National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and African Wild Dog in Zimbabwe 2018 to 2022

National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and African Wild Dog in Zimbabwe 2018 to 2022 With support from: Suggested citation: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (2018), National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and African Wild Dog in Zimbabwe 1 | P a g e Foreword Zimbabwe is privileged to be one of only a handful of countries in Africa which supports viable populations of both cheetah and African wild dogs, species listed as vulnerable and endangered respectively on the IUCN red list. For African wild dogs, only eight countries in the world, of which Zimbabwe is one, host populations considered large enough and diverse enough to be viable into the long term. Zimbabwe’s commitment to landscape scale conservation, through a large protected area network as well as numerous transfrontier conservation initiatives, provides the scale and space which both cheetah and wild dogs need for long term persistence. Nonetheless it is critical that a specific and concerted effort is made to protect these species, together with the habitats and the prey species on which they depend. Both cheetah and African wild dogs are umbrella species; efforts to conserve them will naturally result in the conservation of large landscapes and healthy populations of numerous other species of fauna and flora. They are also flagship species and are increasingly becoming two of the key species tourists want to see – providing a fantastic opportunity for Zimbabwe to shine as one of the top wildlife tourist destinations in the world. Unfortunately, cheetah and wild dog conservation in Zimbabwe is not without problems, as documented by the recent significant decline in the country’s cheetah population over the last two decades, and conservation efforts need to be strengthened. This strategy provides an excellent, science-based roadmap to guide government, policy makers, NGOs, communities, educators, land use planners and researchers alike to effectively contribute to a comprehensive conservation goal and vision for cheetah and African wild dogs in Zimbabwe. Having been drawn up after a well-attended participatory workshop, this strategy reflects the consensus of all major stakeholders on the priority activities needed for conservation of these two critically important species, and we would like to thank our partners, the Range Wide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dogs, for their support and guidance during the process. With the endorsement and implementation of this strategy, Zimbabwe is once again demonstrating its commitment and pioneering attitude towards conservation, not just for cheetah and African wild dogs, but for biodiversity at scale. F. U Mangwanya DIRECTOR GENERAL 2 | P a g e Background and Introduction The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus, hereafter ‘wild dogs’) present major challenges for modern conservationists. All large carnivores need large areas to survive; but wild dogs and cheetah range more widely transcending different land use types, and hence need larger areas, than almost any other terrestrial carnivore species anywhere in the world. Both cheetah and wild dogs have experienced major contractions in their geographic range within southern Africa, with resident populations known to remain in just 22.6% (cheetah) and 17% (wild dogs) of their historical range within the region. Across the continent, the majority of these animals reside outside the protected areas: 77% of global cheetah resident range (Durant et al 2017), and 70% of wild dog resident range, falls on community and private lands, outside of formally protected areas. However, in Zimbabwe, the opposite is the case, with almost 100% of cheetah and wild dogs being restricted to the protected areas (including wildlife conservancies). As such, properly protecting these species in their key protected area systems is critical for maintenance of viable populations. For both cheetah and African wild dogs, the main populations in Zimbabwe are found in the same areas (see Figures 2 and 3). These are the northern population of the Hurungwe-Mana Pools-Sapi area, the western population in the Hwange-Matetsi-Victoria Falls area, and the population in the south-east of the country, in the Savé Valley-Malilangwe-Gonarezhou area. All of these populations also are or have the potential to be transboundary. The Hurungwe-Mana Pools-Sapi area is part of the future Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools TFCA, the Hwange-Matetsi-Victoria Falls area is part of the Kavango Zambezi TFCA and the Savé Valley-Malilangwe-Gonarezhou area is part of the Greater Limpopo TFCA. Transboundary conservation thus needs to be prioritized in Zimbabwe, and forms a key part of this plan. To help guide conservation efforts for cheetah and wild dogs in Zimbabwe, a National Conservation Action Plan was first developed in 2009. This was comprehensively revised and updated in 2018, at a participatory workshop comprising representation from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, species experts and NGOs. The Action Plan was guided by the Regional Conservation Strategy for the Cheetah and African Wild Dog in Southern Africa (IUCN/SSC 2015) and intends to provide a framework to alleviate the threats facing the species and ensure their long term survival in Zimbabwe. 3 | P a g e The National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah & African Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe The regional strategic plan for the species’ conservation in southern Africa recognizes the need to (i) develop capacity in all aspects of cheetah and wild dog conservation in the region; (ii) improve knowledge on the conservation of both species; (iii) ensure that information relevant to both species is disseminated to stakeholders; (iv) minimise conflict and promote coexistence between cheetah, wild dog and people; (v) minimise the adverse effects of land development and implement best land use practice for cheetah and wild dog; (vi) obtain political commitment to cheetah and wild dog conservation; (vii) review and harmonise existing legislation and policy affecting cheetah and wild dog conservation; and (viii) facilitate the development and implementation of national conservation plans for both species. All of these themes were adopted in the Zimbabwean national plan, but made relevant at the local scale and practical for implementation at the national level. The workshop to develop this national action plan was also able to include a greater array of local expertise, providing a greater degree of knowledge and understanding of the issues and legal framework of Zimbabwe, something that cannot be fully addressed at the regional level of planning. The workshop The second national action planning workshop for Zimbabwe was held in Harare on the 19th and 20th April 2018 (agenda available in Appendix 1). A total of 21 people attended the workshop, including 16 representatives of the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (PWMA), 4 representatives of Zimbabwean-based NGOs and one international NGO. A full list of participants is available in Appendix 2. 