Papers by Victor K Muposhi
Trophy hunting has potential to support conservation financing and contribute towards rural devel... more Trophy hunting has potential to support conservation financing and contribute towards rural development. We conducted a systematic review of the Zimbabwean trophy hunting perspective spanning from pre-1890 to 2015, by examining the following: (1) evolution of legal instruments, administration, and governance of trophy hunting, (2) significance of trophy hunting in conservation financing and rural development, and (3) key challenges, emerging issues in trophy hunting industry, and future interventions. Our review shows that (i) there has been a constant evolution in the policies related to trophy hunting and conservation in Zimbabwe as driven by local and international needs; (ii) trophy hunting providing incentives for wildlife conservation (e.g., law enforcement and habitat protection) and rural communities' development. Emerging issues that may affect trophy hunting include illegal hunting, inadequate monitoring systems, and hunting bans. We conclude that trophy hunting is still relevant in wildlife conservation and rural communities' development especially in developing economies where conservation financing is inadequate due to fiscal constraints. We recommend the promotion of net conservation benefits for positive conservation efforts and use of wildlife conservation credits for the opportunity costs associated with reducing trophy hunting off-take levels and promoting nonconsumptive wildlife use options.
Although the contribution of trophy hunting as a conservation tool is widely recognised, there is... more Although the contribution of trophy hunting as a conservation tool is widely recognised, there is perpetual debate and polarization on its sustainability. This review integrates five themes mostly considered in isolation, as independent research fields in wildlife conservation: (1) trophy quality and population ecology of hunted species, (2) behavioural ecology of hunted populations and associated avoidance mechanisms, (3) physiological stress in hunted populations, (4) genetic variability and desirable traits, and (5) socioeconomic imperatives in wildlife conservation. We searched for articles on search engines using specific key words and found 350 articles from which 175 were used for this review under five key themes. Population and trophy quality trends of commonly hunted species seem to be declining in some countries. Elevated hunting pressure is reported to influence the flight and foraging behaviour of wildlife thus compromising fitness of hunted species. Selective harvesting through trophy hunted is attributed to the decline in desirable phenotypic traits and increased physiological stress in most hunted species. Though it provides financial resources need for conservation in some countries, trophy hunting works well in areas where animal populations are healthy and not threatened by illegal harvesting and other disturbances. There remains much polarity on the sustainability of trophy hunting in modern-day conservation. More research need to be conducted across the five themes examined in this review for broader analytical analysis and comparison purposes. A new research agenda is needed regarding wildlife sustainable use principles and their sustainability and acceptability in modern-day conservation.
PloS One
The selective nature of trophy hunting may cause changes in desirable phenotypic traits in harves... more The selective nature of trophy hunting may cause changes in desirable phenotypic traits in harvested species. A decline in trophy size of preferred species may reduce hunting destination competitiveness thus compromising the sustainability of trophy hunting as a conservation tool. We explored the trophy quality and trends in harvesting patterns (i.e., 2004– 2015) of Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), African elephant (Loxodonta africana), greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and sable (Hippotragus niger) in Matetsi Safari Area, northwest Zimbabwe. We used long-term data on horn and tusk size, age, quota size allocation and offtake levels of selected species. To analyse the effect of year, area and age on the trophy size, quota size and offtake levels, we used linear mixed models. One sample t-test was used to compare observed trophy size with Safari Club International (SCI) minimum score. Trophy sizes for Cape buffalo and African elephant were below the SCI minimum score. Greater kudu trophy sizes were within the minimum score threshold whereas sable trophy sizes were above the SCI minimum score between 2004 and 2015. Age at harvest for Cape buffalo, kudu and sable increased whilst that of elephant remained constant between 2004 and 2015. Quota size allocated for buffalo and the corresponding offtake levels declined over time. Offtake levels of African elephant and Greater kudu declined whilst the quota size did not change between 2004 and 2015. The quota size for sable increased whilst the offtake levels fluctuated without changing for the period 2004–2015. The trophy size and harvesting patterns in these species pose a conservation and management dilemma on the sustainability of trophy hunting in this area. We recommend: (1) temporal and spatial rotational resting of hunting areas to create refuge to improve trophy quality and maintenance of genetic diversity, and (2) introduction of variable trophy fee pricing system based on trophy size.
