CSL 2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

OUR MISSION

To work with community and conservation partners in the protection of the wildlife and habitats of the South Luangwa ecosystem.

WHERE WE WORK

The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley along the banks of the Luangwa River as it makes its 800 km journey to meet the great Zambezi River before moving east into Mozambique. The South Luangwa Valley is renowned for its diverse wildlife, supporting over 60 species of mammals and 450 species of birds. Species include the unique Crawshay’s zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest and a geographically isolated population of Luangwa giraffe (G. t. thornicrofti), a subspecies of Masai giraffe. The Valley is known for its high densities of lions, leopards and wild dogs, and it remains a stronghold for elephants in Zambia.

Lusaka

Lupande GMA

Chipata

South Luangwa National Park

Lumimba GMA Mfuwe

ZAMBIA

LuangwaRiver

Dear friends, partners and supporters,

This year, we celebrated the extraordinary milestone of 20 years of conservation work in South Luangwa, and I am immensely proud to have played a part in this journey. As I reflect on our team of passionate and dedicated individuals, I know we are stronger than ever and our work will continue to have a significant impact on the wildlife, habitats and people of South Luangwa.

Despite these celebrations, 2023 was not without its difficulties as wildlife poaching and humanwildlife conflict continued to challenge us and our partners. Shifting poaching trends have resulted in us adapting our approach to anti-poaching, with a focus on intelligence-led, strategic deployment of our law enforcement resources. With support from our training partners, Frontier, we have now begun to see tangible results of this new approach and we are confident that this, paired with significant investment in conservation technology, will see continued improvement in anti-poaching efforts.

Our human-wildlife coexistence work also grew substantially this year. Through ongoing support for wildlife conflict mitigation strategies, community engagement via theatre performances and radio broadcasts, and investment in the conflict Rapid Response Unit (RRU), we are ensuring realtime support for communities across the region. The first of its kind in Zambia, the RRU is already proving a vital component in CSL’s multi-faceted approach to human-wildlife coexistence.

Dr Mwamba Sichande, CSL’s veterinarian, continued his important work, rescuing 15 wild animals and treating over 600 domestic animals at his Mfuwe clinic and during community outreach visits. The ability for Dr Sichande and CSL teams to respond quickly to reports of injured and snared animals has not only saved the lives of hundreds of animals over the last decade but also serves as a continual reminder about why we do what we do.

A huge thank you to our funders from across the world whose generosity enables CSL to evolve and expand each year. We were thrilled with the success of our first-ever online silent auction in celebration of our 20th year, as well as some incredible community support from match-funding campaigns and art auctions to photography exhibitions and endurance challenges. A special thanks to our Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund members, who remained steadfast during some extremely challenging years for tourism. Emerging from these challenges, they have continued to demonstrate their dedication to our work.

We look forward to another 20 years of impactful conservation programmes.

2023 REFLECTIONS FROM CEO RACHEL MCROBB A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN ADRIAN CARR

I am very proud of Rachel and the CSL team as we celebrated 20 years of important conservation work.

CSL has evolved from an informal group of dedicated volunteers and a handful of scouts into a modern and highly effective conservation force with 137 full-time employees. This includes 108 highly trained and motivated scouts who work with DNPW to protect the biodiversity of the Luangwa Valley.

The performance figures over the last 20 years are impressive and speak for themselves - highlighting over 8,500-foot patrols, 2,300 hours of aerial surveillance, 112,000 vehicles searched during K9 Unit roadblocks, 2,000 wildlife crime suspects arrested, over 1,000 illegal firearms confiscated, 12,000 wire snares recovered and over 300 animals either de-snared or otherwise rescued by CSL’s veterinarian.

An important part of any modern conservation effort involves engaging with communities and effectively addressing humanwildlife conflict. I am proud to say that CSL has been diligent and innovative, emerging as a regional leader in this fundamentally important initiative.

While there are challenges ahead, I have complete confidence in CSL’s ability to confront and overcome them.

2023 IN NUMBERS

COMMUNITY

316 RAPID RESPONSE UNIT OPERATIONS

30 CHILLI PATROLLERS

26 KM OF SOLAR AND ‘SMELLY’ FENCING INSTALLED

496 KG OF CHILLIES HARVESTED BY 26 FARMERS

NINE ELEPHANT-SAFE GRAIN STORES CONSTRUCTED FARMERS ATTENDED 20 CHILLI GROWING WORKSHOPS

OVER 1,500 FARMERS SUPPORTED BY MITIGATION MEASURES

5,461

PEOPLE ATTENDED 41 THEATRE PERFORMANCES

1,216 COMMUNITY MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN 142 COMMUNITY GAME DRIVES

25

HOURS OF THE CONSERVATION HOUR RADIO SHOW REACHING MORE THAN 50,000 LISTENERS

108 COMMUNITY SCOUTS IN EMPLOYMENT 20 NEWLY TRAINED COMMUNITY SCOUTS

728 WIRE SNARES REMOVED

1.2 TONNES OF BUSHMEAT CONFISCATED

197 WILDLIFE CRIME SUSPECTS ARRESTED

115

252 POACHERS’ CAMPS AND DRYING RACKS OBSERVED FIREARMS CONFISCATED

711 KG IVORY REMOVED FROM CIRCULATION

165 HOURS OF FIXED-WING AERIAL SURVEILLANCE

329 DAY PATROLS

14,365 VEHICLES SEARCHED K9 UNIT

154 OPERATIONS

74,647 KM TOTAL PATROL COVERAGE WITH DNPW

121 HOURS OF HELICOPTER PATROLS

VETERINARY

15 ANIMALS RESCUED

19 COMMUNITY OUTREACH VISITS

SEVEN STUDENTS MENTORED

17,662 FOOT PATROL PERSON DAYS

19 SHORT FIVEDAY PATROLS

466 LONG 10-DAY PATROLS

581 DOMESTIC DOGS AND CATS VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES

44 DOMESTIC DOGS AND CATS STERILISED

212 ANIMALS RECEIVED TREATMENT AT THE MFUWE CLINIC

236 COMMUNITY CLEAN SWEEPS

COMMUNITY

For the past 18 years, Maureen Mulenga served as a community scout, trained to track and apprehend poachers. In late 2023, she joined the human-wildlife conflict (HWC) Rapid Response Unit (RRU) alongside three other female scouts. It might seem like a small step, but moving away from law enforcement requires a significant shift in mindset. No longer facing a distinct enemy, she now walks a fine line of helping people whilst at the same time protecting wildlife. It is a difficult and delicate balance, requiring commitment and patience.