4 | P a g e After presentations giving an update on the population, trends, occurrences and conservation issues for wild dogs and cheetah in Zimbabwe’s various key ecosystems, participants were tasked with revising and updating the distribution maps for both species in Zimbabwe. Thereafter, participants translated the vision, goal, objectives, targets and actions incorporated in the regional strategy into a National Conservation Action Plan for Zimbabwe. The vision and goal were discussed and agreed in plenary and then four working groups were given two themes each in order to develop objectives targets and activities. In order to make sure original ideas and Zimbabwe-specific issues were captured, each working group was given an hour to brainstorm relevant targets and activities under each theme, before being given the regional logframe to use as a guide. After each working group finished their sections, everything was presented in plenary and discussed in detail, such that the final plan represents a consensus opinion of all participants. The formation of the National Conservation Action Plan is described below and the logframe of the plan included at the end of the report. Figure 1: Participants at the April 2018 National Conservation Action Planning Workshop, Zimbabwe 5 | P a g e Revised range maps for cheetah and wild dog in Zimbabwe One of the key activities of a national planning workshop is the revision of, and addition of detail to, range maps created at the regional workshop. Categories of current geographic range At the southern African regional workshop, held in Johannesburg in August 2015, the following range category definitions were agreed on. Further details on range definitions are provided in Appendix 3. At the start of the process, Zimbabwean maps included only Resident, Transient, Connecting and Extirpated Range. During the revision process, at least one area of Recoverable Range was added for both cheetah and wild dogs. Due to very good knowledge in Zimbabwe, there is no Possible Resident Range or Unknown Range. (1) Resident range: land where wild cheetah or wild dogs are known to still be resident. (A Resident fenced category is used for areas <1,000km2 which are well fenced – currently applicable only in South Africa) (2) Possible resident range: land where wild cheetah or wild dogs may still be resident, but where residency has not been confirmed in the last 10 years. (3) Transient range: habitat used intermittently by cheetah or wild dogs, but where the species are known not to be resident and which does not connect to other resident ranges. (4) Connecting range: land where cheetah or wild dogs are not thought to be resident, but which dispersing animals may use to move between occupied areas, or to recolonise extirpated range. Such connections might take the form of ‘corridors’ of continuous habitat or ‘stepping stones’ of habitat fragments. (5) Recoverable range: land where habitat and prey remain over sufficiently large areas that either natural or assisted recovery of cheetah or wild dogs might be possible within the next 10 years if reasonable conservation action were to be taken. (6) Extirpated range: land where the species has been extirpated, and where habitat is so heavily modified or fragmented as to be uninhabitable by resident cheetah for the foreseeable future. (7) Unknown range: land where the species’ status is currently unknown and cannot be inferred using knowledge of the local status of habitat and prey. The revisions made to the maps created at the 2015 regional workshop, during the national workshop, were relatively small, but demonstrate the improved knowledge of the participants, and the new information available. Final maps are presented in Figures 2 and 3 below. 6 | P a g e Figure 2: Cheetah Distribution in Zimbabwe, updated at the National Action Planning Workshop, April 2018 (with thanks to Esther van der Meer, Cheetah Conservation Project Zimbabwe, and Blessing Kavhu, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority) Figure 3: African Wild Dog Distribution in Zimbabwe, updated at the National Action Planning Workshop, April 2018 (with thanks to Esther van der Meer, Cheetah Conservation Project Zimbabwe, and Blessing Kavhu, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority) 7 | P a g e These updated range maps are useful in a number of ways: • They are the recognised basis for the IUCN red list updates for distribution and numbers of both cheetah and African wild dogs • They provide a documented history of changes in range of the two species over time • They can be used to prioritise different types of conservation intervention In principle, conservation activities for these species (e.g. management interventions, surveys, monitoring) might be conducted in any of these types of geographic range. Even in unrecoverable (extirpated) range, outreach and education activities may be vital for long-term conservation efforts on neighbouring lands. However, in order to improve our understanding of both cheetah and wild dogs’ distribution and abundance across the region, surveys should be prioritised in areas currently designated as unknown or possible range. Since Zimbabwe currently has neither of these range categories, it was suggested that investigative research focus on areas designated as recoverable range and those areas currently designated as extirpated, but which will be receiving significant investment in the next few years, which might affect their ability to hold resident populations of cheetah or wild dogs in future (e.g. Chizarira National Park and Chirisa Safari Area for wild dogs and Sapi Concession for cheetah). Direct conservation efforts should be focussed in and around areas of resident range and areas of connecting range. The latter will most likely include community outreach and education, such that dispersing individuals are tolerated. Work in areas designated as recoverable range should focus on identifying and eliminating or mitigating the factors that caused the local extirpation of the species, with a view to eventual population recovery. Changes to the Zimbabwean range maps since 2009 As illustrated in the series of range maps presented in Figure 4, fairly extensive changes have been made to both cheetah and wild dog distribution maps since 2009. In 2014 and 2015, a comprehensive National Cheetah Survey was conducted by Cheetah Conservation Project Zimbabwe (van der Meer 2016) and this survey also gathered information about wild dogs. This detailed new information led to extensive revisions of the range maps at the regional workshop in 2015. Between 2009 and 2015, the main changes were as follows: Wild Dogs: For wild dogs, the area of resident range around Hwange National Park was extended slightly, and an area of transient range added to the east (see Figure 4). A large area deemed as recoverable range in 2009, was largely changed to extirpated by 2015, with the exception of a small ranch (Midlands Rhino Conservancy) which was changed to resident range. In the south east, the main change was to change a large area of land from possible resident range (in 2009) to extirpated in 2015, although there was also some change in the resident range category, with Nuanetsi wildlife section being added as resident range, and Chiredzi River Conservancy and surrounds being changed from resident to extirpated (Figure 4). In the Zambezi Valley, a large area of land designated as 8 | P a g e recoverable range in 2009 was changed to partly resident but mostly extirpated by 2015, and there was an addition of some transient range to the south of the block of resident range around Mana Pools (Figure 4). Cheetah: For cheetah there were much more substantial changes. In 2009, the vast majority of the southern and western part of the country was designated as resident range or possible resident range. This was not taking into account the (at that stage unrealised) losses to the species after the 2000 Land Reform Program. By 2015, after the national cheetah survey had completed data collection, the map had no ‘possible’ range listed for cheetah, and resident range was restricted to the wildlife areas in the south east, in the Hwange Ecosystem and in parts of the Zambezi Valley (Figure 4). The large area of connecting range between Hwange and the Zambezi Valley, designated in 2009, was also re-designated as extirpated by 2015. A few small patches of transient range were designated in areas of the south central part of the country that had, in 2009, been considered resident range (Figure 4). Changes between 2015 and 2018: Relatively few changes were made to the 2015 maps at the National workshop in April 2018, but the few changes made are listed below, and can be seen in Figures 3 and 4. Wild dogs: • Chizarira National Park & Chirisa Safari Area in the Sebungwe area of north western Zimbabwe were changed from extirpated to recoverable range. For Chizarira, this was because of the commitment (from 2018) of extensive and long term investment in the area, including in law enforcement, so prey populations should build up and wild dogs should be recoverable (either naturally or artificially) in the area. The rugged terrain of the landscape will allow wild dogs a refuge from lions, and wild dogs are known to live in these sorts of environments. However, the same terrain ruggedness was believed to be incompatible with cheetah restoration in the area, although it was agreed that this should be specifically revised in 5 years’ time. For Chirisa, there was more debate, as current investment in Chizarira will not necessarily extend to the (adjoining) Chirisa Safari Area. However, there are some discussions about investment in Chirisa, and participants agreed that, even without that, if wild dogs became resident in Chizarira, they will almost certainly become resident in Chirisa as well. • A small patch of transient range in Gwanda was changed from transient range to resident range, due to evidence from participants of dogs denning there, as well as repeated sightings over several years. • A new area of connectivity was added to link this Gwanda resident range with the larger resident range of Bubye Valley Conservancy. The connecting range selected, cuts across on Railway Block and includes Oakley Block & Chipizi Ranch (all wildlife farms) and was based on participant input regarding wild dog sightings in those areas. 