Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), with support from Painted Wolf Foundation (PWF), Zambian Carnivore Programme, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), is developing a long-term strategy to protect painted wolf packs and strengthen their survival on the Zambian side of the Lower Zambezi Valley. This strategy focuses on reducing threats like snaring and working with local communities to build tolerance and promote coexistence.
At the same time, CLZ is launching a new lion monitoring project in the same area with support from the Lion Recovery Fund (LRF).
Painted wolves and lions share many of Africa’s landscapes, including the Lower Zambezi Valley. Through joint support from Painted Dog Fund (PDF) and LRF, CLZ has recently hired a new ecologist dedicated to monitoring and conservation of both species.
CLZ’s new ecologist, Christine Mwewa, is receiving mentorship from PWF’s Ruth Kabwe and LRF’s Nick Elliot, who are helping her build the skills needed to lead conservation efforts for both painted wolves and lions. Both are on the ground passing on their considerable experience.
Working in tandem, these projects bring significant conservation benefits to both species in the Lower Zambezi valley. PWF and PDF regularly collaborate with LRF to bring broad landscape conservation benefits as well as deliver positive impacts for their target species.
Painted Dog Fund and Lion Recovery Fund are part of the Wildlife Conservation Network’s portfolio of nine Wildlife Funds. Collectively, these Funds have been highly impactful, granting more than US$125 million over the last decade to support their endangered species.
Image: Nick Elliot (LRF), Ruth Kabwe (PWF), Christine Mwewa (CLZ) and Henry Maseka (CLZ).