This year, the RRU responded to 316 conflict incidents, reflecting a 12% rise compared to 2022. The DNPW-CSL RRU team and their impact has been one of the highlights for the Community Human-Wildlife Coexistence (HWCx) team this year. Their work has prevented the escalation of wildlife conflicts and they have been able to swiftly attend to people injured by wildlife, transporting them to hospital for medical care. In 2023, we have seen the number of legally killed elephants by wildlife authorities reduced by half as a result of their work. We finished the year with the exciting news that we have secured funding to expand the RRU team, adding a second vehicle, equipment and personnel.

Frackson Sakala (pictured right), Senior Field Officer, initiated our first farmer exchange visits with representatives from four chiefdoms. The emphasis of these visits was to share insights, knowledge and experiences and learn about effective mitigations and best practices in HWC behaviour. Collaborating with CSL and DNPW colleagues, Frackson facilitated discussions that have started positive behavioural changes and the visits have shown considerable effectiveness in addressing HWC and promoting coexistence as a result of the peer-to-peer learning.

Slowly but surely, we are gaining more traction, improving awareness, and promoting better coexistence in South Luangwa.

Emma Robinson Human-Wildlife Coexistence Programme Manager

PROMOTING HUMAN-WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE

The Conservation Hour radio show

In 2023, CSL presented 25 hours of The Conservation Hour radio show, a regular feature on Mnkhanya Community Radio station. Every Wednesday evening, CSL, the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) and Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust take turns to discuss topics that inform and engage the local community about conservation issues. Once a month, all three organisations combine for a joint recap show. Over 50,000 listeners are given the opportunity to phone in and ask questions. Wide-scale messaging via radio is a valuable tool in helping communities understand how to safely prevent and reduce wildlife conflict.

In South Luangwa, regular radio shows, guided game drives and engaging theatre performances play an important role in bridging the gap between communities and wildlife conservation efforts. These activities facilitate the sharing of effective HWC mitigation measures. Consequently, they not only enhance community awareness but also inspire active participation in the shared commitment towards CSL’s conservation goals.

SEKA theatre performances have brought great change here at Chilekati Village of Chief Malama. The lessons learned from SEKA drama group and [the solar] fences have helped farmers in Malama to have bumper harvest than before. I urge communities to take these performances seriously.

JESLINE SAKALA Malama Chiefdom

Theatre performances

In 2023, 41 drama performances reached an audience of 5,461 people. Across local villages, the Mfuwe-based SEKA theatre group not only enact the frustrations that farmers experience with elephants and other conflict species but works closely with CSL to communicate solutions that have proved successful in reducing conflict. The theatre group communicates how people can protect themselves and their livelihoods using humour, visual imagery, puppets and local song and dance.

Community game drives

Every week, community members from areas surrounding the South Luangwa National Park are given the opportunity to explore the Park with qualified safari guides, observing and learning about wildlife. This year, 142 community game drives took 1,216 community members into the Park, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. Of the number of participants, 66% had never experienced a game drive before, despite living near the Park’s boundaries.

SAFEGUARDING COMMUNITIES AND ELEPHANTS IN CONFLICT AREAS

In 2023, CSL community data collectors recorded over 900 incidents of HWC, with elephants accounting for 72% of these through crop and property damage. The total estimated loss of livelihood in 2023, resulting from crop and property damage, and livestock predation, exceeded ZMW 1,000,000 (approximately $46,000 USD).

CSL has developed and implemented several initiatives for preventing and mitigating human-elephant conflict (HEC). The following initiatives support communities in seven chiefdoms across the Mambwe District.

Chilli bombers

A well-established approach CSL employs to address HEC involves the use of chilli bombers to discourage elephants from entering crop fields. These devices launch ping-pong balls filled with a mixture of chilli soaked in petrol and mixed with cooking oil. The combination of the blast sound, the impact on the skin, and the smell of the chilli mixture deters elephants but causes no harm. In 2023, 30 volunteer chilli patrollers protected crops. The HWCx team also made 50 new chilli bombers for community resource boards to allocate and use in helping more farmers protect their crops.

Elephant-safe grain stores

During the dry season, elephants often damage houses while searching for food, posing risks to people during night raids. After harvest, farmers store grain in their homes or traditional mud and stick structures, which makes them susceptible to elephant damage, termites, bacteria, and rodents. To address this, CSL constructs sturdy grain stores using cement and bricks, and the community provides sand and water. These robust grain stores have proven to protect harvests. In 2023, nine stores were built, totalling 176 grain stores in operation. The HWCx team monitors and maintains these stores, ensuring proper use and addressing issues. This year, the team maintained eight older stores.

Mitigation fences

Another HEC mitigation initiative employed by CSL to prevent crop damage is the installation of ‘smelly’ and solar fences around established farming blocks in key conflict hotspots. In 2023, CSL implemented 26 km of ‘smelly’ and solar fencing (16 km ‘smelly’ and 10 km solar). These fences supported nearly 1,000 farmers.

The ‘smelly’ fence consists of bottles containing locally available smelly ingredients suspended on barbed wire between fence posts. Following a successful trial of the ‘smelly’ fence in Kakumbi Chiefdom in 2022, CSL expanded it in 2023, installing 8 km along three farming blocks. Furthermore, CSL conducted trials in Malama (1.69 km), Mwanya (2.8 km) and Nsefu (3.7 km) chiefdoms.