9 | P a g e Cheetah: • Sapi Safari Area was changed from extirpated to recoverable range for cheetah due to forthcoming investment by Great Plains. The area is already resident range for wild dogs, and borders a large area of cheetah resident range. Participants believed that with the forthcoming investment, protection and resulting restoration of the prey base, the area will recover quickly and should be naturally restored with cheetah in the next 10 years. Actual changes to area of the different range types between 2009 and 2018 are presented below. Areas of Range Types in Zimbabwe, 2018 The table below provides the areas of the different range types in Zimbabwe in 2018, together with a comparison of what they were in 2009, and the difference. All figures are from the maps agreed on at the national conservation planning workshops. Table 1. Summary of the extent of each type of range for wild dogs and cheetah within Zimbabwe in 2009 and 2018 (in km2), and the change between the two years, as a result of the revisions of the maps at each national conservation planning workshop African wild dogs Cheetah Range Type 2009 2018 Change (km2) 2009 2018 Change (km2) Resident 66,613 60,191 -6,422 125,517 44,662 -80,855 Possible resident 14,157 0 -14,157 100,699 0 -100,699 Connecting 22,869 5,244 -17,625 17,463 1,157 -16,306 Transient 0 0 0 0 793 793 Recoverable 21,938 3,655 -18,283 0 1,129 1,129 Extirpated 246,593 303,080 56,487 128,520 324,429 195,909 Unknown 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 372,170 372,170 372,170 372,170 For both wild dogs and cheetah in Zimbabwe, knowledge on distribution has improved significantly since 2009. As such the maps are able to be more realistic and accurate. Unfortunately, this means that for both species, the only range category to show any major increase since 2009 is the extirpated range. For cheetah there has also been a small increase in recoverable range, as there was no recoverable range designated in 2009, but with the re-classification of Sapi Safari Area in 2018, there is now 1,129km2 of recoverable range. There is also another new range category for cheetah since 2009; transient range. This comprises only 793km2 however. Changes to the wild dog ranges have been much less significant than those to the cheetah ranges, partly reflecting a better knowledge on wild dogs back in 2009. The biggest impact can be seen in the loss of cheetah resident and possible range. This is a genuine loss, since the 2000 Land Reform program but also a factor of the poorer knowledge on cheetah distribution in 2009. 10 | P a g e WILD DOGS 2009 2015 2018 CHEETAH 2009 2015 2018 Figure 4: The range distribution maps for wild dogs and cheetah in Zimbabwe from 2009, 2015 and 2018, showing changes between the years 11 | P a g e The 2018 National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe Vision and Goal Both the vision and goal from the 2009 national action plan were slightly re-worded. For the vision, the wording ‘across a range of ecosystems’ was changed to ‘across a range of different land use types’ to reflect the importance of ensuring the species is valued in all the various land use types across the country. It was also re-emphasized that ‘value’ referred to intrinsic, economic, cultural and political values. For the goal, again the wording was changes from ‘across their range in Zimbabwe’ to ‘across different land use types in Zimbabwe’ in order to reflect that we will need to improve their status even outside of current range (largely restricted to protected areas), and including on various different land use types (including community areas and farmlands). Viable is taken to mean a combination of viable numbers as well as connectivity within the system allowing for populations to disperse and interact, with the system ultimately being a naturally functioning metapopulation. The final vision and goal statements for Zimbabwe from 2018 were agreed as follows: 1 – ‘Value’ assumed to include intrinsic, economic, cultural and political values 2 – Participants wanted to retain the multiple meanings of ‘status’ (e.g. political status, as well as population status) 3 - Different land use types emphasized to show the need to get cheetah and wild dogs back onto farmland and communal areas, and not just in national parks. Vision Secure, viable cheetah and wild dog populations across a range of different land use types, that successfully coexist with, and are valued by1, the people of Zimbabwe. Goal Improve the status2 of cheetahs and wild dogs, and secure additional viable populations across different land use types in Zimbabwe3 12 | P a g e Objectives The objectives of the 2015 revised regional strategy were used to guide the development of the objectives (as well as targets and activities) of this 2018 National Conservation Action Plan. Objectives were discussed in four working groups and then presented in plenary for final approval by all participants. The final objectives agreed on are as follows: Targets and Activities As with the objectives, the revised regional strategy was used to guide the development of the targets and activities of this 2018 National Conservation Action Plan. These were also discussed initially in four working groups, after which they were presented and agreed on in plenary. The updated targets and activities for Zimbabwe are presented, with objectives, in the logframe below. Objectives 1. To develop capacity in all aspects of cheetah and wild dog conservation in Zimbabwe (Capacity Development) 2. To improve knowledge and generate information for the conservation of cheetah and wild dogs across Zimbabwe. (Knowledge and information) 3. To increase active commitment of stakeholders and awareness of the wider public by transferring information relevant to cheetah and wild dog conservation (Information transfer) 4 To promote coexistence of people with cheetah and wild dogs in Zimbabwe (Coexistence) 5 To promote best land use practice for cheetah and wild dog conservation and minimise adverse effects of land development (Land use) 6. To achieve increased political commitment to the conservation of cheetah and wild dogs in Zimbabwe (Political commitment) 7 To review and where necessary revise and strengthen international, national and local legislation, policies and protocols affecting cheetah and wild dog conservation and lobby for improved compliance to existing legislation (Policy and legislation) 8. To maintain and efficiently implement an up-to-date National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and Wild dogs in Zimbabwe (National Planning) 13 | P a g e The Strategic Logframe of the Revised and Updated National Conservation Strategy for the Cheetah and African Wild Dog in Zimbabwe (2018) VISION: Secure, viable cheetah and wild dog populations across a range of different land use types, that successfully coexist with, and are valued by, the people of Zimbabwe. GOAL: Improve the status of cheetahs and wild dogs, and secure additional viable populations across different land use types in Zimbabwe Theme Objective Results Activities Actors Timeframe Capacity Development 1. To develop capacity in all aspects of cheetah and wild dog conservation in Zimbabwe 1.1. Capacity gaps in all areas related to the conservation of cheetah and wild dogs identified 1.1.1 Conduct 3 workshops to identify specific local capacity needs involving relevant stakeholders (e.g. ZPWMA operational staff, management, landowners and consumptive/non-consumptive industry etc.) in each major range area of wild dog and cheetah (e.g. SE Lowveld, Zambezi Valley and Sebungwe, and NW Matabeleland) ZPWMA, NGO’s and relevant authorities Year 1 1.1.2 Survey / analyse relevant academia/ institutions/ training colleges and collate information regarding gaps in conservation capacity ZPWMA, NGO’s and relevant authorities Year 1 1.1.3. Assess efficacy of judiciary and law enforcement authorities and collate information regarding gaps in the enforcement of conservation law and policy ZPWMA, Tikki Hywood Trust, ZRP, judiciary, relevant authorities and other relevant NGO’s Year 1 1.1.4. Collate information from 1.1.1-1.1.3 into a single document outlining the strengths and limitations with regards to infrastructure and resources for cheetah and wild dog conservation ZPWMA, NGO’s and relevant authorities Year1 1.2. Resources mobilised to address gaps identified in 1.1. 