Conservation of Wildlife in the Luangwa Valley

The Honorary Rangers system in Zambia has historically supported the former National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), now the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA). In 1997, ZAWA began its transition from a fully funded government body to a parastatal organization accompanied by the attendant internal problems and upheaval. With increasing poaching and snaring becoming a significant problem, concerned Safari Operators and Lodge owners saw a need to complement and supplement the work being done by ZAWA. They agreed to fund a body of people who could respond quickly to poaching incidents since ZAWA was unable to supply the manpower or logistical support.

The Honorary Rangers Rapid Action Team Mfuwe Command was formed. Originally nicknamed Ratz, the Unit combatted poaching in all forms: from elephant poaching for ivory to wire snaring for meat, illegal fishing and transportation of animal products. Working with and under the regulations of ZAWA, regular patrols were conducted within the South Luangwa National Park and surrounding GMA’s (Game Management Areas).

In July 2003, it became apparent that there was a need to incorporate the Ratz Unit within ZAWA in order to formalize the operation, and also to ensure that the ZAWA Act covered the scouts should any unforeseen incidents occur.

The South Luangwa Conservation Society was thus formed and registered in Lusaka as a bona fide society. The former Ratz scouts, now SLCS scouts, fall under a Village Scout Scheme in the Kakumbi Chiefdom adjacent to the Park, and operate under the auspices of ZAWA. The Village Scout Scheme is a way of including people from the community other than Zawa scouts, in the protection of the area they live in.

Other than spearheading the anti-poaching unit, the South Luangwa Conservation Society also strives to act as an “umbrella organization”, whereby all small scale conservation and education projects can operate under one body if desired, and also to be available for advice and assistance for ongoing projects in the Luangwa Valley.

History of SLCS