My harvest was five bags of 50 kg of maize, which could feed my family for four months. But by protecting crops as a chilli patroller, I am able to harvest 15 to 20 bags of 50 kg of maize. Hunger is a story of the past to me.

ABESART MBEWE (pictured right)

Kakumbi Chiefdom

The solar-powered electric fences, which use polywire, are constructed through collaboration with DNPW and the local community. In 2023, CSL installed 4 km of solar fencing along one farming block in Kakumbi Chiefdom and approximately 5.74 km of solar fencing along three farming blocks in Malama Chiefdom.

CSL field officers work with farmers to establish and sustain the fences for effective crop protection. Through the provision of practical tools and knowledge, CSL not only addresses the immediate needs of crop protection but also nurtures a sense of ownership and hope within farming communities.

ALTERNATIVE CROPS TO MITIGATE ELEPHANT CROP RAIDING

CSL addresses elephant crop raiding by promoting alternative cash crops such as chilli, turmeric and lemongrass, which are less attractive to elephants.

In 2023, 121 farmers cultivated Tabasco chillies for direct sale, personal consumption as well as ‘smelly’ fence and chilli bomber mitigations. The chilli harvest generated a yield of only 496 kg, marking a significant decrease from the previous year due to factors such as poor seed quality, drought and floods. This year’s harvest generated an income of ZMW 9,920 (approximately $500 USD).

Towards the end of the year, Billy Banda, RRU Conservation Coordinator, led 20 chilli growing workshops, training 513 farmers across six chiefdoms.

The Tilimbike Elephant Women’s Club, consisting of 20 women from Mnkhanya Chiefdom, received turmeric from CSL. Guided by Mwila Ng’andu, Field Officer, and Frackson Sakala, Senior Field Officer, the Women’s Club planted the turmeric, expecting a harvest in two years. Simultaneously, 17 farmers in the same area harvested their turmeric crop. The Tilimbike Elephant Women’s Club and Glycidia Women’s Cooperative in Nsefu Chiefdom processed and packaged turmeric, while the Ndombondombo Cooperative in Kakumbi Chiefdom successfully harvested, processed and packaged lemongrass tea.

Tourists can buy the packaged products from Tribal Textiles in Mfuwe.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS

Knowledge exchange amongst various stakeholders, both at the local and national levels, as well as with partners in neighbouring countries and beyond, is important in enhancing the effectiveness of strategies to mitigate HEC.

In addition to a two-part farmer exchange visit, CSL HWCx, ZCP and DNPW staff travelled to Rumphi in Malawi to participate in a workshop on HWC alongside counterparts from Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Following the Malawi workshop, CSL’s Malawi colleagues, alongside Dr Eva Gross, an expert in human-wildlife coexistence, visited Mfuwe to learn more about CSL’s work.

Throughout the year, the HWCx team also participated in quarterly stakeholder meetings. These meetings unite all parties involved in improving human-wildlife coexistence in South Luangwa.

Before the introduction of HWC stakeholder meetings, I did not know where to report HWC issues, or what mitigation measures to use. When the stakeholder meetings started in 2021, they provided a platform to share HWC ideas and find ways of resolving the problems of HWC in our community together.

I urge all stakeholders, especially community resource boards, to take these meetings seriously if we are to reduce HWC issues in our chiefdoms. If we don’t then this could mean less harvest due to crop damage, more injuries or deaths, increased livestock predation and property damage.

BENSON PHIRI Ncheka Ward Councillor, Mnkhanya Chiefdom

LAW ENFORCEMENT

To a great extent, 2023 has been a successful year for anti-poaching law enforcement in South Luangwa.

We proudly welcomed 20 new community scouts to our ground patrol units, the first recruits in over two years, strengthening our scout force in the fight against wildlife poaching. The community clean sweep programme not only significantly increased snare retrieval but also encouraged community participation in vital conservation work. Looking to 2024, our focus is on sustaining this momentum. This objective is expected to be made easier with the arrival of new vehicles for patrol deployments, one of our primary challenges in 2023.

The K9 Unit celebrated operational achievements, including the arrival of two new dogs, training opportunities for handlers, and excellent anti-poaching results. The delivery of a new K9 vehicle at the end of the year also bolstered our resources. Next year we are pleased to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the K9 Unit.

Our Aerial Unit continues to play an increasingly important role in all aspects of CSL’s work, supporting ground patrol units, helping with veterinary work and contributing to community programmes. We look forward to more successes and impactful results from the Aerial Unit in 2024.

The overall strong performance in 2023 can be attributed to the collaborative work between CSL, DNPW and support from Working Dogs for Conservation (WD4C), who not only contributed to positive results but also provided a morale boost to our law enforcement teams.

Benson Kanyembo Law Enforcement Advisor and 2019 Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award winner

During 2023, Frontier continued its long-standing collaboration with CSL. One significant development project was to re-certify the elite Quick Reaction Force (QRF) teams and add manpower to replace those that moved to other teams.

The programme provided concentrated up-skilling and team development training, based on operational needs determined through detailed analysis. The programme enhanced the operational effectiveness of the teams, bringing on board multiple new members, as well as developing existing members in line with dynamic operational changes.

In addition, Frontier conducted target team conceptual and practical development. This included integrating members from all over the Eastern Province from DNPW Intelligence and Investigation units, to undertake integrated intelligence-led targeting operations.

The impact of the QRF and target teams remains notable, both for the outcomes when conducting operations, but also for their perception and deterrent effect. Frontier is proud to continue its partnership with CSL into 2024 to further develop the teams capacity and strategic programming.