An understanding of the habitat selection patterns by wild herbivores is critical for adaptive ma... more An understanding of the habitat selection patterns by wild herbivores is critical for adaptive management, particularly towards ecosystem management and wildlife conservation in semi arid savanna ecosystems. We tested the following predictions: (i) surface water availability , habitat quality and human presence have a strong influence on the spatial distribution of wild herbivores in the dry season, (ii) habitat suitability for large herbivores would be higher compared to medium-sized herbivores in the dry season, and (iii) spatial extent of suitable habitats for wild herbivores will be different between years, i.e., 2006 and 2010, in Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe. MaxEnt modeling was done to determine the habitat suit-ability of large herbivores and medium-sized herbivores. MaxEnt modeling of habitat suitability for large herbivores using the environmental variables was successful for the selected species in 2006 and 2010, except for elephant (Loxodonta africana) for the year 2010. Overall, large herbivores probability of occurrence was mostly influenced by distance from rivers. Distance from roads influenced much of the variability in the probability of occurrence of medium-sized herbivores. The overall predicted area for large and medium-sized herbivores was not different. Large herbivores may not necessarily utilize larger habitat patches over medium-sized herbivores due to the habitat homogenizing effect of water provisioning. Effect of surface water availability, proximity to riverine ecosystems and roads on habitat suitability of large and medium-sized herbivores in the dry season was highly variable thus could change from one year to another. We recommend adaptive management initiatives aimed at ensuring dynamic water supply in protected areas through temporal closure and or opening of water points to promote heterogeneity of wildlife habitats.
Although being an important conservation tool in Africa, trophy hunting is known to influence ris... more Although being an important conservation tool in Africa, trophy hunting is known to influence risk perception in wildlife species, thus affecting the behaviour and fitness of most targeted species. We studied the effects of trophy hunting on the flight behaviour of impala (Aepyceros melampus), greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and sable (Hippotragus niger) in two closed ecosystems, Cawston Ranch (hunting area) and Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve (tourist area), western Zimbabwe. Using standardized field procedures, we assessed the flight behavioural responses of the three species in two seasons: non-hunting (December–March) and hunting (April–November) between March 2013 and November 2014. We tested the effect of habitat, group size, sex, season, start distance and alert distance on flight initiation distance using linear mixed models. Habitat, group size sex and alert distance did not have any effect on flight initiation distance for the three species. The three species were more alert and displayed longer flight initiation distances in the hunting area compared with the tourist area. Flight initiation distances for the three species were higher during the hunting season for the hunting area and low during the non-hunting season. Flight distances of the three species did not differ between the hunting area and the tourist area. We concluded that trophy hunting increased perceived risk of wild ungulates in closed hunting areas, whereas ungulates in non-hunting areas are less responsive and somehow habituated to human presence. Management plans should include minimum approach distances by tourists as well as establishing seasonal restrictions on special zones to promote species viability. Research aimed at integrating behavioural responses with physiological aspects of target species should be promoted to ensure that managers are able to deal with the behavioural trade-offs of trophy hunting at local and regional scale.
African Journal of Ecology, 2016
Understanding the patterns and intensity of anthropogenic impacts on habitats is important in the... more Understanding the patterns and intensity of anthropogenic impacts on habitats is important in the conservation of tropical ecosystems. The aim of the study was to establish the associated edge effects of anthropogenic disturbances on vegetation in western Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe. Three study strata were established using distance from the boundary into the park. Vegetation attributes and anthropogenic disturbance levels data were collected in 2012. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted on tree and shrub density, woody plant height, woody plant diversity, grass height and grass sward width across the three strata. Land clearing, livestock grazing and firewood collection were the most frequent and pronounced disturbances occurring along the park boundary. These disturbances decreased in intensity as distance from the boundary increased. We recommend the following: (i) the need to revisit the buffer zone concept and policy measures associated with ecosystem services and goods provision for communities surrounding protected areas, (ii) engaging neighbouring communities on sustainable ways of deriving ecosystem goods and services from buffer zones and protected areas and (iii) further studies on the regeneration and recovery of cleared patches along the boundary and their use by wildlife species in the park.
Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering B, 2012
There has been a continuous decline in the catches of Limnothrissa miodon in Lake Kariba since 19... more There has been a continuous decline in the catches of Limnothrissa miodon in Lake Kariba since 1994. Given the value and contribution of this sardine in the GDP (gross domestic product) of Zimbabwe, research on its ecology becomes vital. The diet composition of L. miodon in the Sanyati basin of Lake Kariba was explored using numerical and frequency of occurrence methods. Densities of zooplankton species in the riverine and pelagic zones of the basin were established. Zooplankton species were collected at each site using 60 µm mesh plankton, preserved and classified in the laboratory. Limnothrissa miodon samples (500 g) were collected from Kapenta rigs for gut analysis. Diet overlap and relative prey selection was analysed using Schoener index and Chesson's index of selection respectively. ANOVA was done to establish the variations in the zooplankton densities in the riverine and pelagic sampling areas as well as proportional occurrences of prey item consumed. Significant differences on proportions of chironomids (F = 1.94, P < 0.05), nauplii (F = 10.24, P < 0.05) and Diaphanosoma (F = 20.98, P < 0.05) preyed by Kapenta size classes in riverine specimens were noted. Proportion of chironomids and Bosmina eaten by adult and sub-adult Kapenta in pelagic waters were significantly different (F = 2.55, P < 0.05) and (F = 2.21, P < 0.05). A hierarchical cluster analysis using species densities revealed no major divisions in faunal associations among cyclopoids. Findings of this study indicate that the densities of zooplankton species between pelagic and riverine sections of the Sanyati basin are different.
The aim of this study was to assess the vegetation structure and composition of the nesting sites... more The aim of this study was to assess the vegetation structure and composition of the nesting sites of white-browed sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali pectoralis) in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. We used a random systematic sampling approach and belt transects were set along the four common roads mainly used in wildlife road surveys in Mana Pools National Park. Nested belt transects of 100 m × 50 m were systematically established on either side at 5 km intervals. In the transect, tree height, canopy volume, basal area and canopy 19 cover, nest placement, number of nests, lowest and highest nesting placement were recorded. Nests were mainly located on the western -side of trees. Tree height, basal area and canopy volume differed significantly (p < 0.05) across the four study transects except for canopy cover (p > 0.05). Canopy cover was the only attribute influencing the abundance of nests across the four transects (F1,27 = 18.58, p < 0.001, R(sqd) = 0.41). We recommend ...
Tourism Management, 2016
ABSTRACT
Although the contribution of trophy hunting as a conservation tool is widely recognised, there ha... more Although the contribution of trophy hunting as a conservation tool is widely recognised, there has been a perpetual debate on its sustainability and possible policy interventions towards banning or reducing hunting activities in southern African countries. Most of the reasons cited by proponents of trade bans and moratoriums seem to be emotive with lots of ethical concerns, with little or lack of substantial and empirical research to support such assertions. However, research on the significance of trophy hunting has always focused on the financial viability and societal significance. The integration of the socio-economic significance of trophy hunting with the ecological and molecular impacts has largely been neglected. This review seeks to integrate socio-economic discourse with the ecological and molecular trade-offs of trophy hunting and towards a more holistic and dynamic policy measures in wildlife conservation. More specifically this review addresses the following: (1) popula...
Citation: Beaven U, Muposhi V (2012) Aspects of a Monosex Population of Oreochromis Niloticus Fin... more Citation: Beaven U, Muposhi V (2012) Aspects of a Monosex Population of Oreochromis Niloticus Fingerlings Produced Using 17-α Methyl Testosterone Hormone. J Aquacult Res Dev 3:132
The aim of this study was to establish the level of water quality impairment along a mine effluen... more The aim of this study was to establish the level of water quality impairment along a mine effluent receiving river, Pote River
in Zimbabwe, using Oreochromis niloticus(Nile tilapia) as an indicator organism. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme
and heat shock protein (HSP 70) expression in the stomach tissue of Nile tilapia were used as biomarkers of heavy metal
pollution. Water and fish samples were collected at three sites in the Pote River. Metal concentration in tilapia tissues and
water were measured using flame acetylene absorption spectrophotometry while enzymatic activity was determined using
ultra-violet spectrophotometry. The concentration of Ni and Zn in water was significantly high compared to the World
Health Organization aquatic effluent standards. Cd and Zn were strongly associated with high GST activity and low HSP 70
protein concentrations in fish tissues. Results of this study show that HSP 70 protein and GST enzyme activity can be useful
biomarkers of metal contamination in lotic systems.
Vegetation assessments are critical in the status and success of reintroduction programs and are ... more Vegetation assessments are critical in the status and success of reintroduction programs and are an important aspect in
ecological restoration. Vegetation structure and composition influences the suitability and availability of unique habitats
for different wildlife species. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish the vegetation structure and composition,
and (2) determine the soil-vegetation associations in southern Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe, prior to the reintroduction of
wildlife species. Using a stratified random design, 15 rectangular plots from three strata were assessed in April and May 2012. A total of 23 woody plants from 58 tree and 68 shrub families as well as 30 grass species were recorded. Tree
basal area, canopy cover, tree density, tree and grass species diversity, and tree height for the riverine strata were significantly different from the miombo and vlei strata. The influence of soil properties on the occurrence and diversity
of woody and grass species was evident across the three strata. Long-term changes in the vegetation dynamics and
primary productivity in southern Umfurudzi Park due to the reintroduced mega-herbivores is recommended for the
success of the restoration program.
