National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo) in Mozambique

National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 1 | P a g . Vision: Present and future generations of people and lions mutually benefit from a sustainable managed environment in Mozambique. Goal: To secure, and where possible, restore viable lion populations in Mozambique, recognizing their potential to provide substantial social, cultural, ecological and economic benefits for people, while minimizing conflicts. Objectives Targets Activities 1. Management To ensure effective conservation management of lions, their habitats and wild prey. 1.1. Monitoring and survey programmes for effective and adaptive lion conservation established throughout lion range are adopted. 1.1.1. Establish the Mozambique Carnivore Working Group (MCWG), including 3 regional subcommittees for lion conservation units, to guide all activities. Indicators: TORs designed and adopted, working group established. Actors: ANAC to agree on working group members and draft TORs; Working group adopt and amend TORs at first meeting. Timeline: Proposed national group composition by ANAC: 3 months; 1st meeting to be convened in 6 months. 1.1.2. Develop new and standardize existing monitoring and survey programs and protocols (including diseases); Set baselines for evaluation of progress on all fronts. Indicators: Standardized monitoring protocols for Mozambique, e.g. camera-trapping, call-up surveys, spoor-surveys, forensics and genetic database (linked to training technicians, activity 1.1.4). Actors: MCWG including Niassa Carnivore Project (NCP), Projecto Leões da Gorongosa (PLG), Limpopo Transfrontier Predator Project (LTPP) and veterinary service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MASA). Timeline: 10 months. 1.1.3. Identify and prioritize datasets, as well as key areas for data collection, ecological data, trade data, socio-economic data, etc. Identify key relevant data and synthesize on a national level (bushmeat, poison, disease). Develop a new platform for data-sharing, that would include a central database as well as a quick-response communication tool. Indicators: A database actively being used. Actors: MCWG, ANAC and veterinary service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MASA) Timeline: 1 year. 1.1.4. Identify and train at least one existing technician in CAs where lions are present or could potential be present in data capture, management and analysis, and protocols for forensics related to poaching and disease incidents. Indicators: TORs designed, personnel trained and in place. Actors: MCWG & ANAC with support of education institutions. Timeline: 2 years, contingent on development of shared databases. 1.1.5. Identify gap areas for priority carnivore surveys, and rapid survey techniques appropriate to the specific area. Indicators: Report with priority areas identified and mapped. Actors: MCWG identifies gap areas, and expertise leveraged to do the on-the-ground surveys. National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 2 | P a g . Timeline: 8 months for identification of gap areas; 1 and ½ year for implementation of first round of surveys. 1.1.6. MCWG & ANAC disseminate information as appropriate to all stakeholders and CAs’ management. Indicators: Regular reports with timeline for reports agreed by MCWG and ANAC at first meeting (quarterly, 6 monthly, annually). Actors: MCWG & ANAC. Timeline: On going. 1.1.7. Implement lion monitoring programmes, based on agreed monitoring protocols (1.1.2), in CAs that currently do not have programmes in place, particularly in Quirimbas NP, Magoe NP, Marromeu NR, and others identified. Indicators: Conservation status of lion monitored in selected CAs (reports and scientific researches). Actors: ANAC, MCWG & CAs’ management and partners. Timeline: 5 years. 1.2. Targeted research on ecology, management and mitigation of conflict initiated in representative priority areas are initiated. 1.2.1. Identify and prioritize biological and socio-ecological research needs for lion conservation in Mozambique. Indicators: Research need list elaborated. Actors: MCWG. Timeline: 6 months. 1.2.2. Initiate projects and procure funding for those identified on priority list, focused on strong conservation outcomes. Indicators: Project reports and lion conservation status data. Actors: MCWG, CAs’ Management, education institutions and universities Timeline: 1 year. 1.3. Capacity building programmes for lion conservation, where possible in tandem with research and monitoring, established in 90% of the extant lion range, are conducted within 5 years. 1.3.1. Identify specific training needs and gaps in each CA. Indicators: Report on training needs from each CA Actors: CAs’ management. Timeline: 6 months. 1.3.2. Establish a Mozambique-based Conservation Academy to train the next-generation of CAs managers and conservationists (private and governmental), as per example the South African Wildlife College and the College for African Wildlife Management of Mweka, Tanzania. Indicators: Academy established and functioning. Actors: ANAC, Ministry of Education and Human Development, Biofund, international donors and partners. Timeline: 5 years. 