Tom Whittle Frontier Strategy Director

GROUND PATROL UNITS

Throughout the year, CSL and DNPW combined antipoaching foot patrol teams covered 52,556 km to find and deter illegal activity in the South Luangwa National Park and surrounding game management areas. Patrol teams conducted 814 field days, of which 329 were day patrols, 19 five-day patrols and 466 10-day patrols. The teams achieved the following results:

• 316 wire snares recovered

• 82 firearms seized

• 500 kg illegal bushmeat confiscated

• 683 kg ivory removed from circulation (103 kg confiscated from suspects and 580 kg retrieved from carcasses)

• 150 wildlife crime suspects apprehended

• 120 poachers’ and fisherman camps’ detected

• 132 drying racks observed

Community clean sweeps

A remarkable 57% of the total recovered snares in 2023 were found during regular community anti-snaring clean sweeps. CSL conducted an impressive 236 clean sweep operations, a substantial 131% increase from 2022, with 1,409 community members participating and recovering 412 snares.

Initiated three years ago by CSL and ZCP, the community clean sweep programme aims to increase antisnaring patrols and support the household incomes of participating community members. Led by a CSL Scout and DNPW Wildlife Police Officer, each sweep consists of five or six community members and are carried out in known snaring hotspots.

Beyond their impact on snare removal and household incomes, the community clean sweeps also engage communities in conservation efforts, and their consistent presence in South Luangwa serves as a deterrent to potential poachers.

New scouts join CSL

This year, 15 men and five women graduated from DNPW Nyamaluma Wildlife Training School. Their three-month intensive programme incorporated HWC and mitigation measures; ecology and ecosystem management; capture, arrest and weaponry, as well as field-based skills, such as field survival and GPS mapping. Certificates were presented by Mambwe District Commissioner, William Banda. An impressive marching band accompanied the new recruits’ parade, which featured drill and arms handling demonstrations, and martial arts and cultural performances. The CSL community scout force now has 108 trained officers working to protect the wildlife and habitats of South Luangwa.

K9 UNIT

In 2023, the K9 Unit continued to refine operations across Zambia’s Eastern Province. CSL saw an overall 22% reduction in operations compared with 2022. This is attributed to a focus on strategic, intelligence-led deployment of patrols. As a result of this strategic shift, there was an increase in arrests, firearms confiscations and bushmeat seizures by the K9 Unit when compared to 2022.

CSL continued to prove the efficiency and effectiveness of the K9 Unit in 2023, with results representing 24% of the total wildlife crime suspects apprehended by CSL/ DNPW anti-poaching units, as well as 29% of firearms confiscations and 59% of bushmeat seizures.

Nine K9 handlers and six working dogs conducted 154 operations across Zambia’s Eastern Province and along the Zambia-Malawi-Mozambique border. These operations included 15 random and quick checkpoints and the establishment of 98 half-day or full-day roadblocks on known trafficking routes. The team searched 14,365 vehicles (6,220 motor vehicles, 4,133 bicycles, and 4,012 motorbikes) and carried out 25 intelligence-led property searches. From these operations, the K9 Unit reported the following results:

• 47 wildlife crime suspects arrested, an increase of 27% compared with 2022

• 33 firearms confiscated, an increase of 18% compared with 2022

• 724 kg of illegal bushmeat seized, a significant increase of 341% compared with 2022

• 28 kg ivory confiscated from suspects

• The confiscation of one leopard skin and five Sharpe’s Grysbok skins

USA training programme

CSL’s partnership with WD4C continues to develop the K9 Unit. Four K9 handlers - Godfrey Mwanza, Sydney Njobvu, Mike Njobvu and Collins Lifumbo - carried out an intensive training programme in Montana and Seattle, USA. The programme included a dog-centred detection workshop, a K9 handler first aid training course, and a workshop on training chickens and applying this knowledge to canine teaching. The handlers also gained insights from bomb-sniffing dogs and handlers at a football stadium and gave a presentation about CSL and DNPW’s work to Woodland Park Zoo staff and volunteers.

New team members

CSL was pleased to welcome Ody and Cassi, two Labrador working dogs, into the family to help in the fight against wildlife crime. Ody was donated to the WD4C programme in the USA by Folklore Canine in Alabama in March 2022 and Cassi was donated to WD4C in April 2023 by a game warden in Texas.

Mfuwe training

Following the arrival of Ody and Cassi in Mfuwe, CSL carried out a training programme with Lauren Wendt, Law Enforcement Training Specialist, and Paige Smith, Canine Field Specialist. The focus was on tracking and detection scenarios, obedience training, play, fitness, and enhanced understanding of the health, welfare, and husbandry needs of the dogs. Continuous skills development ensures CSL’s dogs remain enthusiastic and efficient in their roles.

AERIAL UNIT

The Aerial Unit has evolved to become a significant contributor in safeguarding the South Luangwa ecosystem, contributing not only to anti-poaching law enforcement, research and monitoring but also supporting various other activities. These activities include mapping water points for patrol teams, assisting the HWCx team in monitoring and planning crop damage mitigation measures, and flying with local chiefs to enhance their understanding of CSL’s conservation efforts.

In 2023, the aerial team recorded the following:

• 165 hours in support of anti-poaching efforts on 75 patrols dedicated to aerial surveillance and 19 flights with dual objectives

• 11 individuals suspected of illegal entry into the Park

• 27 elephant carcasses

• 19 buffalo, giraffe and hippo carcasses

• Seven incidents of illegal fires

• Three illegal instances of tree cutting in the Park

Fixed-wing light aircraft

CSL’s fixed-wing Cessna 180 aircraft plays a crucial role in supporting law enforcement through aerial surveillance operations, while also contributing to ZCP’s large carnivore research via aerial tracking operations. As a mode of transport, it also enables effective resource management. During the dry season, the aircraft enables patrols to be completed in a fraction of the time it would take the groundbased team. In the wet season, it becomes essential for surveillance where ground access is limited. The aircraft provides real-time intelligence to ground responders to incidents of gunshots and other illegal activity detected from the air, such as poachers’ camps and drying racks. In addition, the aircraft acts as a deterrent to potential poachers by providing a consistent presence along Park boundaries and around sensitive areas. Furthermore, the nature of flying means that CSL-ZCP Veterinarian, Dr Mwamba Sichande, can attend to de-snaring needs in more remote areas without the need for extensive days travelling across remote areas.