1.2.1. Develop fundable and sustainable projects to address gaps identified in 1.1, including onsite visits for students to wildlife areas, establishing training camps, field expert lectures at training camps and academic institutions, judiciary training workshops and addressing equipment and resource needs. ZPWMA, NGO’s and relevant authorities and stakeholders Year2 and ongoing 1.2.2. Engage stakeholders and potential funders with proposals from 1.2.1 ZPWMA, NGO’s and relevant authorities and stakeholders Year2 and ongoing 1.2.3. Subject to availability of funds, implement actions and projects identified in 1.2.1 ZPWMA, NGO’s and relevant authorities and stakeholders Year2 and ongoing 14 | P a g e 1.3. Effectiveness and sustainability of projects & activities to address capacity gaps monitored and evaluated 1.3.1. Conduct 3 workshops involving relevant stakeholders (e.g. ZPWMA operational staff, management, landowners and consumptive/non-consumptive industry etc.) in each major range area of wild dog and cheetah (e.g. SE Lowveld, Zambezi Valley and Sebungwe, and NW Matabeleland) – to compare progress against baseline data collected in 1.1.1 ZPWMA, NGO’s and relevant authorities and stakeholders Year 5 1.3.2. Survey stakeholders addressed in 1.1.2 and 1.1.3 and compare results against baseline data collected in year 1 to evaluate whether any previously identified gaps/limitations with regards to capacity in all aspects of wild dog and cheetah conservation have been addressed and/or improved ZPWMA, NGO’s and relevant authorities and stakeholders Year 5 Knowledge and Information 2. To improve knowledge and generate information for the conservation of cheetah and wild dogs across Zimbabwe. 2.1 A better understanding of the biology and ecology of African wild dogs and cheetahs is acquired 2.1.1 Continue field studies on factors limiting and influencing dispersal of cheetah and wild dog ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 2.1.2 Continue studies on cheetah and wild dog biology (e.g. feeding / behavioural ecology in different land use types) ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 2.1.3 Continue to contribute to the national and regional cheetah and wild dog mapping process ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 2.1.4 Continue long term monitoring programmes of cheetah and wild dog populations in resident range ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 2.1.5 Continue research into new and improved ways to survey and monitor cheetah and wild dogs ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 2.1.6 Assess newly defined recoverable range for factors likely to influence recolonization (natural or artificial) of cheetah and wild dogs ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 2.1.7 Identify viable corridors / routes for cheetah and wild dog populations and begin work to ensure they are utilisable by the species and maintained (e.g. community education programs/human wildlife conflict mitigation programs etc.) ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers, Ministry of Lands Within 2 years and ongoing 2.1.8 Gather information on the effects of human den disturbance on wild dogs ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Within 2 years and ongoing 2.1.9 Gather information on the genetic diversity of Zimbabwe’s populations of cheetah and wild dogs to develop a national genetic database for both species ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers, Universities, National Biotechnological Authority Within 3 years 2.2 Information regarding threats and their mitigation 2.2.1 Continue to gather and disseminate information on loss and fragmentation of cheetah and / or wild dog habitat ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 15 | P a g e are generated and disseminated across Zimbabwe, including relevant diseases, poaching for bush meat, irresponsible human activities, habitat loss and fragmentation and climate change 2.2.2 Gather and disseminate information on the effects of habitat change or modification on the success of cheetah and wild dog populations ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 2.2.3 Gather and disseminate information on present and emerging threats to cheetah and wild dog conservation from irresponsible tourism ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Within 3 years 2.2.4 Gather information on attitudes of landowners of various land use types towards cheetah and wild dog populations ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Within 3 years 2.2.5 Gather and disseminate information on present and emerging threats to cheetah and wild dog conservation from human livelihood activities (e.g. cultivation, logging, encroachment) ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Within 5 years 2.2.6 Continue to gather and disseminate information on ongoing threats to cheetah and wild dog conservation from the bushmeat trade ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Within 5 years 2.2.7 Gather and disseminate information on disease hotspots that threaten the conservation of cheetah and wild dog populations (e.g. rabies, canine distemper, anthrax) ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers, Universities, Veterinary groups, Within 2 years and ongoing 2.2.8 Gather and disseminate information on the effects of climate change on cheetah and wild dog populations ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Within 5 years 2.3 Standardised, quantitative knowledge of human carnivore conflict mitigation within Zimbabwe is generated and disseminated within one year. 2.3.1 ZPWMA to establish and lead a human wildlife conflict technical working group incorporating a member from all cheetah and wild dog conservation organisations, and community representatives ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers, RDCs, Ministry of Local Government Within 1 year 2.3.2 ZPWMA to compile and share data and information on conflict issues and their mitigation techniques ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 2.3.3 Technical working group to develop an online database where information and reports (compiled biannually) can be uploaded and analysed at a central point, e.g. ZPWMA Headquarters ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Within 1 year and ongoing 2.3.4 Technical working group to create a mitigation solutions document, including traditional methods of mitigation, to be delivered to the wider public through an annual newsletter/email ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Annually Information transfer 3. To increase active commitment 3.1 Local communities, governments, landowners, 3.1.1 Take advantage of planned meetings and workshops (for example workshops in 1.1.1 and 1.3.1) with ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers At least once a year 16 | P a g e of stakeholders and awareness of the wider public by transferring information relevant to cheetah and wild dog conservation NGOs and other stakeholders are well informed with regards to wild dog and cheetah conservation, through a two way exchange of knowledge, both scientific/academic and traditional communities, landowners and government, to exchange knowledge, current information and sensitise stakeholders to wild dog and cheetah conservation 3.1.2 Actively seek local