CONSERVATION NEWS
International Women's Day 2025
Women from the Mambwe District, including Nsefu Wildlife team members, took part in a march for International Women's Day 2025!
This year's theme was “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” and calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.
INCREASED HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS INVOLVING HIPPOS AND CROCODILES IN FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS
Lusaka, Zambia- 7th March 2025
The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), wishes to inform the general public, especially those residing in flood-prone areas and near water bodies such as rivers and streams, about the increasing occurrence of hippos and crocodiles in these regions.
The rise in wildlife-induced conflicts, particularly involving hippos and crocodiles, has unfortunately led to fatalities and serious injuries. This situation has been exacerbated by flooding, which has resulted in the expansion of water bodies into human settlements, increasing interactions between communities and these potentially dangerous animals.
In light of this, we urge the public to exercise extreme caution and observe necessary safety measures while conducting daily activities, particularly those related to fishing, bathing and water collection. Additionally, we advise communities to remain vigilant and immediately report sightings of hippos and crocodiles in residential or frequently used water areas to the nearest DNPW Office, Zambia Police, Community Resources Boards, Ward Development Committees, Traditional Leaders, Councilors, or District Commissioners. Timely reporting will allow authorities to take appropriate action to prevent loss of life and property.
The Ministry of Tourism, through the DNPW, remains committed to mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring the safety of all Zambians. However, we emphasize that effective management of these challenges requires collective efforts from local communities, stakeholders and cooperating partners.
We also take this opportunity to address concerns from some members of the public who believe that the Department prioritizes wildlife over human life. The Government of the Republic of Zambia categorically refutes this misconception. Human life remains our highest priority and we will continue to implement measures to safeguard both lives and livelihoods while maintaining ecological balance.
We call upon all citizens to cooperate with authorities and adhere to safety guidelines to minimize risks associated with human-wildlife interactions.
Issued by
Nelly Banda
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Tourism
Banda.Nelly@mot.gov.zm
DNPW TAKES FIRM ACTION AGAINST WILDLIFE CRIME AMIDST ONGOING CASES
March 7, 2025 No Comments
Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 7th March 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has reaffirmed its unwavering stance against poaching and wildlife crimes, emphasizing its commitment to upholding conservation laws and preserving the nation’s rich biodiversity. The department continues to demonstrate its zero-tolerance policy by taking legal action against individuals, including its own officers, implicated in illegal wildlife activities.
In a recent case that underscores the seriousness of the fight against wildlife crimes, two Wildlife Police Officers stationed in the Mumbwa Kafue Region—Charles Mundia and Bramwell Kalangwa—are facing legal action for their alleged involvement in poaching. The officers were implicated in the illegal killing of an impala and a hartebeest on 27th January 2025.
Following an internal investigation, both officers were formally charged with:
Unlawful possession of a government trophy, in violation of Section 97 of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015, as read with Statutory Instrument No. 41.
Unlawful hunting, contrary to Section 19 of the same Act.
The accused officers appeared before the Mumbwa Magistrate Court on 25th February 2025, where they pleaded not guilty. Their trial is scheduled to commence on 13th March 2025. DNPW has strongly condemned the involvement of law enforcement officers in such offenses, reinforcing its commitment to accountability within its ranks.
In a separate case that further highlights the breadth of the government’s crackdown on poaching, a local magistrate has been convicted for multiple wildlife offenses. Bowas Katwamba, a 48-year-old magistrate from Mulonga Local Court in Mushindamo District, was found guilty of illegal activities within a national park and was sentenced to a fine of K136,000 or, in default, a three-month prison term.
Katwamba was convicted on the following charges:
Unlawful possession of a government trophy (Section 97 of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015).
Unlawful entry into a National Park (Section 18 of the Act).
Unlawful conveying of a weapon in a National Park, as stipulated by the Act.
This conviction serves as a strong message that no one is above the law, regardless of their position in society.
DNPW has reiterated that it will continue to enforce strict measures to curb poaching and wildlife-related crimes. The department remains firm in ensuring that perpetrators—whether private individuals or government officials—face the full force of the law.