1.3.3. Develop technical and post-graduate (MSc.) conservation management degrees at University of Eduardo Mondlane and other Mozambique-based institutions. National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 3 | P a g . Indicators: post-graduate degree diplomas issued. Actors: University Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), EOW Biodiversity Lab in Gorongosa National Park, Marupa Eco-tourism, etc. Timeline: 5 years. 1.4. The impact of poaching for bushmeat is reduced. 1.4.1. Increase the effectiveness of anti-poaching system to reduce impact of snares, traps, nets, dogs, etc. Indicators: Reduced lion mortality and snaring and reduced prey depletion (demonstrated by targeted monitoring of bushmeat poaching trends). Actors: CAs Management & ANAC. Timeline: 5 years. 1.4.2. Reduce or eliminate domestic hunting dogs and feral dogs outside of village surrounds in CAs and implement zoning and land use rules. Indicators: Reduced mortality of prey and diseases transmission (activities’ reports). Actors: CAs Management & ANAC. Timeline: 5 years. 1.4.3. Demarcate boundaries of CAs on the ground and place boundary demarcations outlining the basic rules governing land-use. Indicators: CAs boundaries are demarcated and demarcations are in place. Actors: CAs Management & ANAC. Timeline: 5 years. 1.4.4. Identify and implement pilot programmes for alternative protein sources in selected CAs. Indicators: Poaching for bushmeat is reduced and alternative livelihoods are increased in selected CAs. Actors: MCWG, CAs Management and partner NGOs. Timeline: 5 years. 1.4.5. Continue to support judicial system and increase awareness, effectiveness and monitoring of legal prosecution of bushmeat poachers and illegal traders in accordance with the legal framework of Mozambique. Indicators: Increased number of legal prosecution and court judgments. Actors: ANAC, DPTADR, CAs, district administrators and prosecutors. Timeline: Ongoing. 1.5. The impact of disease is mitigated. 1.5.1. Carry out an epidemiological survey of disease, assess risks for lions, then develop and implement an emergency protocol for responding to disease outbreaks; Conduct regular disease surveillance (e.g. canine distemper and rabies). Indicator: Conduct survey, develop emergency response programme, develop monitoring programmes. Actors: ANAC, CAs, veterinary service of MASA. Timeline: 5 years. 1.5.2. Vaccinate (rabies; canine distemper); Register domestic dogs in villages and village surrounds where possible; Develop zoning National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 4 | P a g . policy for dogs outside village areas and inside CAs with appropriate education and awareness (see 1.4.2.). Indicators: N° of dogs vaccinated. Actors: ANAC, CAs, veterinary service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MASA). Timeline: 5 years. 1.6. Habitat loss is reduced. 1.6.1. Improve enforcement of land-use plans and develop zoning inside CAs (areas for cultivation, areas for wildlife, etc.). Indicators: Reduced conflicts between conservation and other land uses (reports). Actors: CAs, ANAC, Districts and local communities. Timeline: 5 years. 1.6.2. Investigate opportunities of alternative economies for bushmeat, cattle grazing, logging, with a focus on implementing a pilot programme in Banhine National Park. Indicators: Possible opportunities and programmes identified, one pilot programme implemented. Actors: MCWC, ANAC, Banhine National Park. Timeline: 3 years. 1.6.3. Align lion conservation discussions with other conservation discussions (especially other species’ action plans) on what to do with increased human population growth inside CAs; Identify possible solutions as this is an increasing threat to lions and a source of conflicts with people (resettlement or coexistence?). Indicators: Minutes of meetings and conferences. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: On going. 1.6.4. Identify unprotected/not demarcated areas that do or could support wildlife and that could serve as linkages or provide increased lion habitat. Indicators: Map of possible wildlife areas. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: 1 year. 1.6.5. Encourage and implement private investment (unfenced - sport hunting, ecotourism, philanthropy) according to legal framework. Indicators: Map of possible wildlife areas. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: 1 year. 1.7. Genetic connectivity and integrity of Mozambican lion 1.7.1. Conduct baseline genetic study of Mozambican lions and neighbouring lion populations. Indicators: research report and scientific papers. National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 5 | P a g . populations is maintained. Actors: Universities & ANAC. Timeline: 2 years. 1.7.2. Identify lion populations at risk of isolation and propose mitigation measures (e.g. corridors) for ensuring connectivity (currently being done for Greater Limpopo ecosystem, but needed in other areas). Indicators: Lion population and mitigation actions identified. Actors: Universities, MCWG & ANAC. Timeline: 2 years. 1.7.3. Develop and enforce protocols for lion translocation activities, following the IUCN Guidelines, to ensure the genetic integrity of Mozambican lion populations. Indicators: Protocols developed and approved. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: 8 months. 1.8. Collaboration & Communication are established. 