Publications
Spatial and temporal wildfire variations within the Mid Zambezi protected areas
Wildfires in the Mid Zambezi protected areas, including Mana Pools National Park and adjacent safari zones, show pronounced clustering along highways, indicating significant anthropogenic influence. A study analyzing fire data from 2001 to 2022 found that early-season burning reduces the spatial extent of intense wildfires by over 90%, affecting a mean area of just 119 km² compared to late-season fires covering 1108 km² on average. The research used NASA's FIRMS active fire data and spatial analysis tools like QGIS and Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to map fire distribution, frequency, and hotspots. These findings highlight the critical role of early burning as a fire management strategy while emphasizing the need to reduce human encroachment and raise community awareness to mitigate wildfire risks in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Commodity crops in biodiversity-rich production landscapes: Friends or foes? The example of cotton in the Mid Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe
A shift from cotton farming to livestock production in Zimbabwe's Mid Zambezi Valley, driven by declining cotton profitability, has led to significant land cover changes and wildlife population declines. Research combining panel survey data, land cover analysis, and secondary data revealed that open vegetation expanded from 10% to 20% between 2007 and 2020, coinciding with a drastic reduction in cotton farming (from 1.79 ± 2.05 ha per farm to 0.72 ± 0.90 ha) and a surge in livestock numbers. While wildlife populations have declined, this cannot be solely attributed to land cover changes; however, increasing human-wildlife conflicts pose a threat to long-term coexistence. The study suggests that commodity crops can present conservation opportunities if they support a 'living income' for local communities.
Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) in Mid‐Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe: Implementation challenges and practices
A new study highlights the significant potential of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) for enhancing biodiversity conservation, particularly for persecuted species like African elephants. However, its implementation faces substantial challenges, including technical ineptness among field staff, resistance to new technology, and uneven resource distribution. Researchers analyzed firsthand experiences from training workshops, interviews with field staff, and observations in the Mid-Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe, where SMART adoption is being piloted by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA). Despite these hurdles, most protected areas in the region have begun using SMART for law enforcement and data collection. The study proposes solutions such as developing an integrated implementation plan, motivating field staff, and learning from successful models to overcome these barriers.
Ranger perceptions of, and engagement with, monitoring of elephant poaching
Ranger-based monitoring holds significant potential for global conservation, yet its effectiveness hinges on the engagement and ownership of those collecting the data. A study in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, revealed that while rangers viewed biodiversity data collection as a routine duty crucial for guiding patrol strategies, they lacked active engagement with data management or utilization. The research identified key drivers of their behavior: a strong sense of duty, deference to authority, and adherence to organizational hierarchies. To enhance monitoring sustainability, the study proposes leveraging existing ranger culture while fostering appreciation for data collection and addressing challenges related to well-being, resources, and capacity.
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