Human-Wildlife Co-Existence, Zimbabwe

Lion Boma Project

Human-wildlife conflict and co-existence remain a critical part of our conservation efforts. The balance between protecting livestock, and the livelihoods of the community and protecting wildlife from poaching is key to advancing our conservation efforts in the national parks.

A boma is a cloth material that is used to cover kraals (wooden livestock pens) so that lions are unable to see the animals inside. The boma protects the community livestock from lions and other predators. In doing so, the African Bush Camps Foundation is reducing human-wildlife conflict in the area and retaliation killing of wildlife. This is essential for promoting conservation and the harmony between wildlife and people.

African Bush Camps Foundation erected 38 lion bomas in 2023 and plans to erect 20 additional bomas in Mola and Mambanje in 2024. Additionally, we will pay salaries for the lion guardians.

10 Lion Bomas for the community: $16,500
Lion guardian salaries: $8,000

Our Impact

Lion Guardians

African Bush Camp Foundation parts with Wildlife Conservation Action. We employ two lion guardians who are supporting our efforts in Mola to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The lion guardians alert the community of the presence of lions in the area using a vuvuzela. A vuvuzela is a plastic shell horn that produces a loud monotone sound. When the community hears this distinct sound, they know that they are predators in the area and are triggered to herd their livestock into the bomas for safekeeping. Additionally, the lion guardians educate the community on conservation and co-existing with wildlife.