and traditional knowledge and integrate this into cheetah and wild dog conservation initiatives ZPWMA, NGOs, government, landowners, communities, traditional leaders, RDCs 3.1.3 Continue to establish conservation-based education programs in both private and community primary and secondary schools ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 3.1.4 Establish a general conservation awareness curriculum that can guide conservation organisations in their education and awareness programs ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Within first year 3.1.5 Link with existing initiatives and provide relevant information and interpretive materials to support judicial and law enforcement agencies ZPWMA Legal Affairs Section , NGO’s, Researchers, Tikki Hywood Trust Within two years 3.2 Multimedia projects developed across all local and national organisations 3.2.1 Increase use of TV and radio (e.g. Spot FM, Radio Zimbabwe etc) for community awareness ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 3.2.2 Increase the use of posters, leaflets, video, pictures and theatre groups through education and awareness programs and community and government engagement ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 3.3 Increased national awareness of local threats to cheetah and wild dogs across Zimbabwe 3.3.1 Establish a national cheetah and wild dog day in Zimbabwe to increase awareness of the conservation of both species ZPWMA Within first year; annually 3.3.2 Continue to encourage sponsorship of sports teams, clubs and groups named after cheetah and wild dogs ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 3.3.3 Increase attendance at public events to raise awareness for cheetah and wild dog conservation ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 3.4 Promotion of national research conferences 3.4.1 Cheetah and wild dog workshops to disseminate information between all relevant conservation bodies ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Twice within 5 years 3.4.2 Continue to participate in a wider range of meetings and stakeholder interest groups (i.e. those not directly concerned with conservation) to disseminate information about cheetah and wild dog conservation ZPWMA, NGO’s, Researchers Ongoing 17 | P a g e Coexistence 4. To promote coexistence of people with cheetah and wild dogs in Zimbabwe 4.1 The deliberate killing of cheetah and wild dogs is minimised 4.1.1 Continue monitoring the extent of deliberate killing of cheetah and wild dogs across all land uses, and collate data biannually at station and national level ZPWMA, RDC, Land owners, Researchers Ongoing 4.1.2 Advocate for better enforcement of laws pertinent to illegal killing of cheetah and wild dogs in the country ZPWMA, advocacy groups, NGOs, ZELA Ongoing 4.1.3 Analyse and clarify the extent of actual versus perceived losses caused by cheetah and wild dogs ZPWMA, Researchers, RDCs, NGOs, communities Ongoing 4.1.4 Work with and help communities who suffer from livestock depredation to minimise retaliation against cheetah and wild dogs (and other carnivores) ZPWMA, RDCs, NGOs, communities Ongoing 4.1.5 Continue sensitizing relevant stakeholders at all levels (including household level) about livestock husbandry practices proven to reduce depredation. Monitor and evaluate efforts ZPWMA, Researchers, NGOs, Agritex officers, Traditional leaders, RDC Ongoing 4.1.6 Develop participatory, stakeholder-driven standard national operating procedures for acceptable responses to human carnivore conflict situations in Zimbabwe (e.g. procedures on captures, translocation, lethal control etc.), as per the 2018 National Human Wildlife Conflict Policy Document ZPWMA, RDC, Traditional leaders, Researchers, Tertiary academic institutions, Forestry commission 6 months 4.1.7 Establish all-inclusive stakeholders’ human-wildlife conflict rapid response teams to react quickly and effectively to conflict situations, across all land uses within 6 months, in line with the 2018 national HWC Policy ZPWMA, RDC, Forestry commission, Land owners 6 months 4.1.8 Continue existing and implement new programmes to combat negative perceptions of cheetah and wild dogs across all land uses ZPWMA, Private sector, NGOs, Academic institutions 1 year 4.1.9 Prioritise conservation of cheetah and wild dog outside protected areas (as opposed to only focussing within protected areas) ZPWMA, MLG, Land owners, Researchers, advocacy groups, Ongoing 4.2 The levels of incidental mortality in cheetah and wild dogs are reduced across all land uses as appropriate within five years 4.2.1 Continue monitoring the extent of incidental mortality of cheetah and wild dogs across all land uses, and collate data quarterly at station and national level ZPWMA, Forestry commission, RDC, Land owners. NGOs Ongoing, with quarterly collation of data 4.2.2 Reduce snaring mortality of cheetah and wild dogs through initiatives such as targeted anti-poaching efforts, removal of snares from the field, removal of wire sources ZPWMA, RDC, Local traditional leadership, Law enforcement Ongoing 18 | P a g e from the ecosystem, and removal of wire snares from individual animals as necessary agencies, NGOs, Wildlife Veterinary Unit 4.2.3 Continue with programmes known to be effective at managing diseases in hotspot areas that threaten cheetah and wild dog population viability, e.g. rabies vaccination campaigns ZPWMA, Wildlife veterinary unit, Land owners, NGOs Ongoing 4.2.4 Evaluate the impact of, targeted, enforceable programmes which reduce road mortality of cheetah and wild dogs (e.g. use of road signs) and continue with such programmes if they are shown to be effective ZPWMA, Ministry of roads, PDC, ZINARA, PDRT Ongoing 4.2.5 Minimise poisoning mortality of cheetah and wild dogs through law enforcement, education and awareness campaigns ZPWMA, Law enforcement agencies, Traditional leaders, EMA, Judiciary, Academic institutions, NGOs Ongoing 4.3 The perceived intrinsic and economic value of cheetah and wild dogs to all stakeholders are measurably increased 4.3.1 Quantify and monitor the perceived intrinsic political, socio-cultural and economic value of cheetah and wild dogs to all stakeholders ZPWMA, Tourism Operators, Traditional leaders, ZINATHA, Ongoing 4.3.2 Promote wildlife based economic activities that promote cheetah and wild dog conservation and directly benefit communities and other stakeholders, across all land uses, e.g. community crafts, community campsites, curio shops at Protected Area entrances ZPWMA, RDC, Private sectors, NGO Within 2 years and ongoing 4.3.3 Investigate the cultural significance and threat from illegal harvest of cheetah and wild dogs across all land uses ZPWMA, ZINATHA, Traditional leaders, RDC Ongoing 4.3.4 Develop and revise self-sustaining community schemes that offset the costs of, and internalise the responsibilities for, conflict Parks, RDC, Private sectors, NGO, Land owners Ongoing 4.4 Socio-economic drivers to foster co-existence of land users with cheetah and wild dogs are addressed 4.4.1 Develop and improve strategies to address socio economic threats to cheetah and wild dogs, e.g. communal livestock herding schemes which offer better protection from predators, improving livestock enclosures using natural materials from sustainable sources, and carefully planning human settlement development in wildlife corridors ZPWMA, NGOs, Researchers, Land owners, MLG, International civil service, Academia, Traditional leaders Within 5 years and ongoing 4.4.2 Engage Ministries responsible for land and land distribution on the need to protect wildlife areas and routes, ZPWMA, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Ongoing 19 | P a g e and to improve rural livelihoods so people are better able to tolerate cheetah and wild dogs Agriculture, Ministry of Local Government 4.4.3 Continue working in school to educate pupils on cheetah and wild dog conservation and to provide them a standard of education that will allow livelihood improvements Ministry of Education, ZPWMA, NGOs Ongoing Land Use 5. To promote best land use practice for cheetah and wild dog conservation and minimise adverse effects of land development 5.1 Trends in land use are evaluated against the conservation needs of cheetah and wild dog 5.1.1 Identify and engage key stakeholders responsible for determining current and future