Mitigation human elephant conflct with a growing population in Nsumbu, Zambia

The Nsumbu landscape on the southwestern shores of Lake Tanganyika protects Northern Zambia’s last significant elephant population, an estimated 200–300 individuals. Once home to thriving herds of elephant, lion, and black rhino, the ecosystem was heavily depleted by poaching, reaching its lowest point in 2013. As the ecological recovery of the region progresses, it is considered an important source of wildlife across Northern Zambia. African savannah elephants in Nsumbu National Park and surrounding communities are being safeguarded through expanded polywire fencing on farmlands, maintenance and patrols of a 15‑kilometer partial boundary fence, potential deployment of chili bombers, and targeted outreach that teaches residents about elephant behavior and coexistence strategies; together, these efforts reduce crop‑raiding, protect subsistence livelihoods, prevent retaliatory harm to elephants, and support ecological recovery across this critical landscape.

IEF #AF1058

Project Years: 2026

Project Partners:
Craig Zytkow, Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme - Frankfurt Zoological Society