Take a slow ride down the Zambezi?

Of all the countries we operate in across southern Africa, it is in Zimbabwe where conservation needs are perhaps clearest and most focused. The economic crisis in which the country has been held in recent years has in some areas resulted in unprecedented pressure on wildlife and natural resources, a situation that has been worsened by periodic drought conditions. Accordingly our conservation initiatives in Zimbabwe have been tailored to address the most pressing threats to the survival of wildlife with fruitful partnerships and encouraging successes very evident. 

On either side of Mana Pools National Park lie hunting areas in which a number of lion hunting permits are sold annually. We are providing extensive logistic support and data toward a Lion Research project aimed at determining the long-term effects of sport hunting on lion populations, with specific reference to the Mana Pools population. 

The study is led by Norman Monks, Warden of Mana Pools National Park. Since hunting concessions surround the Park, there is concern that the killing of male lions - who wander where they like, in and out of the Park - is having an adverse affect on the general lion population dynamics in the region. Monks therefore collared certain lions and tracked them, seeking to build up a clearer picture of where lions go and what happens to them. Because one person can't be everywhere at once, Wilderness Safaris can help out in very practical ways here, contributing time and logistics. Staff members at Ruckomechi have been caught up in the saga of lion lives and have thrown themselves into the study with verve and enthusiasm. In their free time they have tracked the various collared individuals, using Wilderness vehicles, and have even taken part in actual collaring operations.

What is becoming increasingly evident is that when males are killed in one place it causes ripple effects and upheaval in the larger area. If the results of the study can prove this, it will provide significant weight behind the drive to help end sport hunting of these magnificent beasts in the area.