land use strategies, then conduct a national workshop and present on the need to conserve cheetahs and wild dogs across all land use types ZPWMA, RDCs, Local governance, NGOs, RWCP, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Universities, Ministry of mines Within 2 years 5.1.2 Evaluate historic and current trends in land uses to extrapolate future land use strategies with regards to the conservation needs of cheetah and wild dog ZPWMA, Ministry of Lands, Forestry commission , Private Land owners, RDCs, NGOs, Universities Annually 5.1.3 Engage players who are willing to provide support in the form of best management practices and opportunities that will benefit cheetah and wild dog conservation in recoverable range e.g. Chizarira, Chirisa and Sapi ZPWMA, Private investors, international NGOs 2 years 5.2 Wildlife based land uses and community participation in natural resource management are promoted in areas with potential for cheetah and wild dog conservation 5.2.1 Identify and prioritize areas with potential for natural resource based land uses conducive to cheetah and wild dog conservation ZPWMA, RDCs, Local communities, Farmers, NGOs Within 2 years 5.2.2 Link local capacity, resources, services and expertise to maximise partnership opportunities to enhance areas with potential for cheetah and wild dogs ZPWMA, RDCs, Local communities, Farmers, private sector, NGOs Within 3 years 5.2.3 Strengthen and increase (by 20%) buffer zones around areas with potential for cheetah and wild dog conservation through promoting community participation and partnership opportunities ZPWMA, RDCs, Local communities, Farmers, private sector, NGOs Within 5 years 5.3 The formation of landscape scale wildlife management units (e.g. private and community 5.3.1 Promote awareness of opportunities presented by the national programs such as ‘Command Livestock, Fisheries and Wildlife’ in line with conservation of cheetah and wild dogs ZPWMA, RDCs, Local communities, Resettled Farmers, Ministry of Education, Media, NGOs 2 years 20 | P a g e conservancies) is promoted by increasing awareness of the potential benefits of such land uses 5.3.2 Develop wildlife based land-use models using historic land use and sightings data to promote successful cheetah and wild dog conservation across the country ZPWMA, Universities, RDCs, NGOs, RWCP 6 months 5.3.3 Facilitate the development of large landscape scale wildlife management units (e.g. private and/or community conservancies, buffer zones and community grazing areas) and monitor their influence on cheetah and wild dog conservation, to enable adaptive management ZPWMA, RDCs, Local communities, resettled farmers, Traditional leaders, RWCP, NGOs 3 years 5.3.4 Optimise current resident range, maintain and recover corridors and connectivity (e.g. the Sengwe Corridor in the GLTP) and secure at least 40% of identified recoverable range within five years to facilitate the expansion of cheetah and wild dog populations ZPWMA, RDCs, RWCP, NGOs, GLTP Within 5 years 5.3.5 Promote wild dogs and cheetah as the flagship species of large landscape level habitat conservation initiatives, for protected area networks and corridors, including TFCA’s ZPWMA, NGOs, RWCP Universities, RDCs, GLTP,KAZA Within 1 year 5.4 Cheetah and wild dog range is expanded through within Zimbabwe through natural or artificial restoration of the species to appropriate areas of recoverable range, e.g. Chizarira NP, Chirisa SA (for wild dogs) and Sapi concession (for cheetah) 5.4.1 Engage partner organisations in establishing reintroduction plans (for either natural or artificial recolonization) ZPWMA, RWCP, other NGOs Within 2 years 5.4.2 Where artificial reintroduction is necessary, ensure reintroduction plans follow IUCN reintroduction guidelines ZPWMA, NGOs, RWCP Within 5 years 5.4.3 Identify source populations of cheetah and wild dogs for artificial reintroduction ZPWMA, NGOs, RWCP, private sector Within 2 years 5.4.4 Implement the reintroductions as per guidelines, once the prey populations have built up to viable levels and area security is good ZPWMA, NGOs, RWCP, private sector After 5 years 5.4.5 Monitor reintroduction success and individual animals for at least five years post release ZPWMA, NGOs, RWCP After 5 years and ongoing 5.5 Effective and appropriate livestock husbandry, range management and agriculture that is consistent with cheetah and wild dog conservation is promoted 5.5.1 Promote and link agriculture and range management programmes to relevant areas RDCs, resettled farmers, local communities, NGOs, RWCP, ZPWMA, Ministry of Agriculture 2 years and ongoing 5.5.2 Coordinate with the providers of training programmes to increase the capacity of agricultural communities to practice sustainable range management ZPWMA, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Universities, NGOs 2 years 21 | P a g e 5.5.3 Assess the effectiveness of new and existing livestock husbandry and range management programmes against the conservation needs of cheetah and wild dogs and disseminate results annually to inform adaptive management strategies ZPWMA, NGOs, RWCP, Universities, RDCs, Ministry of Agriculture 5 years and ongoing Political Commitment 6. To achieve increased political commitment to the conservation of cheetah and wild dogs in Zimbabwe 6.1 A National Conservation Action Plan for conserving cheetah and wild dogs across Zimbabwe is approved by the government and implemented 6.1.1 Get this National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe approved and endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate ZPWMA, Ministry of Environment Within 6 months 6.1.2 Hold workshops with other government authorities, as well as with other local and national actors to inform them of this Action Plan and motivate for support in achieving results ZPWMA, RDC, Private Sector, Research org, Traditional leaders, Forestry commission, Tertiary education, EMA, SADC, Ongoing 6.2 Relevant transboundary and national agreements that will benefit the conservation of cheetah and wild dogs are promoted 6.2.1 Identify and promote partnerships to achieve affective national and transboundary conservation efforts ZPWMA Within 1 year 6.2.2 Promote existing- and develop and promote further agreements and strategies that will benefit cheetah and wild dog across all land use types in Zimbabwe, particularly within large transboundary landscapes, including through workshops, meetings and policy dialogue ZPWMA, RDC, Private Sector, Research org, Traditional leaders, Forestry commission, Tertiary education, EMA, SADC 2 years 6.3 Harmonisation of national policy and key legislation across all ministries for the management of wildlife (EMA, ZPWMA, MINES, LAND and TOURISM) is achieved 6.3.1 Hold multi-stakeholder workshops that look at the contradicting policies and action the results Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, ZPWMA RDC, Private Sector, Research org, Traditional leaders, Forestry commission, Tertiary education, EMA, SADC, international civil service Within 2 years and ongoing 6.3.2 Develop and implement programmes for regular (at least annually) sensitization of parliamentarians Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, ZPWMA RDC, Private Sector, Research org, Traditional leaders, Forestry commission, Tertiary education, EMA, Within 2 years and ongoing 22 | P a g e SADC, international civil service 6.3.3 Present key research findings to cabinet on an annual basis ZPWMA, NGOs Within 3 years and ongoing on an annual basis 6.4 A revision of the Zimbabwean CITES Cheetah Quota is undertaken 6.4.1 Collate and read all documents pertaining to the CITES cheetah quota in Zimbabwe, include those that call for revision ZPWMA, RWCP Within 2 months 6.4.2 Hold a stakeholder meeting to re-evaluate the suitability of the CITES quota of 50 cheetah set in 1992 ZPWMA, Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SOAZ Within 6 months 6.4.3 According to the results of the meeting held in 6.4.2, present the revised quota suggestion to the CITES Secretariat for revision at the next Conference of Parties (May 2019) ZPWMA, Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Within 1 year Policy and Legislation 7. To review and where necessary revise and strengthen international, national and local legislation, policies and protocols affecting cheetah and wild