08 Mar 2018
Four years after the last lion was seen in Liwonde, African Parks have reintroduced the first of several wild lions back into the National Park.
In partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and with support from the Dutch Government and the Lion Recovery Fund, two mature males were released into enclosed bomas in the park after being safely translocated from Majete Wildlife Reserve, where lions were reintroduced in 2012. They will remain in bomas for several weeks to allow close monitoring of their wellbeing, adjustment, and bonding with two lionesses which will be translocated from South Africa in March, before they are all released in to the wider park.
While the translocation hails the return of this iconic predator to Liwonde, it is also symbolic of Majete's extraordinary restoration. Majete's pride was entirely poached out decades ago, but since their reintroduction, the population has grown to the extent that it can assist in repopulating Liwonde, 200 km north-east of Majete. African Parks will further supplement the populations in both parks over the coming months, with the translocation of up to 12 additional lions from South Africa. This is an important milestone for lion conservation in Malawi, where populations of the vulnerable species are being revitalised as part of an effort to restore the country's parks, rehabilitate wildlife populations and encourage tourism for the benefit of local communities.
"The reintroduction of lions is fundamentally enriching for Liwonde" said African Parks' Liwonde Park Manager, Craig Reid. "It restores a key species that is critical to the healthy functioning of the natural system, contributes to the establishment of an important local predator population, and will significantly benefit tourism as a mechanism for socio-economic growth".
The arrival of these big cats lays the foundation for a secure national population of lions, helping to further distinguish Malawi as an emerging premier wildlife destination. With the UN World Wildlife Day on Saturday 3rd March highlighting the plight of big cats across the world, Malawi's lion translocation is an extraordinary example of the conservation measures being taken to secure a future for Africa's most iconic cat.
Kamageo are Malawi's UK Representatives.
For further information or to learn more about promoting Malawi, please do contact us on the number or email shown below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Bex Knight - PR Executive: bex@kamageo.com | +44 (0) 1664 823 750
For further information or to learn more about promoting Malawi, please do contact us on the number or email shown below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Bex Knight - PR Executive: bex@kamageo.com | +44 (0) 1664 823 750
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