FUNDING PROPOSAL Large carnivore conservation in Kusungu NP, Malawi: population monitoring education & awareness capacity building www.lionalert.org
Executive Summary ALERT affiliate program, Carnivore Conservation Malawi, is seeking funding for technical equipment to enhance the effectiveness of this collaborative study between the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the Wildlife & Environmental Society of Malawi, Act to Protect and ALERT. Based in Malawi s Kusungu National Park the program focusses on population monitoring, education & awareness and capacity building. It aims to: a) monitor carnivore populations within Kasungu National Park that will facilitate improved management plans to be implemented to conserve these species b) promote the importance of large carnivore presence to stakeholders with particular respect to ecological function and tourism generating potential c) capacity building to increase the effectiveness of the Park s staff to manage carnivore populations Current challenges faced in achieving the project s aims include a lack of technical equipment to improve efficiency, the impact of the project and the quality of the data collected as well as insufficient funds to cover basic expenses. The project findings are disseminated via a variety of means, including progress reports to all stakeholders, including the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife in order to evaluate and review progress. Budget (USD) NEED COST Project Manager 24,000 Malawian Assistant Investigator (to be recruited) 10,000 Office Administrator (WESM) 2,400 Law enforcement/poaching refresher courses for 60 scouts 8,640 GIS Development and Training 4,500 GDM Development and Training 2,200 Sensitization course for 2 DNPW extension workers 300 Educational materials 325 Computer & printer 2,000 20 x Motion cameras & batteries 6,000 10 x Trimble Juno SB handheld data loggers and software 12,500 Telecommunications & Office Supplies 3,120 Set up and running of research camp 6,310 Vehicle purchase and running costs 27,180
Background Information Located on the Central African Plateau (1,000 1,100 m) in the Western part of Central Malawi, and extending along the Zambian border, Kasungu National Park (NP) is Malawi s second largest at 2,316 km². The park is predominantly comprised of Miombo (Brachystegia Julbernardia) woodland and grassy dambos (shallow wetlands). It also has two major seasonal rivers (the Dwangwa and Lingadzi). Kasungu NP (IUCN Category II) in Malawi is home to the country s only known wild dog populations. Previously believed to be extinct in Malawi, a two year survey (2008-2010) carried out by ALERT affiliate Carnivore Conservation Malawi (CCM) discovered two packs in the park that are thought to cross over the border from Zambia from time to time. CCM has continued to track and monitor these packs, working with scouts from Malawi s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) during anti-poaching patrols. The Kasungu NP is also home to limited numbers of lion, leopard and possibly cheetah. Many cheetahs used to exist in the park however there have been few confirmed sightings in recent years. While previous and on-going efforts are in place to conserve the parks endangered and vulnerable wildlife species, human and financial resources are limited. Malawi s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) is greatly under-resourced and has little current data on Kasungu NP s wildlife populations other than that collected through a wildlife count conducted by the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) some years ago. The count, which was undertaken by trained volunteers, indicated diminishing numbers of mammals in the Park; almost to critical levels. This can largely be attributed to poaching (particularly the poaching of prey species), disease and human encroachment. Land encroachment, deforestation and water pollution are major threats to the critical habitat of the target taxa and their prey species in Kasungu NP. These threats have had a significant impact on wildlife populations in the park with many native species now believed to be absent and some even extinct. These include Black Rhinoceros, giraffe, cheetah and side striped jackal. Land encroachment is particularly widespread along the western Zambian and eastern Malawian borders. Land is cleared for tobacco farming and/or eucalyptus plantations to obtain firewood to dry tobacco. Little progress has been made in stopping encroachment into the Park during the last decade and the problem is getting worse. Another major concern is that communities are permitted to collect certain natural resources within the five kilometre buffer zone along the eastern side of the park. This is where the majority of illegal activities take place, including tree cutting and snaring. This buffer zone is being depleted at an alarming rate.
Project aims This project will focus on the carnivore species found in Kasungu NP, namely wild dogs, lions, cheetah and leopard. CCM aims to: a) monitor carnivore populations within Kasungu National Park that will facilitate improved management plans to be implemented to conserve these species b) promote the importance of large carnivore presence to stakeholders with particular respect to ecological function and tourism generating potential c) capacity building to increase the effectiveness of the Park s staff to manage carnivore populations 1. Population monitoring DNPW scouts will be equipped and trained in the use of GPS field data capture devices to enable them to record detailed wildlife information, and poaching activities, digitally as they conduct their daily patrols. The Trimble Juno SB hand held device with CyberTracker software will be used as the primary data collection device. A dedicated computer and with GPS Data Management software will be installed at the field ranger s HQ office to ensure easy management and analysis of collected data. This will be overseen by the principle researcher A volunteer programme will be established to contribute to the sustainability of the project and to increase data collection. International and local volunteers will undertake field studies aimed at investigating carnivore populations and will assist with analysing data and compiling reports. Infrared camera traps will be installed and monitored in Kasungu NP to observe carnivore populations. Cameras will also assist with detecting poaching activities. Data collected from the cameras will be processed at the computer station at the field ranger s office. Camera traps will record movements of carnivore species in the park and provide a greater understanding of individual animals, population numbers, movement and activities. 2. Education and awareness An education and awareness programme will be conducted in communities surrounding Kasungu NP in partnership with the DNPW extension workers, WESM, local organizations and traditional authorities to improve knowledge and encourage community engagement in wildlife conservation initiatives. The programme will also aim to show the potential for the development of local tourism initiatives in and around the park as an alternative livelihood opportunity to agriculture. Communities to be targeted are on the Malawian side of the park and include Nthunduwala, Linyangwa, Kaswanchenje, Kaphaiza, Chulu and Chisinga communities.