dog conservation and lobby for improved compliance to existing legislation 7.1 National, regional and international policies, protocols and legislation pertaining to the conservation of cheetah and wild dogs are reviewed and strengthened 7.1.1 Identify existing national, regional, and international legislative frameworks applicable to the short and long-term conservation of wild dog and cheetah (e.g. Parks and Wildlife Act, relevant land use plans, law enforcement policies etc) ZPWMA, ZELA, and other relevant government institutions/organisations as well as NGO’s (e.g. Tikki Hywood Trust) Year 1 7.1.2 Asses any potential gaps in the frameworks, as well as their efficacy and sustainability to contribute to the short and long-term conservation of wild dog and cheetah ZPWMA, and other relevant government institutions/organisations as well as NGO’s (e.g. Tikki Hywood Trust) Year 1 ongoing 7.1.3. Lobby for legislative review/change where necessary e.g. a) Removing wild dogs from the vermin clause in the Parks and Wildlife Act and adding them to the specially protected species list, as per the statutory instrument 80 of 2004 b) Increasing penalties for bushmeat (snare) poachers ZPWMA, and other relevant government institutions/organisations as well as NGO’s (e.g. Tikki Hywood Trust) Year 1 ongoing 7.2 Cheetah and wild dog conservation actions are aligned to existing, new and/or revised national and 7.2.1 Sensitize relevant stakeholders, and promote the enactment and implementation of policies, protocols and legislation through workshops, meetings, brochures, posters etc ZPWMA, and other relevant government institutions/organisations as well as NGO’s (Local communities?) Year 2 and ongoing 23 | P a g e international policies, protocols and legislation 7.2.2 National agencies to identify and align with existing law enforcement networks, and prioritise capacity needs to enforce legislation, policies and protocols relevant to cheetah and wild dog conservation ZPWMA, ZELA, other relevant government institutions, with support of relevant NGOs Year 2 and ongoing 7.2.3 Identify and mobilise resources to manage possible limitations/inadequate capacity to achieve activity 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 ZPWMA, and other relevant government institutions/organisations as well as NGO’s Year 2 and ongoing 7.3 Zimbabwe actively participates in and contributes to biodiversity related multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs, e.g. CMS, CBD, CITES, SADC protocols, WENSA) and other international processes including TFCA’s 7.3.1. Ensure that wild dog and cheetah conservation needs are considered in Zimbabwe’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). If not, ensure their needs are incorporated at the next review (2020) ZPWMA and Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate Year 1 and Year 3 7.3.2 Actively participate in and contribute to bilateral and multilateral biodiversity–related meetings (e.g. SADC LEAP Strategy, JPC, JMC, and Regional Strategy Workshops for wild dog and cheetah) ZPWMA, and other relevant government institutions/organisations as well as NGO’s Year 1 and ongoing 7.3.3 Adopt and implement the recommendations identified in the meetings listed in 7.3.2 ZPWMA, and other relevant government institutions/organisations as well as NGO’s Year 1 and ongoing 7.3.4. Strengthen and promote TFCA conservation and policy initiatives (e.g. finalisation of LZMPTFCA and ZIMOZA, and strengthening of KAZA TFCA and the GLTFCA) ZPWMA, and other relevant government institutions/organisations as well as NGO’s Year 1 and ongoing National Planning 8. To maintain and efficiently implement an up to-date National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and Wild dogs in Zimbabwe 8.1 This National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe endorsed by Ministry within 6 months 8.1.1 Submit the final National Conservation Action Plan to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate for approval ZPWMA Within 1 month 8.1.2 Support the Ministry to have the plan endorsed within 6 months, including, if necessary, making changes requested by the Ministry ZPWMA, RWCP, NGOs, Land owners, private sector Within 6 months 8.2 The National Conservation Action Plan is implemented and progress reviewed after 2.5 years 8.2.1 Nominate a focal person within the ZPWMA to drive the implementation of this National Conservation Action Plan ZPWMA Within 1 year 8.2.2 Hold a national stakeholders workshop (including all organisations, departments and individuals listed as actors in this plan) to raise awareness of the plan and identify mechanisms for driving the implementation process, within 6 months of NAP approval ZPWMA, RWCP, NGOs, private sector, Land owners , Ministries etc Within 1 year 8.2.3 Encourage and support all stakeholders to use the revised national action plan to guide their conservation ZPWMA, ZPWMA focal person for this plan, Ongoing 24 | P a g e actions at all times, including through the workshop in 8.2.2 as well as at all relevant meetings throughout the 5 years of the plan, and through provision of funding or in-kind or technical support where necessary and possible Ministry of Water, Climate & Environment, RWCP, NGOs 8.2.4 Annual updates on progress towards implementation of the plan complied and disseminated by the focal person driving the plan ZPWMA focal person for this plan After 1 year and annually 8.2.5 Arrange a workshop for stakeholders to evaluate progress on the implementation of the national action plan after 2.5 years ZPWMA, RWCP, NGOs etc 2.5 years 8.3 The National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe is formally revised and updated after 5 years 8.3.1 Hold a multi-stakeholder workshop to revise and update the National Conservation Action Plan after 5 years ZPWMA, RWCP, NGOs, relevant authorities Within 5 years 8.3.2 Write up the new, revised National Conservation Action Plan and submit to Ministry for endorsement ZPWMA, RWCP After 5 years 8.3.3 Disseminate the new and endorsed National Conservation Action Plan widely and support its implementation ZPWMA, RWCP After 5 years 25 | P a g e List of acronyms used in log frame: CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora EMA Environmental Management Agency GLTFCA Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area GLTP Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park JPC Joint Permanent Commission JMC Joint Management Committee KAZA Kavango Zambezi (TFCA) LEAP Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching LZMPTFCA Lower Zambezi, Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area MLG Ministry of Local Government NGO Non-Governmental Organisation PDC Painted Dog Conservation PDRT Painted Dog Research Trust RDC Rural District Council RWCP Range Wide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dogs SADC Southern African Development Community SOAZ Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe TFCA Transfrontier Conservation Area ZELA Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association ZIMOZA Zimbabwe-Mozambique (TFCA) ZINARA Zimbabwe National Roads Association ZINATHA Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association ZPWMA Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority ZRP Zimbabwe Republic Police References Durant et al (2017) The global decline of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus and what it means for conservation PNAS, 114 (3) 528-533 (DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1611122114) IUCN/SSC (2015) Review of the Regional Conservation Strategy for the Cheetah and African Wild Dogs in Southern Africa. IUCN/SSC Gland, Switzerland and Range Wide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dogs, www.cheetahandwilddog.org van der Meer, E. (2016) The cheetahs of Zimbabwe, distribution and population status 2015. Cheetah Conservation Project Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 26 | P a g e Appendix 1: Workshop Agenda Thursday 19th April 2018 8:00 – 8:30 Arrival and registration of participants 8:30 – 8:45 Participant introductions 8:45 – 9:00 Welcome and opening remarks: PWMA 9:00 – 9:30 Background to Conservation of Cheetah and African Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe, and overview of National Action Plan implementation to date – Chief Ecologist, PWMA 