Conservation Biologist Champions Coexistence of Lions and Local Communities in Zimbabwe
Protecting lions and people: the biologist dedicated to tackling human-wildlife conflict
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Moreangels Mbizah, a conservation biologist in Zimbabwe, founded Wildlife Conservation Action to address human-wildlife conflict after a tragic incident in 2014. Her organization employs innovative strategies to protect both lions and local livestock, significantly reducing conflict incidents in the Mbire district.
- 01Moreangels Mbizah founded Wildlife Conservation Action to address human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.
- 02The organization has developed community-led strategies, including training local guardians to protect livestock.
- 03Innovative solutions like mobile bomas have proven 100% effective in safeguarding livestock from lions.
- 04Human-wildlife conflict incidents have decreased by up to 98% in the Mbire district.
- 05WCA spans 2.6 million hectares, protecting nearly 18,000 livestock valued at approximately $2.3 million.
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Moreangels Mbizah, a conservation biologist from Zimbabwe, experienced a pivotal moment in 2014 when a lion killed a young boy in a village near Hwange National Park. This tragedy prompted her to establish Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA), focusing on mitigating human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the Mbire district. With lions losing up to 90% of their historic range, WCA aims to balance the needs of local communities and wildlife. The organization has implemented community-led strategies, including training local guardians to monitor predator movements and utilizing mobile bomas—livestock enclosures designed to obscure visibility from lions. These innovations have led to a remarkable 98% reduction in HWC incidents. Currently, WCA protects nearly 18,000 livestock worth approximately $2.3 million across 2.6 million hectares. Mbizah's journey reflects her commitment to conservation and her desire to inspire future generations of female African conservationists, addressing the gender gap in the field.
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The initiatives by Wildlife Conservation Action are crucial for local communities, as they help protect livestock, which is vital for their livelihood, reducing economic losses and fostering coexistence with wildlife.
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