Helicopter support

The success and benefits seen with helicopter support for anti-poaching in 2022 continued into 2023 with 71 operations over 121 flying hours, covering 14,275 km. The capacity for rapid deployment of the groundpatrol team, in particular for the QRF teams, has been invaluable to law enforcement throughout the year. In addition, alongside the Cessna 180, the helicopter provides a major deterrence factor to poachers as well as a morale boost for teams on the ground, particularly those based in remote scout camps that can be inaccessible by road during the rainy season.

VETERINARY

Over the years, our evolving partnership with DNPW, Zambia’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and ZCP, has enabled us to effectively respond to wildlife rescues and disease outbreaks. This was demonstrated in 2023 when we collaborated with ZCP and DNPW Veterinarian, Dr Lengwe Bwalya, to successfully rescue 15 animals.

Additionally, our collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries allowed us to expand the coverage of rabies vaccinations for both dogs and cats. By extending our reach in rabies vaccinations, we not only contribute to a healthier domestic animal population but minimise the potential threat of disease transmission to South Luangwa’s wildlife.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of partnering with vets from the USA and Japan to support Visiting Vets International in sterilising dogs in Cambodia. I also gained valuable insights and experience through a neuroscience externship programme in Israel.

As we move into 2024, I look forward to building upon the successes in 2023.

Dr Mwamba Sichande CSL-ZCP Veterinarian

WILDLIFE RESCUE IN THE FIELD

Snares are indiscriminate killers, endangering many wildlife species. This year, CSL’s veterinary team de-snared 11 animals. The seasonal trends seen over recent years continued in 2023, with snaring peaking in Zambia’s driest months where access to the protected area is easiest and farming activities are at their lowest. June and September saw the highest number of animals de-snared in any month. Sadly, 2023 saw the first reports of snared lions in South Luangwa since July 2021. In total, four elephant (including two calves), two giraffe, two lion, two wild dog, and one baboon were de-snared. Unfortunately, one of the de-snared wild dogs succumbed to horrific injuries caused by the snare.

In addition to de-snaring activities, four animals were rescued – two elephants stuck in soakaways, one orphaned elephant calf (successfully translocated to the Game Rangers International elephant orphanage in Lusaka) and one giraffe with a stillborn foetus.

These de-snaring and rescue activities were carried out in collaboration with DNPW, conservation partners and local safari operators. CSL takes pride in being part of a network of dedicated and passionate organisations, collectively working to protect the South Luangwa ecosystem.

IN-CLINIC AND COMMUNITY VETERINARY CARE

In 2023, CSL continued to provide free veterinary care for domestic animals living along the boundary of the South Luangwa National Park.

The veterinary team treated 212 animals in the Mfuwe clinic and had some unusual cases, including treatment for a python entangled in a fishing net, and the removal of a fishing hook swallowed by a dog. These in-clinic cases are an increase of 108% compared with 2022.

The veterinary team also carried out 19 community outreach visits and treated 459 animals. CSL’s community outreach work continues to grow each year as more communities welcome the veterinary team.

During the year, 44 animals (30 dogs and 14 cats) were sterilised and 581 dogs and cats were vaccinated against rabies. These services are not only important for the welfare of domestic animals but also play an important part in CSL’s wider conservation mission.

ADVANCING VETERINARY KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This year, Dr Sichande travelled nationally and internationally to represent CSL’s work and build on his skills and experience. These trips not only enhance his ability to provide advanced care for wild and domestic animals in the Luangwa Valley but also aid in being recognised as a valuable contributor to the broader field of veterinary medicine in Zambia and beyond. Throughout the year, Dr Sichande:

• Teamed up with Visiting Veterinarians International to support Paw Patrol Cambodia with a spay-neuter campaign.

• Participated in a Regional Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Veterinary Association of Zambia.

• Engaged in a neuroscience externship programme at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine in Israel, where he was invited by Professor Merav Shamir, Associate Professor in Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Jerusalem. Dr Sichande observed surgeries at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and examined microscope slides in the Veterinary Neurobiology Lab.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

In 2014, Dr Sichande established a veterinary mentorship programme to support the next generation of veterinarians. He provides national and international students with detailed insight into his veterinary work and shares the essential skills required to be a vet in a challenging and remote area of Zambia.

In 2023, Dr Sichande mentored four Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust Aspiring Conservation Leader students, two veterinary students from the University of Edinburgh in the UK and a University of Zambia veterinary student, Dr Cornellius Phiri, who is now a certified veterinarian.

My primary education was made possible with the support of my parents. However, after completing Grade 12 in 2015 with distinctions in all subjects, I faced a lack of sponsorship for further education. Fortunately, financial assistance from Catholic priests enabled me to travel to Lusaka, where I applied for a government scholarship to study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zambia.

During my time in Lusaka, I established myself as a private tutor, providing support to young students to sustain my stay in the city. Successfully securing a government scholarship, I enrolled at the University of Zambia in 2018. The income from private tuition covered my accommodation expenses. However, by the third year, balancing tuition work with university studies became challenging. In my search for alternative financial support to continue my veterinary degree, I reached out to Remote Africa Safaris, who suggested contacting CSL. This led to CSL providing financial assistance in 2020, and their support has continued over the last three years. Currently interning with CSL and ZCP, I look forward to providing updates on my career in the coming years.

DR CORNELLIUS PHIRI

An inspirational success story

CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY

By harnessing cutting-edge technology, CSL teams gain invaluable insights into threats facing biodiversity. Looking ahead, technology is set to play an even more transformative role in conservation. In 2023, CSL enhanced the technological skills of current staff and the next generation of conservationists, marking a significant step in CSL’s tech-enabled conservation journey.