1.8.1. Establish collaboration and guarantee harmonization with other species action plans and national policies (see 1.6.3.). Indicators: Conservation issues are harmonised and reflected in other species Action Plan and national policies. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: Ongoing 1.9. Funding is secured. 1.9.1. Develop a budget for implementing the National Action Plan and a list potential donors for specific programmes/projects. Indicators: Budget and potential donors identified for specific activities. Actors: MCWG & ANAC. Timeline: 1 year. 1.9.2. Secure funding. Indicators: Funds for different programmes and activities re available. Actors: ANAC, MCWG & NGOs. Timeline: Ongoing. 1.10. The implementation of the National Action Plan is monitored. 1.10.1. A monitoring and evaluation system (M&E) for the National Action Plan is defined and adopted. Indicators: M&E regular reports, plan management adapted. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: On going. 2. Mitigation To minimize, where possible, the human/lion 2.1. Relevant information on human/lion conflict is 2.1.1. Identify the districts where the human/lion conflict occurs. Indicators: Map available. National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 6 | P a g . related conflicts. collected at district level and organised and analysed at central level. Actors: ANAC & DPTADR. Timeline: 6 months (September 2016). 2.1.2. Revise and adapt the format for the collection of information on the human/lion conflict. Indicators: Format available and in use. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 3 months (June 2016). 2.1.3. Establish adequate communication mechanisms between the central level (ANAC), provincial level (DPTADR) and districts. Indicators: Regular reports and communications available. Actors: ANAC & DPTADR. Timeline: 3 months. 2.1.4. Establish a digital database at central level (ANAC) to store and analyse the data and information. Indicators: Regular reports with data analysis. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 1 year. 2.2. Incidents of human/lion conflict are reduced at least 25% within 5 years while also reducing retaliatory killing. 2.2.1. Develop and implement awareness and education programmes (making also use of community radio, theatre and other communication means) on lion conservation and management, in three areas with high incidence of human/lion conflicts. Indicators: At least three programmes developed and implemented in three areas. Actors: ANAC, ACs, SDAE, with the support of the NCP and the PLG. Timeline: 5 years. 2.2.2. Train technicians of SDAE (affected districts) on awareness and education techniques in three areas with high incidence of human/lion conflicts. Indicators: At least three programmes developed and implemented in three areas. Actors: ANAC (in collaboration with MINAG) & SDAE. Timeline: 1 year with regular updates. 2.2.3. Identify and provide incentives for improve the livestock breeding (e.g. living boma) in three areas with high incidence of human/lion conflicts. Indicators: Lost of domestic animals due to lion attacks reduce of 25%. Actors: ANAC, DPA & SDAE. Timeline: 5 years. 2.3. Number of lion killed through indiscriminate killing 2.3.1. Develop and implement awareness and education programmes (making also use of community radio, theatre and other communication means) on lion conservation and management, in three areas with high incidence of human/lion conflicts (see 2.2.1.). National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 7 | P a g . reduced by at least 25% within 5 years after the establishment of the baseline. Indicators: At least three programmes developed and implemented in three areas. Actors: ANAC, ACs, SDAE, with the support of the NCP, LTTP and the PLG. Timeline: 5 years. 2.3.2. Guarantee that the benefits to local communities from the use of natural resources (mechanism of 20%) are effective in areas with high incidence of human/lion conflicts, as incentive to the conservation of lion. Indicators: N° of local communities that benefits from the 20% mechanism increases by 10%. Actors: ANAC, DPTADR & SDAE. Timeline: 5 years. 2.3.3. Conduct awareness campaigns to inform the local communities of the linkage between benefits (20%) and the conservation of lion; Identify conservation activities to be financed with the revenues of the 20% mechanism (work with the CGRN). Indicators: N° of human/wildlife conflicts and N° of lions killed is reduced by 10%. Actors: ANAC, DPTADR & SDAE. Timeline: 5 years. 2.4. Well-equipped problem animal control units are established in, at least, 50% of the affected districts to conduct rapid response. 2.4.1. Identify the priority districts. Indicators: Map available with priority districts identified. Actors: ANAC, DPTADR, DPA & SDAE. Timeline: 8 months. 2.4.2. Establish and equip Problem Animal Control Units in districts and ACs with high incidence of human/lion conflicts. Indicators: N° of human/wildlife conflicts is reduced by 10%. Actors: ANAC and cooperation partners. Timeline: 1 year. 3. Socio economics To increase the benefits and minimise the costs of long-term lion management amongst all the stakeholders. 3.1. Comprehensive study is conducted to: (i) evaluate the impacts of lion conservation on stakeholders & (ii) to propose socio economic models for promoting best practices in lion management 3.1.1. Carry out a comprehensive survey to assess/evaluate the impacts (+ & -) of lion conservation on stakeholders. Indicators: Funds secured & study completed. