The Nsumbu-Mweru Ecosystem (NME) in north-eastern Zambia is characterized by extensive wetlands and endangered Sumbu-Itigi forests. Historically, the NME was famed for its large herds of wildlife, including sizable elephant, black rhino and lion populations that moved freely throughout the region. Widespread poaching exterminated black rhinos and lions from the area and drastically reduced its genetically distinct elephant population. Bushmeat poaching, habitat encroachment and the illegal wildlife trade represent the main threats to wildlife regionally. However, the area has immense potential for recovery, particularly providing critical landscape connectivity for wildlife populations.

This project will increase access to and use of terrestrial and aquatic data for this critical ecosystem, which will enable informed decision-making for improved protection and management of terrestrial and aquatic species and help restore the region as an ecological haven.

The proposed project will fulfill four objectives with associated activities and methodology:

Objective 1: Develop a dedicated, adequately equipped and trained Ecological Monitoring Unit (EMU).
Activities will include: Employ key personnel under the EMU; Train and develop the capacity of the EMU and an ecologist; Equip the EMU to conduct data collection across the Nsumbu-Mweru Ecosystem.

Objective 2: Conduct wildlife monitoring across a broadened geographic footprint using both existing and new methods to establish baselines and monitor changes in wildlife populations.
Activities will include:  Deploy the Ecological Monitoring Unit, place camera traps and conduct distance sampling transects to monitor wildlife in the northern section of Nsumbu National Park and Tondwa GMA; Conduct distance sampling transects and opportunistic camera trapping in the recovering wildlife areas in Nsumbu NP south of the Lufubu river, and community areas in Iyendwe valley and Kaputa GMA; Conduct training for scouts in the broader Nsumbu-Mweru Ecosystem, scouts in North Luangwa National Park and the DNPW ecological department on distance sampling methods; Conduct visual tracking verification on high-value species.

Objective 3: Conduct aquatic monitoring by establishing baselines and using eDNA sampling in rivers and lakes across the ecosystem to measure changes over the next 2 years.
Activities will include: Collaborate with the SAIAB to sequence DNA from tissue samples collected during the AES survey; Provide field support to the University of Kentucky to establish the limnogeological baselines; Procure eDNA kits and equipment from NatureMetrics and ship to Zambia;Provide training to the EMU on eDNA sample collection; Collect samples using the EMU for all fieldwork; Ship samples to NatureMetrics in the UK for analysis and reporting; eDNA analysis.

Objective 4: Disseminate results strategically.
Activities will include: Develop a clear communications strategy to improve and coordinate results dissemination with support from the Grants Manager; Commission an underwater photographer to create a photo catalog/essay on the underwater and terrestrial biodiversity of the ecosystem; Create and distribute printed pamphlets highlighting the biodiversity value of the NME aimed at national policy and decision-makers; Collate data, methods, photos and share them on a hosted platform (to be determined) to make them accessible on GBIF under a Creative Commons Zero license, to provide free access to a wide variety of media and scientific organizations and individuals; In year two, host up to four journalists in Nsumbu for an overview of project activities, outputs and available media (stock photos and video) aiming at securing publications at various levels.

Dr. Peyton West is the Executive Director of Frankfurt Zoological Society – U.S., FZS’s partner organization in America. She has led the efforts of FZS to raise awareness and support in the U.S. for 10 years, with a particular focus on its African Program projects in DR Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Prior to this, she was a Senior Project Director at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)’s Office of Science, Policy and Society Programs, a Curatorial Fellow in the Mammal Department at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, an exhibit consultant to the Bell Museum of Natural History, and field manager for the Serengeti Lion Project. She has authored and co-authored book chapters, scientific papers and popular articles, particularly on the ecology and behavior of African lions, and she earned her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota.