As part of a comprehensive counter-poaching strategy, Rapid Response Units (RRUs) of wildlife rangers deploy to stop poachers before they kill. They are also trained in evidence collection and handling to ensure that poachers are brought to justice.

Wildlife rangers in Zambia’s Luambe National Park excel with expert training in rapid response counter-poaching techniques. This specialized 21-day training by International Fund for Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) Director of Law Enforcement Mike Labuschagne and team has proven effective in neighboring Malawi. IFAW has a long-standing cross-border relationship with wildlife authorities in both Zambia and Malawi, and has been instrumental in providing training, collaboration, and wildlife protection across the two nations, in 700,000 hectares of national parks and game management areas.

This project will support patrol rations and ranger incentives for the RRUs in Luambe NP. Outcomes include:

• Improved protection of giraffe and other wildlife and their shared habitat
• Stopping the poisoning of water holes in and around Luambe
• Disrupting illegal wildlife trade and illegal mining within the national park
• De-snaring the park and surrounding area
• Prosecution of those perpetrating these crimes
• Increased safety and security for the people who live in and around Luambe

Your donation will help protect giraffe and other wildlife in Luambe National Park including Thornicroft’s giraffe which are vulnerable to extinction.