Trans-Kalahari Predator Programme, WildCRU

Submitted by Kago Morobane on Fri, 08/10/2021 - 10:42

Donors/Funders:

WWF Germany, WWF USA, WWF Namibia, Private Philanthropy, Beit Trust, Maritz Family Foundation, National Geographic Society, SAVE, Starr Foundations, Ty Beanie, Panthera, Seibu Lions, Lion Recovery Fund, Big Cat Initiative, Arkleton Trust, Wilderness Safa

Implementers:

Department of Wildlife and National Parks Botswana; Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority; Wilderness Safaris; Rhino Conservation Botswana; Botswana Predator Conservation Trust; Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust; other partners Zimbabwe

Countries:

Botswana

Zimbabwe

Objectives:

1) Long-term ecological research and monitoring of lions in Hwange National Park through the Hwange Lion Research Project 2) Provide updated estimates for lions and other large carnivores in Botswana’s and Zimbabwe’s key lion populations 3) Identify key corridors for dispersal of lions within Botswana and Zimbabwe, and the greater KAZA landscape, to improve genetic diversity and maintain outbred populations 4) Use the KAZA lion landscape model to identify human-lion conflict hotspots where mitigation projects can be applied 5) Use the KAZA lion landscape model as a land use planning tool to allow for development while preserving key wildlife corridors 6) Improve rural community livelihoods through human-predator conflict mitigation, guardianship & education 7) Provide capacity & skills development for community & stakeholder groups

1)   Provide baseline information on lion population dynamics, ecology and behaviour to guide conservation actions and management of Hwange’s lion population, and serve as a reference point for conservation actions and management of lions elsewhere in Africa
2)   Extensive camera trap surveys to estimate lion and other large carnivore numbers using spatially-explicit capture recapture methods.
3)   Collaring and monitoring dispersing males from resident prides in core protected areas to identify used corridors between protected areas
4) Employment & training of community guardians, who deliver mitigation & data collection in conflict hotspot communities
5) Construction of predator-resistant livestock kraals
6) Educational workshops, capacity building & skills development for community members & stakeholders

TFCA:

Kavango-Zambezi TFCA

PAs:

Makgadikgadi Pans; Chobe NP; Chobe FR; Okavango Delta; Linyanti; Hwange NP; Chirisa; Matetsi; Chizarira; Matusadona; Zambezi; Chete; Ngamo; Sikumi

Specific Area (Village, Town, District, Province):

Kavimba village; Mabele village; Kachikau village; Khumaga village

HQ of the Initiative:

Oxford, United Kingdom

Timeframe:

1999 to 2024

Is the timeframe likely to be extended?:

Yes

Elaborate on likelihood to extend:

The project is viewed as an ongoing project. Budgetary amount listed is for current phase. Future plans include identifying partners in key corridor areas to implement mitigation methods for alleviating human-lion conflict in these corridors. Ongoing research will be dedicated to improving the landscape model and ensuring it remains updated and relevant to policy and decision makers. Ongoing ecological research and monitoring will continue through the Hwange Lion Research Project

Budget:

400000.00

Currency:

USD

Thematic Focus:

Community Livelihood Dev, HWC mitigation, Integrated Land Use Planning & Implementation, NR Protect & Mgt, Research, Tourism

1st Contact Name:

Andrew Loveridge

1st Contact Email:

andrew.loveridge@zoo.ox.ac.uk

2nd Contact Name:

Robynne Kotze