Those involved in the recent relocation of 24 lions to the Zambeze Delta in Mozambique, which is the largest ever movement of lions across an international boundary, have emphasised that conservation has been at the forefront of this project.
The project, which took place between August 5 and 12, is the most ambitious undertaking of its kind, with 18 females and six males that are set to establish a sustainable lion population in this remote 2.5 million-acre habitat.
The relocation was undertaken by the Cabela Family Foundation, in partnership with Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance, Zambeze Delta Safaris (Coutada 11) and neighbouring concession, Marromeu Safaris (Coutada 10).
Fifteen of the lions have been fitted with tracking collars and, on release, will be closely monitored. Despite the fact that the area where the lions are being released is a hunting one, none of these 24 lions will be hunted. As a potential lion stronghold, the donors, and the entire conservation team, are confident that the massive anti-poaching efforts, the ongoing research, and follow-ups will see the survival of these African wild cats.
Mark Haldane, CEO of Zambeze Delta Safaris, reassured Tourism Update that these lions have not been released into the Delta for hunting purposes. “These 24 lions will never be hunted,” he reiterated.
Haldane explained that ‘Coutada 11’, where the lions have been in quarantine, is a government hunting block in the Zambeze Delta of central Mozambique. “The anti-poaching and conservation of this area have been supported by hunters, hunting revenue and hunting-related industry, which has resulted in one of the very best comebacks of wildlife in an unfenced wild area.” According to Haldane, this has been independently recorded in wildlife censuses conducted by the Mozambican Wildlife Department and the WWF. As an example, Haldane says when he arrived in the Delta back in 1994, there were only 1 200 buffaloes and today there are over 20 000.
“This historic move marks an important milestone for lion conservation,” said Ivan Carter, whose organisation, through the Cabela Family Foundation, raised the funds for the project, with the support of brothers Mark and Glen Haldane, who actively participated in the logistics for the move.
Globally, lions are under threat, as their habitat has diminished by 75%, leaving a population of 20 000 to 39 000 lions in the wild, according to the IUCN Red List. This has been attributed to habitat loss and human pressure resulting in human-lion conflict.
While Mozambique’s wildlife was decimated by the country’s civil war and subsequent bush meat poaching, in the last 20 years, this ecosystem in particular has made something of a recovery, with the exception of its lion population. “This is once again an area with more wildlife than you could ever imagine; particularly Coutada’s 10 and 11. It’s been missing only one thing - Africa’s apex predator - the lion,” said Haldane.
Doctor of Zoology, Byron Du Preez, added: “In 20 years, we could be looking at an ecosystem that has 10% of the world’s wild lions.”
Du Preez, together with Mozambican Zoologist, Carlos Bento, conducted a feasibility study for the move. Both are confident that the 24 lions will flourish in their new habitat, with ample prey, effective counter-poaching operations, room to roam and the support of the welcoming communities under the leadership of Chief Thozo in the north, and Chief Bichote in the south.
Chief Thozo and several Mozambique Government officials ‘welcomed home’ the lions. Chief Thozo, in a moving statement, placed his hand on one of the lions and said: “I welcome these lions to my kingdom, for indeed, I too am a lion.”
The consensus from the community meetings is that people have benefited from the recent resurgence of the area’s wildlife, and Du Preez says that the communities have been widely consulted around the arrival of the lions. Furthermore, support from the Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação has also played an integral role in the success of the project.
“This bold and strategic introduction of 24 lions into this system will help re-secure what was once a renowned lion stronghold. It has been a remarkable example of all stakeholders working together for the good of wild lions and the ecosystem. We look forward to strong working partnerships with law-enforcement, communities and our donors,” added Carter.
The 24 lions, which were donated to the project, were carefully selected from South African reserves, ensuring intact regional genetics, as well as being thoroughly tested to verify that their health was uncompromised prior to the move, all of which is in accordance with international laws.
“We have been very careful that no captive-bred lions have been included in the project, and are excited to have been able to source truly wild, genetically intact specimens,” concluded Carter.