This year, I took on additional responsibilities as Conservation Technology Manager. Over recent years, advancements in technology related to law enforcement, together with increased focus from technology giants, have made industryleading hardware and software increasingly affordable. As a result, these technologies are more accessible and practical for use in remote and rough terrains such as South Luangwa.

In 2023, we mounted a camera with a remote release system to one of the wings of our aircraft, enabling us to take high-quality aerial images of illegal activity, such as bushmeat drying racks, poachers’ camps, wildlife carcasses, and incidences of deforestation. These images are then attached to reports to strengthen evidence and bolster intelligence. The images can also remove the need for on-the-ground follow-up and determine what might or might not have been detected.

I look forward to helping CSL to innovate and grow in this new field alongside my daily aerial surveillance work.

In 2023, CSL recruited Jeremiah Daka Bwalya as SMART Data Assistant to support Kaluba Tembo, SMART Coordinator. Jeremiah’s responsibilities include data cleaning and error correction, liaising with data collection field officers and keeping track of their equipment. Towards the end of the year, Jeremiah trained 62 trainee scouts in how to use SMART and EarthRanger.

Throughout the year, field officers, volunteers, CSL scouts and DNPW rangers were trained on new features in SMART 7, which records patrol locations, outcomes such as arrests and snares removals, and key wildlife data. This software also helps to assess coexistence challenges in South Luangwa, demonstrate the effectiveness of HWC mitigations, and map shifts in conflict patterns. EarthRanger enhances operations by providing real-time scout location tracking and directing them to resources such as water.

GARETH BROEKHUIZEN CSL-ZCP Pilot and Conservation Technology Manager

Emma Robinson and Gareth Broekhuizen attended the annual EarthRanger User Conference in Cape Town. This global event brought together 484 conservationists, technologists and scientists from 44 countries across six continents, and facilitated in-depth discussions on innovative solutions to urgent conservation challenges. Gareth took to the stage to share his insights during a session focused on advancements in aerial monitoring and survey techniques.

CSL was pleased to take part in the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Challenge. This annual event is an opportunity to recognise the critical role of rangers in the conservation of protected areas.

With the incredible support of donors, CSL topped the fundraising leaderboard once again, raising $299,179 for rangers on the frontline of conservation in South Luangwa.

CSL was proud to learn that its Atsikana (women) team won the women’s Wildlife Ranger 21 km Challenge. A team of four determined, strong women ran the distance in two hours and 45 minutes. They ran across demanding terrain whilst carrying backpacks weighing 10 kg (22 kg for men). CSL’s Azibambo (men) team also did well with a time of two hours and 28 minutes which placed them sixth on the leaderboard. Over 100 ranger teams participated in the 21 km Challenge in September.

CSL FUN RUN

Following a three-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CSL Fun Run made a triumphant return in June. CSL was pleased to see so many members of the local community, supporters and partners enjoy a fun-filled day of sporting activities. More than 6,000 people took part in a wide range of activities on the grounds of Mfuwe Airport.

The day began early with a 10 km run which Ester Beza from the CSL HWCx team ran in only 50 minutes. New for 2023 was a 20 km run to celebrate CSL’s 20th anniversary. Other activities included a 50 m sack race and egg and spoon race, as well as a 100 m three-legged race and sprint. The Zambia Air Force won the tug-of-war in the final against Zambia National Airports. It was great to see the enthusiasm from teams as they took part in volleyball, netball and ZCP football tournaments too. Other highlights were lively performances from the SEKA theatre group and other traditional dances. The event concluded with a speech from the District Commissioner and the distribution of prizes. The day was an opportunity to unite in celebration and recognition of conservation efforts in South Luangwa.

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY

I can scarcely believe I am writing this, but this year CSL celebrated 20 years of grassroots conservation across the South Luangwa ecosystem. In reality, the CSL journey began a few years before this when myself and a group of other passionate conservationists working in tourism in the area came together to help fund a small team of six scouts to support DNPW (then known as Zambian Wildlife Authority or ZAWA). This work was formalised with our first injection of funding, allowing the recruitment and training of 30 scouts in 2003 and our official registration as South Luangwa Conservation Society.

I could never have imagined that, over 20 years later, we would be DNPW’s longest-serving conservation partner in South Luangwa. CSL is now an organisation employing 137 people, supporting wildlife and habitats across 1.4 million hectares of protected area. Each year, we deploy hundreds of ground and aerial patrols as well as Zambia’s first conservation K9 Unit. We also provide year-round wildlife rescue and community outreach, led by Zambia’s only full-time veterinarian employed directly by an NGO. On top of that, our human-wildlife coexistence programmes have grown to support thousands of community members surrounding the South Luangwa National Park with vital conflict mitigation strategies, including Zambia’s only dedicated human-wildlife conflict Rapid Response Unit on call 24/7 to help de-escalate incidents of severe conflict to support both community and wildlife to peacefully coexist.

To achieve all this year on year, we rely on the support of individuals, businesses and grant-giving bodies from across the world and we continue to be astounded by the generosity and passion shown for our work. I hope that our work continues to grow and develop at the same rate over the next two decades and that this extraordinary corner of the world remains a pristine, untouched wilderness where animals and people alike can not just survive, but truly thrive.