In African Lions Panthera leo, human imprinting was suggested as one option of pre-release traini... more In African Lions Panthera leo, human imprinting was suggested as one option of pre-release training of orphaned cubs,
but success of this option has rarely been explored. This study assesses the success of human imprinting on captive-bred lion cubs at
Antelope Park in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Activity diversity, activity budgets and response to non-wild objects were compared in three
levels of human imprinting (high, medium and low) using the focal technique. Six lion cubs were used for this study (two in each
imprinting category). Data were collected during early morning, mid-morning and late afternoon sessions from October to November
2011. In the three levels of human imprinting, resting and locomotion had the largest proportion of time compared to playing, visual
exploration, feeding, human interaction and hunting. Lion cubs with low imprinting displayed the most “hunting instincts” and
aggressive behaviour toward humans and vehicles, compared to those with high and medium imprinting levels. At the age of the cubs
under study (9~13 months) hunting was not expected to be successful, but the display of some hunting instincts was encouraging in
the high and medium imprinted cubs. Although the small sample size used in this study and the need to continue monitoring the cubs
restrict conclusions that can be made from this assessment, such early signs of the success of human imprinting could be encouraging
for human imprinting.
Our study focused on the effects of wood poaching on the vegetation structure and composition in ... more Our study focused on the effects of wood poaching on the vegetation structure and composition in Mukuvisi Woodland, Zimbabwe. Mukuvisi Woodland, located within the precincts of Harare urban area, Zimbabwe, suf-fers from high illegal wood utilization pressure stemming from the need to fulfill alternative energy demands created by persistent electricity shortages and an unstable economic environment, particularly between 2000 and 2008. This results in a continuous flux of vegetation and a disturbed animal habitat driven mainly by anthropo-genic activities. Due to the heterogeneity in vegetation utilisation trends, we used the stratified systematic ran-dom sampling technique, where the site was divided into two strata, central and boundary. Twelve 30 × 20 m permanent plots were established in which species name, species diversity, height, basal area, plant status, fire evidence, number of stems and saplings were recorded and assessed in April and May 2012. A total of 968 woody plants were assessed representing 47 woody plant species. All woody vegetation variables recorded and assessed showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two strata, i.e., central and boundary, in Mukuvisi Woodland, except sapling density (P = 0.022). Principal Component Analysis indicated evidence of fire impacts on vegetation structure. The study concludes that illegal wood harvesting in Mukuvisi Woodland has not yet reached alarming proportions and can be contained. The study recommends collaborative arrangements with key stakeholders, promotion of the use of alternative energy sources and increased environmental education and awareness campaigns.
Post-release monitoring of wildlife is essential to the success of ecological restoration initiat... more Post-release monitoring of wildlife is essential to the success of ecological restoration initiatives. Translocation of wildlife to new ecosystems is associated with changes in diet profiles of individuals and ultimately animal performance, since productivity of rangelands varies in time and space. The population decline and local extinction of buffalo and other species in Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe, in the late 1980s led to temporary suspension of hunting activities. Recently, efforts have been made to resuscitate Umfurudzi Park through wildlife reintroductions and active ecosystem management. We assessed the diet profile and diet quality of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) between 2011 and 2012. A total of 42 grass species constituted the diet spectrum of buffalo. Heteropogon contortus, Eragrostis racemosa, Steroechlaena tenuifolia andThemeda triandra contributed significantly to the buffalo diet during the four seasons of the study period. Although a wide spectrum of grass species was selected in the wet season, the diversity of grass species selected was not significantly different among the seasons. Grass species crude protein deteriorated from 4.5% in the wet season to 3.5% in the dry season. Crude protein and phosphorus levels in buffalo faecal samples were within the recommended nutrient scale for southern Africa large herbivores. We conclude that feed availability and quality may not be limiting the persistence of the reintroduced buffalo. There is a need to closely monitor grass availability, dietary shifts, and forage quality over time, as well as resource partitioning with other feeding guilds.
