Poaching and drought in Kenya have drastically reduced the elephant population, especially in northern areas like Samburu. Families of Loxodonta africana, led by a matriarch, are often seen very early in the morning crossing the Ewaso Ng'iro river on their way to Buffalo Springs. In times of drought, when the river runs dry, they dig down to water that is still present below the riverbed, on which other animals also rely for water.
