MALVERN KARIDOZO: Project Update May 2007

Visiting Botswana wildlife management officer during transect walks

Mapping

Mapping of wildlife habitat usage is underway and is an ongoing activity. This is being defined through mapping sessions with local key informants. A base map for the area has been developed.

Public Meetings and trainings

Seven community meetings and three human elephant conflict mitigation trainings have been conducted to obtain quantitative and qualitative baseline information on the presence or absence of key wildlife species on village land. Generally, densities of wild animals are low, except in the Zoological Park within the Mosi O Tunya National Park. Large mammals are scarce, except for baboon and vervet monkey. Hippos are present and elephants come and go across the Zambezi River from Zimbabwe in varying numbers which are increasing and are more common in the dry season.

Ground Surveys and transect walks will be conducted at the beginning of June as vegetation will be less dense from then. GPS readings for locations of conflict hot spots will be recorded.

Crop and property damage assessment to quantify the area, intensity and nature of each crop and property damage incident is underway and locations are being taken using a GPS to ensure the data are suitable for entry into GIS.