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Wildlife

We need to value our diverse wildlife.

© Pixabay.com (free image)

Zambia is home to iconic wildlife including – the African elephant, lions and hippos. In recent years, these species have been under increased pressure due to reduced habitat and demand for ivory and skin. Rising poaching levels threaten the future of these animals.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Wildlife are crucial to nature’s delicate web of life. Yet their biggest threats are due to human impacts on the environment. These include habitat loss and over-exploitation through illegal trade, both local and international.

Demand for wildlife parts and products, continues to drive this black market trade. This challenge is exacerbated by the involvement of organised crime networks.  

Wildlife is also essential for tourism in Zambia. It creates opportunities and benefits for local communities living around protected areas as well as the broader economy.

Did you know?

Zambia has allocated almost 40% of its landmass to a protected area network that consists of 20 National Parks, 39 Game Management Areas, 450 Forest reserves and botanical reserves as well as a number of National Heritage sites.

© Iris Van Der Meer
WHAT IS WWF DOING?

WWF has been involved in species conservation and addressing the threats to wildlife since the 1960s. More recently we work closely with rural communities who live near to major wildlife areas. 

 

By empowering people who might otherwise be open to exploitation, we enable the community to benefit from – and value – wildlife, alive rather than dead.

 

In all we do, we take a holistic approach towards ensuring that wildlife is valued by people and able to thrive within functioning well-managed landscapes. 

 

For more information about our work in wildlife, send an email to the Wildlife Programme Manager, Moses Nyirenda: mnyirenda@wwfzam.org.