Research and Monitoring Programme
Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) implements a comprehensive wildlife monitoring programme focused on African lions, painted wolves (African wild dogs), and elephants within the Lower Zambezi ecosystem. This initiative addresses a long-standing research gap in the region, where limited formal ecological studies had previously been conducted. By generating reliable, long-term scientific data, the programme strengthens evidence-based conservation management and supports informed decision-making across the landscape.
The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and research partners, including the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) and Wildlife and Crime Prevention (WCP). These partnerships ensure scientific rigor, alignment with national conservation priorities, and effective integration of research findings into conservation practice.
Field Monitoring and Population Assessments
Monitoring is conducted through structured search and encounter drives designed to systematically record sightings of lions and painted wolves. Monitoring teams use CyberTracker software to record patrol routes, survey effort, and all wildlife sightings, while high-resolution cameras are used to document individuals and packs. This approach ensures transparency and consistency in data collection and allows for accurate documentation of population trends, pack and pride composition, spatial distribution, and movement patterns over time.
In addition to active field surveys, camera trapping is used to support lion monitoring. Camera traps are strategically deployed along roads and key movement corridors. This method allows for individual identification using whisker spot patterns, strengthens population assessments, and improves understanding of spatial use and activity patterns of lions.
Wildlife Collaring and Movement Ecology
Collaring forms a critical component of the monitoring programme. African wild dogs have been fitted with both satellite (SAT/GPS) and VHF collars to generate detailed data on ranging behaviour, dispersal movements, habitat utilisation, and pack dynamics. The GPS data collected provides near real-time location information, improving monitoring efficiency and enabling responsive conservation management when needed.
Elephants have also been fitted with GPS collars to better understand seasonal movement patterns, landscape connectivity, and habitat use within the ecosystem. These data contribute to broader landscape-level conservation planning and provide insights into spatial interactions within the protected area network.
Citizen Science
To expand monitoring coverage and strengthen data collection across the ecosystem, safari guides have been formally integrated into the programme. Recognising their extensive field presence and local knowledge, CLZ conduct structured training sessions to ensure accurate and standardised data collection.
Training includes proper field data recording procedures, use of CyberTracker software, and photographic identification techniques for lions and painted wolves. Dedicated mobile devices equipped with CyberTracker are distributed to selected guides during the monitoring season, enabling consistent reporting of sightings and survey effort.
This collaborative approach has significantly enhanced spatial coverage, improved data reliability, and strengthened partnerships across the ecosystem.
Conservation Impact
Through systematic field surveys, camera trapping, wildlife collaring, and citizen science, the programme has established a strong scientific foundation for large carnivores and elephant conservation in the Lower Zambezi ecosystem. The data generated informs conservation management strategies, supports operational planning, and improves understanding of species ecology within one of Zambia’s most important protected landscapes.