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: 1 year. 3.1.2. Using the survey data to propose area-specific socio-economic models & methods for promoting best practices in lion management, considering e.g.:  Ownership issues  Zoning for wildlife  Mutually binding agreement  Verifiable compliance  Suitable wildlife utilization plan (e.g. tourism, trophy hunting) National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 8 | P a g . & at least three site specific proposals made by the study are implemented.  Income flows and cost distribution (including rainy-day funds to anticipate uncertainties in tourist revenues)  Appropriate husbandry techniques  Conflict-mitigation measures  Regulation of human immigration  Adequate wildlife and conflict monitoring  Generated income distributed according to intensity of lion impact  Appropriate incentives for people in high lion conflict areas to relocate to low lion conflict areas  Appropriate incentives to discourage immigration into lion range  Conduct environmental audits every 2 years Indicators: Funds secured, study completed and manual for best practices developed and in use. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: 2 years. 3.1.3. Implementing at least three site-specific proposals identified by the survey, with particular emphasis on co-management with the civil society (Communities, private operators, NGOs). Indicators: Funds secured & implementation reports produced. Actors: ANAC & MCWG as facilitating the activity. Timeline: 4 years. 3.1.4. Monitoring and assessing the implementation of the site-specific proposals. Indicators: Funds secured & implementation reports. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 4 years. 3.2. Appropriate training and capacity building programme is developed for 50 representatives of stakeholders to assist them to manage lion conservation more effectively. 3.2.1. Within the framework of activity n°1.3. prepare and implement a training programme on socio economics developed for 50 representatives of stakeholders (representation of gender, age, private sector, local communities, civil servants, etc.). Indicators: Funds secured & programme completed. Actors: ANAC & MCWG as facilitating the activity. Timeline: 5 years. 4. Policy and Land Use To develop and implement harmonious comprehensive legal and institutional frameworks 4.1. One new wildlife integrated land-use plan that secures an existing, or establishes a potentially viable lion 4.1.1. Define more precisely the target areas within LCU 25/26/42, LCU 35/43 and LCU 49. Indicators: Target area within LCU 25/26/42, LCU 35/43 and LCU 49 is defined, agreed and mapped. Actors: ANAC, DNT, AMOS, province and district planning authorities. Timeline: 1 year. National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 9 | P a g . that provide for the expansion of wildlife integrated land use, lion conservation and associated socio economics benefits on current and potential lion range. population in each of LCU 25/26/42, LCU 35/43 and LCU 49 is elaborated. 4.1.2. Carry out base line surveys in the target areas within LCU 25/26/42, LCU 35/43, and LCU 49 (including bio-physical, socio economic, wildlife, mapping and existing zoning plan). Indicators: Database and report available. Actors: ANAC (leader), DPTADR, AMOS, SDAE, local communities, NGOs and Universities. Timeline: 1 year. 4.1.3. Prepare wildlife management plans in each of the three areas (LCU 25/26/42, LCU 35/43, and LCU 49). Indicators: Land use plans available. Actors: ANAC, AMOS, SDAE at district level, local communities, NGOs. Timeline: 3 years. 4.1.4. Guarantee that wildlife management plans are considered into the land use plans. Indicators: Land use plans approved and adopted by relevant authorities and local communities. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 4 years. 4.1.5. Support and evaluate the implementation of the land use plans. Indicators: N° of lion increases in target areas. Actors: ANAC & AMOS Timeline: 5 years. 4.2. At least 50% of CAs and other defined wildlife areas within the lion range are effectively and adaptively managed. 4.2.1. Update and monitor CAs and defined wildlife areas in lion range. Indicators: New range maps updated, refined and reviewed regularly. Actors: ANAC, MCWG, AMOS, NGOs, scientists & local communities. Timeline: 2 years. 4.2.2. Revision of the conservation status of the African Lion in Mozambique, including definition of M&E tools. Actors: ANAC, MCWG, AMOS, NGOs & scientists Indicators: Conservation status revision completed and approved. Timeline: 2 years. 4.2.3. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of current management in the identified and priority areas using the adopted tools. Indicators: M&E system in place and functioning. Actors: ANAC, MCWG, AMOS, NGOs, scientists. Timeline: On going. 5. Politics 5.1. Global policies, 5.1.1. Use the available information, including the IUCN Red List, to define the level of protection for Lion in the national National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 10 | P a g . To ensure that global policies better reflect the will and intent of regional and national sustainable use policies and practices. agreements, conventions, and other instruments relevant to lion conservation, that are not conflicting with national/regional policies of lion Range States are encouraged within two CoPs cycles of CITES, CBD, and CMS and thereafter. legislation. Indicators: M&E system in place and functioning. Actors: ANAC, MCWG, AMOS, NGOs, scientists. Timeline: On going. 