Challenges & Needs Statement Current challenges faced in achieving the project s aims include a lack of technical equipment to improve efficiency, the impact of the project and the quality of the data collected as well as insufficient funds to cover basic expenses. As a result of this funding, the major restrictions and challenges that the project currently faces will be lifted. The immediate needs are as follows: 1. Salaries for the principle researcher, assistant research and administrator 2. Training courses for the Park s employees in the use of technical equipment, such as GPS and GIS systems. 3. Office supplies such as telecommunications, paper, printer ink etc. 4. Resources for educational programs to include posters and booklets, a projector and other materials 5. 20 motion cameras with batteries, a computer and printer, 10 handheld data loggers and CyberTracker software 6. The current research vehicle is soon in need of replacement, with funds needed for a new vehicle as well as fuel and maintenance costs 7. A tented research camp needs to be established
Personnel Duncan Yearley, project manager and founder of Carnivore Conservation Malawi, is a 57 year old retired engineer from the UK. He came to Africa in 2001 to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the big game on the plains of Africa. Since then he has completed 3 overland trips, visited 10 southern African countries and worked on eight volunteer programs, as well as completing FGASA training in South Africa. He has worked with cheetah in Botswana, Big 5, and wild dog in South Africa, Rhino and reptiles in Swaziland, lions, wild dog and game reserve surveys in Zimbabwe, trained scouts in Malawi and been running Carnivore conservation Malawi since 2007. He has also worked on a wild dog project in Hluhluwe in South Africa and a baboon release program in Malawi working for the Born Free Foundation. People related projects include, street boys of Manzini in Swaziland, helping to build orphanage in Zimbabwe, helping at palliative care clinic in Malawi as well as community based projects in Zimbabwe and Malawi. The project will, when funding allows, employ an assistant and an administrator from the local community. Collaborations CCM collaborates with the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the Wildlife & Environmental Society of Malawi, Act to Protect and ALERT. - The project is facilitated by the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife who have granted the necessary permissions to undertake research and have accepted this project as a contribution towards the conservation of Kasungu National Park. - Wildlife & Environmental Society of Malawi is dedicated to conservation of nature s resources, including land, forestry, animals, bird-life, flora and fauna, rivers and lakes. We create and assist with educational projects, especially with the young in order to bring about a greater and deeper understanding of the importance of the environment in which we live.. - Act to Protect is an initiative of The Quelccaya Foundation in The Netherlands. This is a non-profit organization with the objective to initiate, fund, support and manage sustainable non or not for profit business worldwide - ALERT includes a description of CCM on their website and facilitate the sourcing of funds to further the project s aims.
Time Line CCM is an ongoing project. The aim of the project is to identify trends and changes over the long term (10+ years). Consequently, the equipment which has been requested will be used regularly and for a long period. Monitoring and Evaluation CCM will be responsible for the implementation of the project. A principle investigator will be employed to oversee the project s day-to-day management and co-ordinate all aspects of implementation. An assistant to the principal investigator will be employed locally. The GPS Data Management Software (GDM) has extensive reporting functionalities and will assist with reporting on daily activities and sightings throughout the project. A defined monthly reporting system will ensure that activities are closely monitored and that the project s objectives and outcomes are met. Progress and financial reports will be compiled every six months and a final project report will be provided within three months of the project s completion. The Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) will provide administrative support and oversee the financial management of the project in Malawi. Accountability The GDM software that will be used during the project will assist with reporting and communication, as reports and updates on the status of endangered species in the park can be shared at any time through a central system where all data is processed. This will not only be useful for project progress reports, but will improve the overall management of the park. Progress reports will be compiled by the principle investigator on a monthly basis and communicated to all stakeholders electronically to monitor progress. Reports will be distributed to other relevant and interested parties as per requests. Community stakeholders will be provided with progress accounts during feedback sessions that will be conducted with relevant leaders throughout the duration of the project.
Budget (USD) Costs are provided for two years of the project, however, many resources will continue to have a functional life after this time period. NEED COST Project Manager 24,000 Malawian Assistant Investigator (to be recruited) 10,000 Office Administrator (WESM) 2,400 Law enforcement/poaching refresher courses for 60 scouts 8,640 GIS Development and Training 4,500 GDM Development and Training 2,200 Sensitization course for 2 DNPW extension workers 300 Educational materials 325 Computer & printer 2,000 20 x Motion cameras & batteries 6,000 10 x Trimble Juno SB handheld data loggers and software 12,500 Telecommunications & Office Supplies 3,120 Set up and running of research camp 6,310 Vehicle purchase and running costs 27,180
Find your pride! If you would like to discuss this proposal with us, or request proposals to support our many other programs, please contact us at info@lionalert.org You can make a donation to support this vital effort via: 1. ALERT offers a secure online donation system in multiple currencies. This service is provided through an intermediary to offer you further piece of mind that ALERT has undergone due diligence to ensure your donation is used for charitable purposes. 2. The simplest form of making a donation with the least charges to ALERT for accepting your donation is by bank transfer using the following banking details through your online banking system or by contacting your local branch. If you would like to give regularly you can also establish a standing order for your desired amount. Pound Sterling (GBP) account: United States Dollar (USD) account: African Lion and Environmental Research Trust African Lion and Environmental Research Trust Lloyds TSB Bank Finance Bank Zambia Limited 32 Oxford Street PO Box 60716 London W1D 1AX Livingstone United Kingdom Zambia Account Number: 03482258 Account Number: 0234572300010 Sort Code: 30-98-71 SWIFT: ZFBAZMLU BIC No: LOYDGB21006 IBAN No: GB10LOYD30987103482258
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