Project

Green Safaris Conservation Foundation has renewed its support for the Zambian Carnivore Programme with a grant to fund its large carnivore conservation work in the Luangwa Valley. The funds will support ZCP to employ their collaborative Field-Based Protection methods that in the Luangwa currently help protect 229 wild dogs in 18 packs and dispersing groups and 213 lions in 41 prides and coalitions.

These methods utilize intensive monitoring of the carnivore groups using GPS/Satellite collars, ground and aerial tracking, and utilizing these data to direct anti-snaring patrols targeting areas of high use and risk for carnivores. In addition, together with partners, ZCP works with communities, Community Resource Boards, and traditional leaders to mitigate human-lion conflict across six chiefdoms in the Lupande GMA through a variety of techniques, including improving livestock husbandry, aversive conditioning, and early warning systems.

Gaining support for this work and for conservation in general requires substantial investment in community outreach and education and ZCP and their partners have multi-faceted programmes to accomplish this, including community theatre, radio, sports programmes, community game drives, and community clean sweeps. Similarly, ZCP is the country’s largest training organization for local field-based conservationists, and we have an array of leadership training programmes, professional development training, and advanced educational opportunities for aspiring and current Zambian conservationists.