The important role indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) is described in redefining the biodiversity... more The important role indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) is described in redefining the biodiversity conservation agenda
of the Chibememe and Tshovani communities in the Sangwe Communal Lands, Chiredzi, in the management of dryland
ecosystems of the southeastern low veld of Zimbabwe. These communities constitute part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier
Conservation Area (GLTFCA). We explored ways in which the use of IKS by Chibememe and Tshovani communities
have contributed to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of forest, water and wildlife resources in light
of existing contemporary scientific value systems, policy and institutional frameworks. Participant observation, interviews
with traditional leaders and elders, focus group discussions and literature review techniques were employed within a case
study framework. Our results revealed that IKS approaches are used in the management of dryland forest, water and
wildlife resources in the Chibememe and Tshovani communities and have contributed positively to the conservation and
sustainable utilisation of dryland resources. We conclude that IKS play a critical role in the management of dryland forest,
water and wildlife resources at the local community level and have potential to contribute to the conservation of
transfrontier conservation area resources such as in the GLTFCA, provided they are recognised, respected, preserved,
protected, as well as integrated into mainstream dryland ecosystem conservation. We recommend that, for
communities and their biodiversity to survive, conventional science and IKS should complement and should not seek to
undermine each other.
Citation: Beaven U, Muposhi V (2012) Aspects of a Monosex Population of Oreochromis Niloticus Fin... more Citation: Beaven U, Muposhi V (2012) Aspects of a Monosex Population of Oreochromis Niloticus Fingerlings Produced Using 17-α Methyl Testosterone Hormone. J Aquacult Res Dev 3:132
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Papers by Victor K Muposhi
in Zimbabwe, using Oreochromis niloticus(Nile tilapia) as an indicator organism. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme
and heat shock protein (HSP 70) expression in the stomach tissue of Nile tilapia were used as biomarkers of heavy metal
pollution. Water and fish samples were collected at three sites in the Pote River. Metal concentration in tilapia tissues and
water were measured using flame acetylene absorption spectrophotometry while enzymatic activity was determined using
ultra-violet spectrophotometry. The concentration of Ni and Zn in water was significantly high compared to the World
Health Organization aquatic effluent standards. Cd and Zn were strongly associated with high GST activity and low HSP 70
protein concentrations in fish tissues. Results of this study show that HSP 70 protein and GST enzyme activity can be useful
biomarkers of metal contamination in lotic systems.
ecological restoration. Vegetation structure and composition influences the suitability and availability of unique habitats
for different wildlife species. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish the vegetation structure and composition,
and (2) determine the soil-vegetation associations in southern Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe, prior to the reintroduction of
wildlife species. Using a stratified random design, 15 rectangular plots from three strata were assessed in April and May 2012. A total of 23 woody plants from 58 tree and 68 shrub families as well as 30 grass species were recorded. Tree
basal area, canopy cover, tree density, tree and grass species diversity, and tree height for the riverine strata were significantly different from the miombo and vlei strata. The influence of soil properties on the occurrence and diversity
of woody and grass species was evident across the three strata. Long-term changes in the vegetation dynamics and
primary productivity in southern Umfurudzi Park due to the reintroduced mega-herbivores is recommended for the
success of the restoration program.
but success of this option has rarely been explored. This study assesses the success of human imprinting on captive-bred lion cubs at
Antelope Park in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Activity diversity, activity budgets and response to non-wild objects were compared in three
levels of human imprinting (high, medium and low) using the focal technique. Six lion cubs were used for this study (two in each
imprinting category). Data were collected during early morning, mid-morning and late afternoon sessions from October to November
2011. In the three levels of human imprinting, resting and locomotion had the largest proportion of time compared to playing, visual
exploration, feeding, human interaction and hunting. Lion cubs with low imprinting displayed the most “hunting instincts” and
aggressive behaviour toward humans and vehicles, compared to those with high and medium imprinting levels. At the age of the cubs
under study (9~13 months) hunting was not expected to be successful, but the display of some hunting instincts was encouraging in
the high and medium imprinted cubs. Although the small sample size used in this study and the need to continue monitoring the cubs
restrict conclusions that can be made from this assessment, such early signs of the success of human imprinting could be encouraging
for human imprinting.