Rachel McRobb CSL CEO and Co-Founder

Photos from CSL’s 20th anniversary event at Marula Lodge in Mfuwe, May 2023

20 YEARS IN NUMBERS

COMMUNITY

• From one to 20 human-wildlife conflict team members

• 9,000+ human-wildlife conflicts assessed

• 10 conflict mitigation strategies trialled across seven chiefdoms

• 3,700+ chilli farmers trained

• Three alternative crop products developed

• 67 tonnes of chilli harvested/bought

• 5,827 local people taken into the South Luangwa National Park on 730 game drives

• 131 SEKA theatre performances held in the community

• 90 Conservation Hour radio broadcasts

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• From 30 to 108 CSL community scouts

• From one to 20 vehicles deploying/extracting ground patrols plus three boats, one aircraft and five motorbikes

• 8,500+ foot patrols

• 2,300+ aerial surveillance hours

• 350+ helicopter support hours

VETERINARY

• 300+ animals rescued

• 2,000+ domestic animals rabies vaccinated

• Nine K9 Unit dogs, nine handlers

• 1,000+ roadblocks

• 112,000+ vehicles searched

• 2,000+ wildlife crime suspects arrested

• 12,000+ snares recovered

• 1,000+ firearms confiscated

• 11+ tonnes of bushmeat confiscated

CSL 20-YEAR TIMELINE

2003

SOUTH LUANGWA CONSERVATION SOCIETY

South Luangwa Conservation Society is officially registered, transforming from a small, ad-hoc local task force of six scouts to a formally endorsed anti-poaching unit of 30 trained community scouts and base camp in Mfuwe.

2006

SCOUT RECRUITMENT

An official alliance with the Kakumbi Community Resource Board begins and a second major recruitment drive for scouts is complete.

2008

HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT

The first HWC mitigation projects are launched to help address the challenges faced by communities living in the game management areas bordering the South Luangwa National Park.

2009

BENSON KANYEMBO

Benson Kanyembo joins the team, bringing a wealth of law enforcement experience and contributing to the growth of the CSL scout team, totalling 60 members.

2014

K9 UNIT

Zambia’s first conservation K9 Unit is established with the first two dogs, Steve and Ruger, allowing for targeted border patrols, roadblocks and searches in Mfuwe and surrounding areas.

2012

AERIAL UNIT

Aerial surveillance of the South Luangwa protected area begins following the donation of a Cessna 180 light aircraft.

2013 WILDLIFE VETERINARIAN

Dr Mwamba Sichande joins the CSL and ZCP teams, making him the first wildlife Veterinarian to be employed to work in the field by conservation NGOs in Zambia.

2016 RE-BRAND

South Luangwa Conservation Society is rebranded as Conservation South Luangwa, a registered nongovernmental organisation following changes in Zambian law.

2017 RESTRUCTURE

Major review and restructure of CSL’s operations, including expanding K9 Unit operations east to Chipata and the Malawi border. First implementation of SMART system, revolutionising the capture and use of key law enforcement data.

2020 COVID-19

Covid-19 hits and the tourism industry crashes in South Luangwa. CSL launches community game drives and community clean sweep initiatives with ZCP to support tourism workers affected by the pandemic and to ensure continued presence in the Park to deter an anticipated rise in poaching.

2019 CSL/DNPW CONTROL ROOM

CSL and DNPW combine command and control centres, merging all operations for streamlined strategic operations, a major milestone in CSL’s long-term partnership with DNPW.

2021

HWC RAPID RESPONSE UNIT

The CSL RRU, the first of its kind in Zambia, is established to provide support to communities and respond to reports of human-wildlife conflict that pose significant threat to human lives and livelihoods.

2022 STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

Following intensive training, an elite unit is formed combining highly specialised scouts from CSL’s K9 Unit, Quick Reaction Force and DNPW Intelligence and Investigations Unit, designed to apprehend suspects before wildlife is illegally killed and trafficked.

2023 SCOUT RECRUITMENT AND 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

We welcome 20 new CSL scouts, increasing the total number to 108 and the overall CSL team to 137. The team celebrates 20 years of conservation with an online silent auction and an evening with friends and partners at Marula Lodge, Mfuwe.

LUANGWA CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY FUND

Over 20 years ago, a small and dedicated group of tourism professionals began working together to fight poaching in and around the South Luangwa National Park. The Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund (LCCF), initiated by Andy Hogg of The Bushcamp Company in 2011, provided funding early on, enabling CSL operations to grow and leverage further funding for anti-poaching work. CSL’s relationship with lodges and tour operators continues to be at the core of its operations. From financial and in-kind support to providing reports of snared animals or illegal activity, CSL works hand-in-hand with LCCF members to protect the Luangwa Valley’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. The funds donated by long-standing members of the LCCF are not restricted to specific projects or expenses, giving CSL invaluable flexibility to grow, adapt and respond to changing conditions each year.

In 2023, LCCF members collectively donated nearly $144,000 to CSL’s work. Thank you Mfuwe Lodge and The Bushcamp Company, Chiawa Safaris, Flatdogs Camp, Gavin Opie Safaris, Kafunta Safaris, Lion Camp, Remote Africa Safaris, Robin Pope Safaris, Shenton Safaris, and Time + Tide.

THE CSL TEAM

This year, CSL employed 137 full-time employees: 108 community scouts (including 25 female scouts), 11 senior management team members, and a further 18 support staff.

CSL also provided monthly volunteer stipends to 13 community data collectors for HWC assessments and 30 chilli patrollers.

IN MEMORY OF JEBSON TEMBO

It is with a heavy heart that CSL reports the passing of a much-loved colleague, Jebson Tembo.

Jebson Tembo, affectionately known as ‘Jebbie’, was a kind and honest man with a youthful spirit. He was a committed husband, father and grandfather, with a deep faith. He was also a keen farmer with a wealth of knowledge.

Jebbie joined the Community Human-Wildlife Coexistence team in 2008 as a Field Officer in Nsefu Chiefdom. He shared many stories from his childhood in Nsefu Chiefdom, recalling his many encounters with wildlife. As a committed conservationist, he was dedicated to teaching people how to live alongside wildlife. He completed conflict data assessments, built grain stores, mentored new volunteers, advised on borehole locations and managed chilli patrollers. He always had time for others, quick to pitch in with teamwork and frequently provided guidance to bring people together. He was our man on the ground in Nsefu Chiefdom and his loss to cancer has been a huge blow to the CSL team. We will forever appreciate the years spent working alongside him, sharing in numerous adventures and moments of laughter. We will honour his memory through our work and we will never forget his generous spirit, wisdom, and patience. Rest in peace, Uncle Jebbie.