9:30 – 10:00 Presentations: 9:30 – 9:45 Population, trends, occurrences and conservation issues for Wild Dogs and Cheetah in North West Matabeleland – Senior Ecologist Hwange 9:45 – 10:00 African Wildlife Conservation Fund - Population, trends, occurrences and conservation issues for Wild Dogs and Cheetah in the South East Lowveld 10:00 – 10:30 TEA BREAK 10:30 – 10:45 Presentations continued: 10:30 – 10:45 Painted Dog Conservation Trust Population, trends, occurrences and conservation issues for Wild Dogs 10:45 – 11:15 Summary of presentations, progress, gaps and challenges for Cheetah and Wild Dig Conservation in Zimbabwe RWCP Southern African Coordinator 11:15 – 11:30 Introduction to mapping session, and revision of range category definitions 11:30 – 12:30 Revision of the Cheetah Distribution Map for Zimbabwe Facilitated by RWCP Southern African Coordinator 12:30- 13:30 LUNCH BREAK 13:30 – 14:30 Revision of the Wild Dog Distribution Map for Zimbabwe Facilitated by RWCP Southern African Coordinator 14:30 – 15:00 Revision of Vision and Goal for Zimbabwe NAP Facilitated by RWCP Project Leader 15:00 – 15:30 Split into 4 Working Groups and allocate two objectives to each group: Working Groups to start with revising and update Objectives, Targets and Activities for the NAP. 15:30 – 16:00 TEA BREAK 16:00 – 17:00 Working Groups continue to work on revising and updating Objectives, Targets and Activities 17:00 END OF DAY 1 27 | P a g e Friday 13th April 2018 8:00 – 8:30 Presentation of final updated maps for agreement in plenary 8:30 – 10:30 Return to Working Groups and work on updating Objectives, Targets and Activities 10:30 – 11:00 TEA BREAK 11:00 – 11:30 Working Groups finalise Objectives, Targets and Activities 11:30 – 13:00 Working Groups report back on Objectives Targets and Activities for plenary discussion and consensus…. 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 - 16:00 Continued: Working Groups report back on Objectives, Targets and Activities for plenary discussion and consensus continued and finalised 16:00 – 16:30 Summary and Conclusions RWCP Southern African Coordinator 16:30 – 16:45 Way forward Chief Ecologist 16:45 – 17:00 Closing remarks PWMA 17:00 END OF MEETING 28 | P a g e Appendix 2: List of participants No Name Organisation Phone Email 1 Roseline Chikerema Mandisodza ZPWMA1 rmandisodza@zimparks.org.zw 2 Colum Zhuwau ZPWMA 0778 371147 columjosejoaos@yahoo.com 3 Lovelater Sebele ZPWMA 0771 032339 slovelater@gmail.com 4 Cheryl Mabika ZPWMA 0777 062 135 tcmabika@gmail.com 5 Diana Marenwangepo ZPWMA 0775 065260 dmarewangepo@zimparks.org.zw 6 Ashley Mudungwe ZPWMA 0779 846822 amudungwe13@googlemail.com 7 Tinaapi Hilary Madiri ZPWMA 0773 289298 tinaapihilarymadiri@gmail.com 8 Patmore Ngorima ZPWMA 0773 043312 patngorima@gmail.com 9 Nobesuthu Adelaide Ngwenya ZPWMA 0773 665047 ngwenyanobesuthu@yahoo.co.uk 10 Timothy T Kuguyo ZPWMA 0772 554740 tkuguyo@zimparks.org.zw 11 Clifford Tafangenyasha ZPWMA 0776 739071 cliffordtafa@gmail.com 12 Gregory M Nyaguse ZPWMA 0777 478177 gregorynyaguse@yahoo.com 13 Blessing Kavhu ZPWMA 0774 690721 kavhublessing@gmail.com 14 Stanley S Musungwa ZPWMA 0712 095708 smusungwa@zimparks.org.zw 15 Exeverino Chinoitezvi ZPWMA 0773 363289 echinoitezvi@zimparks.org.zw 16 Gilbert Moyo ZPWMA 0712 737872 ghmoyo3@gmail.com 17 Tafadzwa Shumba PDRT2 0775 880162 tafadzwashumba@rocketmail.com 18 Rosemary Groom RWCP3 0776 844485 rosemary-rwcp@zsl.org 19 Jessical Watermeyer AWCF4 0776 494240 jess@africanwildlifeconservationfund.org 20 Amy Wolton AWCF 0779 501725 amy@africanwildlifeconservationfund.org 21 Matthew Wijers Independent Bubye Valley 0772 321051 matthew.wijers@gmail.com 1-Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, 2-Painted Dog Research Trust, 3-Range Wide Conservation Program for Cheetah and African Wild Dogs, 4-African Wildlife Conservation Fund 29 | P a g e Appendix 3: Full definition of range categories Below is the full definition of the range categories as agreed at the Southern African regional workshop in 2015. (1) Resident range: Land where the species was known to still be resident. This recognised the knowledge that both cheetah and wild dogs have excellent dispersal abilities, meaning that not every point location indicates the presence of a resident population; some may indicate transient dispersing animals. Resident range was defined as areas where (i) the species has been regularly detected over a period of several years; (ii) there was evidence of breeding (e.g. young cheetah cubs sighted, or wild dog pups or dens recorded); and (iii) for wild dogs, there were sightings of complete packs (groups containing members of both sexes, usually >3 animals) rather than small groups (≤3 animals), or single-sex groups, which are likely to be dispersal groups. (2) Possible Resident Range*: Land where the species may still be resident, but where residency had not been confirmed in the last 10 years. Usually these would be areas which contain suitable habitat and prey, but which have had little or no ground-based surveying in recent years (aerial surveys are unlikely to detect either species). Some areas were considered to constitute possible range because only unconfirmed reports (e.g. reports from inexperienced observers), or only sparse, irregular sightings were available or there were only reports of transient individuals or groups. This also includes once off surveys that have detected presence but not breeding behaviour. * In the attribute table, it is made clear whether the range is possible resident with presence recorded (i.e. from a once off survey or sporadic sightings, excluding pups or cubs) or where presence has not been recorded, but expert opinion is of the consensus there would be wild dogs or cheetah resident there (due to suitable habitat and prey availability) (3) Transient Range*: Habitat used intermittently by wild dogs or cheetah, but known not to be used regularly, providing no connection to areas of resident, possible or unknown range, and unlikely to be made suitable for use by resident wild dog or cheetah populations through any reasonable form of management. Such areas are likely to be natural habitats that are only marginally suitable for cheetah or wild dogs (e.g. desert), or heavily modified / human impacted areas. Transient range also includes areas which have been used sporadically by dispersing animals (e.g. from collar data). * The transient range category was newly defined in the 2015 workshop, but is a variation on the ‘marginal’ range category described for wild dogs only in 2007. (4) Connecting range: 30 | P a g e Land where the species is known not to be resident, but which dispersing animals may use to either move between occupied areas, or to recolonise extirpated range. Such connections might take the form of ‘corridors’ of continuous habitat or ‘stepping stones’ of habitat fragments. (5) Recoverable range*: Land where cheetah and wild dogs are currently known to be extirpated, but where habitat and prey remain over sufficiently large areas that either natural or assisted recovery of the species might be possible within the next 10 years if reasonable conservation action were to be taken. * In designating areas of recoverable range, participants were asked to bear in mind that both species live at low densities and travel very widely, so they would rarely be recoverable in small areas (<3,000km2) unless very intensive management (e.g. predator-proof fencing and active population management) could be implemented. (6) Extirpated range: Land where the species is currently extinct, and where habitat has been so heavily modified or fragmented (e.g. by cultivation or urbanisation) as to be uninhabitable by resident animals for the foreseeable future. (7) Unknown range: land where the species’ status is currently unknown and cannot be inferred using knowledge of the local status of habitat and prey. 31 | P a g e Approval Page The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Board of Directors and the Director General have approved the implementation of the National Conservation Action Plan for Cheetah and African Wild Dog in Zimbabwe (2018 to 2022). Signature: Date: Mr. Fulton Mangwanya Director-General - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Signature: Date: Approved by Board Chair - Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority