{"id":15814,"date":"2024-06-18T10:33:41","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T09:33:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorersagainstextinction.co.uk\/blog\/?p=15814"},"modified":"2025-02-24T11:23:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T11:23:21","slug":"update-from-south-luangwa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorersagainstextinction.co.uk\/blog\/update-from-south-luangwa\/","title":{"rendered":"Update from South Luangwa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last year we partnered with Conservation South Luangwa (CSL)<\/strong> to support anti-snaring and wildlife rescue operations across the South Luangwa Valley, Zambia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anti-snaring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2023, an impressive 57% of all recovered snares<\/strong> were found during regular community anti-snaring clean sweeps.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was a 131% increase<\/strong> in clean sweeps conducted, compared to the previous year, with a total 236 sweeps.  1,409 community members<\/strong> participated. 412 snares<\/strong> were successfully recovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initiated three years ago, the community clean sweep programme aims to bolster anti-snaring patrols and support the household incomes of participating community members. Each sweep, led by a CSL Scout and a DNPW Wildlife Police Officer, includes five to six community members and targets known snaring hotspots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond removing snares and boosting household incomes, these clean sweeps engage communities in conservation efforts. Their consistent presence in South Luangwa acts as a deterrent to potential poachers, contributing to the overall protection of the area\u2019s wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife Rescue Operations <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snares pose a significant threat to wildlife, indiscriminately injuring and killing a variety of species.  Although anti-snaring activities remove many snares, unfortunately some remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2023, CSL\u2019s veterinary team successfully de-snared 11 animals.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seasonal trend of increased snaring during Zambia’s driest months persisted, with the highest numbers recorded in June and September<\/strong>. The bush dries out and recedes at this time making it more accessible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, 2023 marked the first reports of snared lions in South Luangwa<\/strong> since July 2021. Two were treated by the rescue team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The veterinary team led by Dr Mwamba Sichande also de-snared four elephants (including two calves), two giraffes, two wild dogs, and one baboon. Sadly, one of the wild dogs succumbed to its terrible injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to de-snaring, four animals were rescued including two elephants trapped in soakaways, one orphaned elephant calf (successfully relocated to the Game Rangers International elephant orphanage in Lusaka), and one giraffe with a stillborn fetus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These crucial de-snaring and rescue operations were conducted in collaboration with DNPW, conservation partners, and local safari operators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statistics taken from CSL 2023 Annual Report<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Images: CSL<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n