The Zambian government remains dedicated to the sustainability of its natural heritage and the protection of its national parks. Through rigorous law enforcement and conservation efforts, Zambia aims to safeguard its wildlife for future generations.
DNPW has called upon the public to support conservation initiatives and report any suspicious wildlife activities, emphasizing that preserving Zambia’s biodiversity is a collective responsibility.
Fido Fest 2025 Photos
The Nsefu Wildlife Team enjoyed the day on Saturday (2/22) at Fido Fest 2025 in Santee. Everyone we met loves animals and were interested in our message of conservation in Africa.
Q4 - Human Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting
4th Quarter Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting Report
Date:16/12/ 2024
Venue: Msibiti Garden, Mfuwe, South Luangwa.
The 4th Quarter Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Stakeholders meeting was convened at Msibiti Garden in Mfuwe, South Luangwa, to deliberate on key issues surrounding the growing challenges of HWC in the region. The meeting brought together stakeholders from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community representatives, tourism operators, conservationists, and other interested parties.
The main objective of the meeting was to assess progress, evaluate the effectiveness of strategies implemented throughout the year, and devise actionable plans for 2025 to mitigate HWC while promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Attendance
A total of 273 participants attended the meeting, representing the following key stakeholders:
Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW)
Nsefu Wildlife Conservation Foundation (NWCF)
Kusungwa Luangwa (KL)
Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust (CWET)
Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP)
Bio Carbon Partners (BCP)
Community Resource Boards (CRBs) - All Mambwe District
Conservation South Luangwa (CSL)
Tourism Operators Association - South Luangwa
Traditional Leaders (Chiefs Rep)- All in Mambwe District.
Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP)
Local authorities and government representatives.
Key Issues Discussed
Review of 2024 HWC Incidents
Reported Cases : A detailed report highlighted an increase in crop raids, property damage,livestock predation, and human fatalities, especially during the dry season.
Hotspots Identified : Chiefdoms such as Nsefu,Mwanya,Kakumbi, Malama, and Jumbe were flagged as high-risk zones due to their proximity to protected areas.
Species Involved : Elephants, Hippos, Leopards,Hyenas, Buffalos,Bushpigs,lions, and crocodiles accounted for the majority of conflicts.
Assessment of 2024 Mitigation Measures
The meeting reviewed the performance of current mitigation strategies, such as:
Chili Fences : Progress noted in reducing elephant raids but limited adoption by some communities.
Bio fence: Progress noted in reducing elephant crops damage but there's still need of extension inorder to cover more farming fields.
Solar-Powered Electric Fencing : Mixed results due to maintenance issues and funding challenges.
Community Awareness Campaigns : Increased community involvement but highlighted the need for more capacity-building initiatives.
Rapid Response Teams : Effectiveness acknowledged, but limited by understaffing and inadequate resources.
Funding and Resource Mobilization
Financial constraints were highlighted as a recurring issue.
Suggestions included engaging private sector players, increasing tourism levies, and applying for international conservation grants.
Human Safety and Wildlife Conservation Balance
Emphasis was placed on promoting coexistence through education and sustainable land-use practices.
Key Resolutions and Action Points
Enhanced Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships among all stakeholders to foster a coordinated approach to HWC mitigation.
Increased Funding: Explore innovative financing options, including partnerships with the tourism sector and international donors.
Scaling Up Mitigation Measures
Expand the implementation of effective measures such as bio fence ,chili fences and electric solar fencing to deter elephants.
Community Involvement
Train and equip local communities to act as first responders.
Roll out awareness campaigns tailored to vulnerable areas.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Establish a comprehensive HWC monitoring framework to track progress and inform decision-making.
Challenges Highlighted
Inadequate funding and resources for mitigation programs.
Lack of community capacity to maintain protective measures.
Growing human population and habitat encroachment exacerbate conflicts.
Closing Remarks
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards addressing HWC in South Luangwa.The chairperson who's the Area Warden from DNPW urged all participants to ensure timely implementation of the resolutions and set tentative dates for follow-up meetings in 2025 to review progress.
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Prepared by:
Jonathan Kachikoti - NWCF
Date:16/01/2025