of the Chibememe and Tshovani communities in the Sangwe Communal Lands, Chiredzi, in the management of dryland
ecosystems of the southeastern low veld of Zimbabwe. These communities constitute part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier
Conservation Area (GLTFCA). We explored ways in which the use of IKS by Chibememe and Tshovani communities
have contributed to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of forest, water and wildlife resources in light
of existing contemporary scientific value systems, policy and institutional frameworks. Participant observation, interviews
with traditional leaders and elders, focus group discussions and literature review techniques were employed within a case
study framework. Our results revealed that IKS approaches are used in the management of dryland forest, water and
wildlife resources in the Chibememe and Tshovani communities and have contributed positively to the conservation and
sustainable utilisation of dryland resources. We conclude that IKS play a critical role in the management of dryland forest,
water and wildlife resources at the local community level and have potential to contribute to the conservation of
transfrontier conservation area resources such as in the GLTFCA, provided they are recognised, respected, preserved,
protected, as well as integrated into mainstream dryland ecosystem conservation. We recommend that, for
communities and their biodiversity to survive, conventional science and IKS should complement and should not seek to
undermine each other.
in Zimbabwe, using Oreochromis niloticus(Nile tilapia) as an indicator organism. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme
and heat shock protein (HSP 70) expression in the stomach tissue of Nile tilapia were used as biomarkers of heavy metal
pollution. Water and fish samples were collected at three sites in the Pote River. Metal concentration in tilapia tissues and
water were measured using flame acetylene absorption spectrophotometry while enzymatic activity was determined using
ultra-violet spectrophotometry. The concentration of Ni and Zn in water was significantly high compared to the World
Health Organization aquatic effluent standards. Cd and Zn were strongly associated with high GST activity and low HSP 70
protein concentrations in fish tissues. Results of this study show that HSP 70 protein and GST enzyme activity can be useful
biomarkers of metal contamination in lotic systems.
ecological restoration. Vegetation structure and composition influences the suitability and availability of unique habitats
for different wildlife species. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish the vegetation structure and composition,
and (2) determine the soil-vegetation associations in southern Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe, prior to the reintroduction of
wildlife species. Using a stratified random design, 15 rectangular plots from three strata were assessed in April and May 2012. A total of 23 woody plants from 58 tree and 68 shrub families as well as 30 grass species were recorded. Tree
basal area, canopy cover, tree density, tree and grass species diversity, and tree height for the riverine strata were significantly different from the miombo and vlei strata. The influence of soil properties on the occurrence and diversity
of woody and grass species was evident across the three strata. Long-term changes in the vegetation dynamics and
primary productivity in southern Umfurudzi Park due to the reintroduced mega-herbivores is recommended for the
success of the restoration program.
but success of this option has rarely been explored. This study assesses the success of human imprinting on captive-bred lion cubs at
Antelope Park in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Activity diversity, activity budgets and response to non-wild objects were compared in three
levels of human imprinting (high, medium and low) using the focal technique. Six lion cubs were used for this study (two in each
imprinting category). Data were collected during early morning, mid-morning and late afternoon sessions from October to November
2011. In the three levels of human imprinting, resting and locomotion had the largest proportion of time compared to playing, visual
exploration, feeding, human interaction and hunting. Lion cubs with low imprinting displayed the most “hunting instincts” and
aggressive behaviour toward humans and vehicles, compared to those with high and medium imprinting levels. At the age of the cubs
under study (9~13 months) hunting was not expected to be successful, but the display of some hunting instincts was encouraging in
the high and medium imprinted cubs. Although the small sample size used in this study and the need to continue monitoring the cubs
restrict conclusions that can be made from this assessment, such early signs of the success of human imprinting could be encouraging
for human imprinting.
of the Chibememe and Tshovani communities in the Sangwe Communal Lands, Chiredzi, in the management of dryland
ecosystems of the southeastern low veld of Zimbabwe. These communities constitute part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier
Conservation Area (GLTFCA). We explored ways in which the use of IKS by Chibememe and Tshovani communities
have contributed to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of forest, water and wildlife resources in light
of existing contemporary scientific value systems, policy and institutional frameworks. Participant observation, interviews
with traditional leaders and elders, focus group discussions and literature review techniques were employed within a case
study framework. Our results revealed that IKS approaches are used in the management of dryland forest, water and
wildlife resources in the Chibememe and Tshovani communities and have contributed positively to the conservation and
sustainable utilisation of dryland resources. We conclude that IKS play a critical role in the management of dryland forest,
water and wildlife resources at the local community level and have potential to contribute to the conservation of
transfrontier conservation area resources such as in the GLTFCA, provided they are recognised, respected, preserved,
protected, as well as integrated into mainstream dryland ecosystem conservation. We recommend that, for
communities and their biodiversity to survive, conventional science and IKS should complement and should not seek to
undermine each other.