In March of 2011, National Geographic Explorers Andy Maser and Trip Jennings from EP Films flew to the Democratic Republic of Congo in search of, of all things, elephant poop. They're sending samples back to Dr. Samuel Wasser , the director of the Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington, so Wasser can track poachers all across Africa. It looks like the mission will be a complete success, with more than 40 samples estimated to be on their way to the U.S. in the next few months.

These samples will help complete Wasser's genetic database of African elephants.  This database makes it possible to trace illegal ivory back to its source--the last remaining herds of African elephants.  With elephant populations forced to critically low levels, it's essential to pinpoint exactly where elephants are being killed and concentrate anti-poaching efforts.

Explore our adventure to see what it was like searching for elephants in one of the largest remaining wilderness areas left in Africa.  We hope you enjoy the images and stories!

To learn more and read detailed updates from the field, head over to our website:  www.elephantivoryproject.org