Carnivore Research Malawi - Conflict Helpline

Carnivore Research Malawi (CRM) operates a Wildlife Assistance Helpline here in Malawi and we provide advice for a range of questions or concerns communities have about carnivores. In addition to that we have our facilitator network through which we get regular updates from villages chiefs and key figures about conflict situations with carnivores.

https://www.carnivoreresearchmalawi.org/human-wildlife-contact

Sadly in recent months, there are one or two areas outside of Lilongwe that have had regular conflict cases. Reports have included sightings of hyaenas within these communities and attacks on livestock. Usually, we would visit the affected communities as soon as possible to educate and raise awareness about hyaenas, but we have not been able to due to the current budget limitations and poor road conditions.

Unfortunately, since November, there have been reports of 3 hyenas being killed by local people in the vicinity of on of the National Parks and another incident in early January of this year which our team has been investigating. These killings highlight the need for outreach in the area and we hope that we can raise the necessary funds to carry out an emergency visit as soon as possible.

In the next four to six weeks the roads should be passable again (it is rainy season here in Malawi at the moment) and we are therefore trying to get funds together for our CRM Wildlife Assistance Helpline. We are wanting to raise enough funds so that we can visit these communities with our Outreach Officers to conduct meetings and workshops as well as education around safely living with hyena. We will aim to reach several communities where the conflict exists to offer them information on how to protect their livestock safely and achieve coexistence between this species and the local communities.

The money raised from this fundraiser will cover:

MK 650,000 (£308) of fuel to cover two visits to the area (a round trip 422km) plus we will need to go between different areas to visit several communities and into the National Park to meet with the Rangers of the Park.

MK180,000 (£86) for 3 nights accommodation for three staff members of our CRM Team to conduct these visits and workshops

MK 80000 (£38) Facilitator and Chief fees (lunch expenses)

MK 100000 (£48) printing of leaflets, posters and other materials to distribute

MK 125000 (£60) for metal boxes to secure camera traps (x5 at MK 25000 each)

MK 85000 (£40.50) for padlocks to secure camera traps (x5 at MK 17000 each)

Finally, we want to purchase some more rechargeable batteries for our camera traps (as they are mor sustainable, last longer and more environmentally friendly)

MK 402000 (£191) for long life rechargeable batteries (suitable for the camera traps) (£38.30 per camera trap = 8 batteries per camera trap)

plus a little bit extra for miscellaneous spend including the Go Fund Me fees