
Akagera has reintroduced species like black and white rhinos in recent years as part of its wildlife preservation mission. Monitoring rhino movements is a key part of protecting the endangered animals from poachers.