Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Interventions
Safeguarding Human life and property from wildlife while conserving wildlife
Making of Chilli Bricks and Distribution
Chilli bricks are made from chilli, oil and elephant dung. The bricks when burnt produces are purgent smell that deters elephants and other large animals from approcaching farms, gardens and homes.
At CATS we not only produce and distribute the Chilli bricks but also teach the community on how to make the bricks.
Construction of appropriate fencing
Erecting physical barriers that elephants can be an expensive undertaking. However, with adequate resources, this is an effective way to keep elephants away.
There are numerous types of barriers that can be used to keep elephants away. CATS volunteers are on hand to provide guidance, be it electricy fencing, sharp stone ground barriers, etc.
Together with our coperating partners, we have devised cheaper fencing alternatives that help keep elephants way; these include the following:
White stone barrier. This has been a successful pilot project which now awaits implementation on a larger scale.
Chilli Fences; old clothes or mutton cloth dipped into used oil mixed with Chilli hunged onto fences or trees keeps elephants away.
Can Strings; cans hunged onto fences are also a good deterant for elephants.
Bee-hive strategy
We help to distribute and install bee hives as a versatile approach to reduce HWC. Elephants naturally avoid bees and hence they tend to stay away from areas with active beehives.
Beehives strategically placed along bounderies to farms or villages to keep elephants away hence protecting crops, property and human life from elephants.
CERT - Cats Elephant Response Team
The CATS Elephant Response Team (CERT) is a dedicated program under the Conservation and Tourism Society (CATS) in Livingstone, Zambia, focused on addressing human-elephant interactions in local communities. CERT responds to distress calls when elephants wander into populated areas, causing safety concerns for residents and putting elephants at risk. Using expertise in animal behavior and community engagement, the team works carefully to guide the elephants back to the park, helping to prevent potential conflicts and safeguard both people and wildlife.
CERT plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony between local communities and the wildlife surrounding them. By minimizing the risks associated with human-elephant encounters, CERT supports CATS' mission to promote conservation awareness and peaceful coexistence. In addition to direct response efforts, the team works closely with residents to educate them about safe practices when encountering elephants, reinforcing the importance of conservation and community involvement in protecting Zambia's rich natural heritage.
Building Stronger Communities
Uniting people for conservation action
Environmental Clean ups
We are involved in environmental clean ups. Multiple studies have shown that clean-ups are important for supporting tourism and local economies, protecting wildlife and raising public awareness of the threat of litter to both wildlife and communities.
Dambwa Warriors
Engaging youth is crucial for sustainable conservation. Our programs focus on empowering young people through leadership training and volunteer opportunities. By involving them in hands-on conservation projects, we instill a sense of responsibility and encourage them to become advocates for wildlife in their communities.
Local Partnerships for Conservation
CATS actively seeks partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to enhance our conservation efforts. These collaborations allow us to share resources, expertise, and reach a wider audience. By working together, we can create a more significant impact on conservation initiatives and foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the community.Conservation Activities
We are involved in various conservation activities which are outlined in this section
Snare Sweeps
The Snare Sweeps program by the Conservation and Tourism Society (CATS) is a critical conservation initiative aimed at protecting wildlife from the dangers of poaching in and around Livingstone, Zambia. In collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), a team of dedicated CATS volunteers conducts routine sweeps through the park, locating and removing snares set up by poachers. These snares pose a significant threat to wildlife, often trapping and injuring animals indiscriminately, causing suffering, and sometimes even leading to death.
Through regular snare sweeps, CATS is actively reducing these risks and supporting healthier, safer wildlife populations within the park. The program not only seeks to protect animals from harm but also works to raise awareness about the impact of poaching on Zambia’s biodiversity. By involving local communities and promoting the importance of preserving wildlife, the Snare Sweeps program reinforces CATS' mission of fostering sustainable, community-centered conservation.
Gulley Restoration in the Park
Together with our cooperating partners, the Conservation and Tourism Society (CATS) engages in gulley restoration work within the park to improve water retention and ensure wildlife has better access to essential water sources. By restoring these eroded areas, we help to retain rainwater in natural pools and wetlands, which are vital for sustaining animals, especially during the dry season. This work not only supports local biodiversity by providing reliable water sources but also helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion, contributing to healthier ecosystems within the park.Together with our cooperating partners, we undertake gulley restoration works in the park