Emma Robinson Human-Wildlife Coexistence Programme Manager

2023 FINANCIALS

THANK YOU

Over US $100K

U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

Tusk

Wildlife Ranger Challenge

Lion Recovery Fund

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Mfuwe Lodge and The Bushcamp Company

Dazzle Africa

EJF Philanthropies

CSL is grateful to Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife for their long-term partnership and willingness to continue working closely together for the joint mission of conserving the wildlife and habitats of South Luangwa.

CSL would also like to thank the following donors and partners for their invaluable support of its work in 2023.

$50,000 - $99,000

Elephant Crisis Fund

Scheinberg Relief Fund

Working Dogs for Conservation

$10,000 - $49,999

Angela and Norbert Nelde

Deepak Raghavan Family Foundation

Elephant Charge

Explorers Against Extinction

Flatdogs Camp

Future for Elephants

Kafunta Safaris

Mark and Julie Mills

Painted Dog Conservation Inc.

Perth Zoo

Red Butterfly Foundation

Robin Pope Safaris

Shenton Safaris

Sibylle Broadmann

Sungani

Time + Tide

Wildlife Worldwide

World Wildlife Fund

Zambian Carnivore Programme

Zoo Atlanta

$5,000 - $9,999

Africa Hope Fund

Chiawa Safaris

Giraffe Conservation Foundation

Green Safaris

Humane Society International

Lion Camp

Remote Africa Safaris

Save Giraffes Now

Susan Stribling

Terrence O’Rourke

$1,000 - $4,999

Alec Lindsay

Allan Larson

Bud the Wonder Dog

Elizabeth Touma

Frank Petrus

Gavin Opie Safaris

Ian Shenton

Infinite Safari Foundation

Jacques Zenon

Jennifer Mayle

Louise Bolick

Make Me Smile

Mulberry Mongoose

Nicholas Aslin

Olivia Kennard

People and Places

Rufus Worne

Virginia Kubic

Wally Pohl

Wildlife Crime Prevention

Up to $999

Aisling Ryan

Alexander Hayes

Alison Bell

Amanda Dewey

Anne Schaal

Anne Sibblad

Arthur Carlson

Dr Bess Pierce

Dr Carl von Schreiber / Bermagui

Veterinary Clinic

Cartology Travel

Cassie Scheuer

Catherina Liddiard

Charles Olsson

Chris Brown

Chris Heptinstall

Christie Teilla

Chundukwa Foundation

Cley Dearsley

Craig Scheuer

Daniel Mangold

Daniela Falkenhagen

Dr David Bryan

Donna Cohen

Elise Robinson-Phillips

Emilia Leese

Emma Smithson

Gail Edwardson

Gid Carr

Gillian Greenway

Glenn Ringer

Gwen Harris

Hal Pearse

Keith Martens

Kerri Stoehr

Janine Paris

Jean-Michel Pavy

Jennifer Hall

Jirov Zejval

Joseph Rys

Josh Earhart

Joyce Dannheim

Judith Foord

Judy Jordan

Julie Bates

Juliet Sparkes Kind

Lesley Bird

Leslie and Bryan Diers

Linda and Conan Butcher

Linda Potter

Lisa Hurst

Lydie Delineau

Makolekole Drilling and Water

Solutions Ltd

Mango African Safaris

Mari Passanati

Martha Girolami

Moraway Adventures

Nidhi Shah

Pat Cole

Paul Engle

Paul Psychas

Paula Fitzpatrick

Peter Hayton

Petra Brinkmann

Petra Jordan

Puk Daniels

Sheda Morshed

Simone Anzboeck

Steven Fulker

Steven Segall

Teresa Simpson

T L van den Hoonaard

The Elephant Soul

Thomas Riley

Tribal Textiles

Verity Cherrez

In-kind support

African Parks

Africa Pride

CC Systems

Edward Selfe Photo Safaris

Dr Eva Gross

Flatdogs Camp

Kalamo Productions

Niner Juliet

Project AnimalAid

Royal Canin Zambia (Brandline Dist Ltd.)

The Bush Spa

Tribal Textiles

Valley Lodgeistics

Wildlife Crime Prevention

Wildlife Protection Services

Working Dogs for Conservation

20th anniversary auction contributors

Amish Chhagan

Azimai

Chikowa Youth Development Centre

Chunya Nursery

Ciȇla Resort

Edward Selfe Photo Safaris

Flatdogs Camp

Green Safaris

Kafunta Safaris

Latitude 15

Lightfoot Zambia

Mayana

Mulberry Mongoose

Robin Pope Safaris

Royal Canin Zambia (Brandline Dist Ltd.)

Shenton Safaris

Sibylle Broadmann

Sishemos

Sungani

The Bushcamp Company

The Bush Spa

Thornicroft Lodge

Tribal Textiles

Valley Lodgeistics

WAYAWAYA

A special thanks to Mjose Jozie for documenting CSL’s work in photographs throughout the year. Thank you also to Bret Charman, Edward Selfe, Emma Healey, Eric Njobvu, Geraldine Taylor, Henry Mwape, Lauren Wendt, Marcus Westberg, Patrick Bentley and Rachel Rebibo for their images used in this report. Thank you Jess Aumonier for the report design.

PARTNERS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Conservation South Luangwa (Zambia)

Adrian Carr (Chair)

Carol Van Bruggen (Treasurer)

Edward Selfe (Secretary)

Nick Aslin

Simon Barnes

Chris Breen

Graph Evans

Shadrack Nkhoma

Aisling Ryan

Derek Shenton

For more information on how to support CSL’s work, please scan the QR code below.

Conservation South Luangwa (UK)

Alan Jamieson (Chair)

Simon Barnes

Chris Breen

Aisling Ryan

RNGO registration NGO/101/0010/2013

UK Registered Charity No: 1206897