5.1.2. Collect all information on the conservation of Lion, organize the information into a national database and share the information with all the stakeholders. Indicators: National database established. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 2 years. 5.1.3. Support the declaration of the Lion as priority species for conservation in the national legislation. Indicators: new regulation for the Lion. Actors: ANAC & NGOs. Timeline: 3 years. 5.1.4. Participate to CITES, CBD and CMS CoPs to support the findings of the National Action Plan. Indicators: Representatives of Mozambique attending the meetings. Actors: ANAC & NGOs. Timeline: On going. 5.2. The national policies and strategies consider the information and guidelines of the National Action Plan. 5.2.1. Print and distribute the National Action Plan. Indicators: 1000 copies printed and distributed Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 1 year. 5.2.2. Participate in all discussions and meetings in the preparation of relevant national and regional strategies and policies. Indicators: Meetings’ reports. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: On going. 5.2.3. Maintain regular discussion and coordination with neighbouring countries to guarantee cooperation and technical support. Indicators: Meetings’ reports. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: On going. 6. Trade 6.1. Existing legislation, 6.1.1. Review and amend the relevant legislation, regulations and policies (including prohibiting trade in lion parts). National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 11 | P a g . To prevent illegal trade in lions and lion products while promoting and safeguarding sustainable legal trade. regulations and policies reviewed, where necessary amended, and enforced, to ensure that illegal trade in lions, and lion parts and derivatives is prevented and halted. Indicators: Approved legislation, regulation and policy. Actors: ANAC & PGR. Timeline: 2 years. 6.1.2. Train and coordinate law enforcement officers (Wildlife, Immigration, Customs, Police) to identify lion products, and improve knowledge on legislation, regulation and policies. Indicators: Number of training sessions and trained staff. Actors: ANAC, PGR, PPRNMA, Customs. Timeline: by 2017. 6.1.3. Share information within the country and other lions Range States on illegal trade. Indicators: Regular reports & communication. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 1 year. 6.1.4. Study and identify the main sources and destination of illegal lion and lions’ products (using also genetic material). Indicator: Report available. Actors: ANAC (and other authorities of neighbouring countries). Time line: 1 year. 6.2. The sustainable legal trade of lions and lion products is safeguarded and promoted. 6.2.1 Revise/decrease the actual number of lion in annual sport hunting quota. Indicators: New annual lion quota Actors: ANAC & AMOS. Timeline: 1 year. 6.2.2. Introduce a scientific based monitoring system of lion trophies before exportation (including amendment of the actual national regulation). Indicators: Policy in place and approved Actors: ANAC, MCWG & AMOS. Timeline: 1 year. 6.2.2. Revise the existing legislation to accommodate cultural needs of lions’ products and relation with legal trade. Indicators: Policy in place and approved Actors: ANAC, MCWG & MICULT. Timeline: 5 years. 6.2.3. Collect all relevant data on legal off take and population status. National Action Plan for the Conservation of the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) in Mozambique 12 | P a g . Actors: ANAC, MCWG & UEM. Indicators: Database in place Timeline: 2 years. 6.2.4. Secure funding to carry out the no-detrimental findings for Lion in Mozambique. Indicators: Funds available Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 1 year. 6.2.5. Carry out a comprehensive non-detriment findings (NDF) for Lion in Mozambique (including requirements from CITES and other international organisations). Indicators: NDF prepared. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: 2 years. 6.2.6. Provide regular information to CITES Secretariat and other international agencies (e.g. USFWS) on the conservation status of Lion in Mozambique and other relevant data (human/lion conflict, lion trade, etc.). Actors: ANAC Indicators: Official communications and reports. Timeline: Ongoing. 6.2.7. Advocate for wildlife sustainable use to be an agenda item in district, province and national meetings that are relevant to local and national economies. Indicators: Numbers of meetings, number of people attending the meetings, number of provinces and districts covered. Actors: MITADER Timeline: On going. 6.2.8. Conduct awareness for relevant stakeholder at all levels (district, province and national) on sustainable utilisation of Lion. Indicators: Numbers of Meetings, at different levels. Actors: ANAC. Timeline: 2 years. 6.2.9. Prepare a national policy for sustainable utilization of lions in Mozambique (with activity 6.2.1.). Indicators: New regulation prepared and approved. Actors: ANAC & MCWG. Timeline: 5 years.