By Faridat Salifu
The European Serengeti, a vast herbivore reserve dedicated to the preservation of large ungulates in Milovice, has taken a significant step in its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability by introducing an off-road electric vehicle into its operations.
The new vehicle, which began service on December 30, 2024, marks the latest milestone in the reserve’s journey toward zero-emission functionality.
Designed to handle the challenging off-road conditions of the reserve, the Polaris Ranger Kinetic battery-powered vehicle offers multiple advantages over its traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
Notably, the electric vehicle operates silently, reducing disturbances to wildlife, and, more importantly, it produces no emissions, ensuring that the reserve’s daily activities do not contribute to greenhouse gas pollution or smog.
Dalibor Dostal, director of the European Wildlife conservation organization, which established the reserve in 2015, highlighted the importance of these efforts.
“With climate change increasingly impacting Europe, as evidenced by the recent devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, it is essential that we take responsibility for our role in mitigating its effects,” he said, adding, “As an organization, we aim to set an example, not just in nature conservation but in sustainable practices across all sectors.”
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In addition to the electric vehicle, European Wildlife has already made substantial strides in reducing emissions within the reserve.
Diesel-powered generators previously used to pump water to the reserve’s oldest watering hole have been replaced with an underground electrical system. The transition to battery-operated tools, such as brush cutters, has further reduced the reserve’s carbon footprint.
Dostal emphasized the organization’s long-term commitment to zero-emission operations. “We are no longer investing in ICE vehicles or equipment. Moving forward, only zero-emission alternatives will be purchased for reserve operations,” he stated.
The transition is not limited to routine operations. European Wildlife is also exploring the possibility of converting other vehicles, such as those used for visitor excursions or animal relocation, to electric power.
In addition, the organization is evaluating options for an electrically driven excavator for tasks such as reserve maintenance and shrub removal.
This transition is vital not only to reduce emissions but also to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the reserve. Emissions from internal combustion engines can increase nitrogen levels in the soil, promoting the growth of weeds and endangering rare plant species. By eliminating this source of pollution, the reserve aims to maintain its biodiversity and protect its natural habitat for future generations.
The introduction of the electric vehicle and the broader move to zero-emission operations signal European Wildlife’s leadership in sustainable conservation practices.
It also serves as a model for other conservation organizations and public institutions to follow, reinforcing the need for proactive measures in the fight against climate change.
