In the area bordering Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, a lion has been on the move and tensions are running high. Within this ‘buffer zone’ – the area separating land used for different purposes, where communities reside, he has come into contact with local people, posing threats to lives and livelihoods. It demands an urgent response from the team to relocate him to a safer, more remote location in order to resolve human-wildlife conflict.
The nomadic young lion is likely to have been pushed out of neighbouring Kruger National Park by territorial males and is now chancing survival in this new landscape. On the prowl for prey, he has taken advantage of the easy meal livestock represent.
With the support of Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA), and Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Programme, Bruce Missing, the park’s Counter-Poaching Coordinator and Delport Bothma, Helicopter Pilot, are on the case! In searing heat of up to 40 degrees Celsius, they must tackle the challenge from the ground and the air; the MWA team spearhead a gruelling two week search for the lion, through days and nights. This highly strategic process demands great skill, immense perseverance, and a certain amount of luck.
Captures, Collars and Coexistence
To tempt him closer, the lion is ‘called up’ using a loud soundtrack of distressed prey. He roars in response setting teams on his trail, who are guided by fresh tracks in the sand.
After receiving confirmation of his location, the team takes to the air, from where a member of the MWA team is able to dart the big cat; the helicopter lands safely alongside him once he’s sedated on the ground. They need to act swiftly before the tranquiliser wears off, or the lion overheats in oppressive temperatures. Applying cold water and ice packs to the sleeping animal while they work, a satellite collar is fitted to be able to monitor his future movements. This will help to anticipate and respond to any potential conflict with communities.
He is gently loaded into the shady truck and carefully transported to a northern region of the park, away from settlements, in the hope that he’ll be satisfied with his new home range and not return. The collar and time will tell but for now, in this safe territory, the newcomer is free to roam without crossing paths with communities and their cattle. Supporting Rewilding and Harmony at Scale
Limpopo National Park is on an exciting journey of revival. Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas, Peace Parks and expert partners are working together here to restore, manage and develop the landscape. Wildlife migrating into the park intuitively, as these lions have been able to do, is an immensely promising sign that ecosystems are healthy and balanced enough to sustain them. But for this natural rewilding to be a complete success relies heavily upon the dedicated teams charged with proactive and sensitive management.
Enormous credit is due to Bruce and his colleagues for what they have achieved in this epic operation, and to our partners, including Mozambique Wildlife Alliance for their skilled and active role, and donors for their invaluable support. These outcomes will not go unseen by the communities, for whom harmonious coexistence between people and #NatureWithoutBorders is a vital part of everyday life.
To learn more about Limpopo National Park’s remarkable journey, visit parquelimpopo.gov.mz.
