Dr Amy Dickman - Lions, Trophy Hunting and the Ruaha Carnivore project.

09/01/20 • 51 min

Would you like to discover why a ban on trophy hunting may not be beneficial to conserving species such as lion? This week we have the privilege of talking to Dr. Amy Dickman, founder of the Ruaha Carnivore Project and a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford. In this episode, Amy provides incredible insight into the innovative methods her team employs to reduce the number of lion killings. Importantly, how the engagement of local communities helps to protect these large carnivores. We also discuss the divisive topic of trophy hunting and Amy explains the complexities of this emotive issue and why it’s not always as clear cut as it seems.

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'Giving children hope and wildlife a chance' - Anna Tolan

This week we head over to Zambia to talk to Anna Tolan, founder of the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust. In 1998, Anna and her husband Steve packed their bags and moved from the UK to Zambia and the rest is history! Having found a plot of land on the banks of the Luangwa River, opposite the South Luangwa National Park, they created Chipembele. Their mission is to teach Zambian children and communities the value of wildlife and to conserve it for present and future generations. The success of the trust is evident and previous students have become conservation leaders in Zambia. As well as hearing about the incredible success of the trust, Anna also tells us all about her life in rural Zambia. From where she does her shopping, to rehabilitating a baby hippo, to wild dogs hunting on their doorstep – tune in, you won't want to miss it!

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Saving the Black Rhino. Imire Rhino Conservation with Vera and Sam

This week we chat with Vera Castro and Sam Turley from Imire Wildlife and Rhino conservation, Zimbabwe. From baby rhinos that bring hope during this challenging time to a cape clawless otter that nearly stole the show, you won’t be disappointed! In short, Imrie was founded in 1948 by the inspirational Norman and Gilly Travers and is a conservancy dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, most specifically the breeding and protection of the critically endangered black rhino. We hear about how Imire never gave up on their mission to save the black rhino, even after a devastating rhino poaching incident. Vera and Sam also give us a deep insight into how Imire is completely intertwined with the local people. Vera talks passionately about the women's support group that enables girls to get a full education. Sam also describes the shocking living conditions that the local school children were staying in after school and how this became the catalyst for a much-needed community project. Head over to https://www.imire.co.zw/ to support Imire's tireless work in enabling both wildlife and people to thrive!