Liwonde National Park: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 14°50′S 35°20′E / 14.833°S 35.333°E / -14.833; 35.333
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Livond/Liwonde
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{{Infobox protected area
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Liwonde National Park
| name = Livond National Park
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| map_caption = Location of Liwonde National Park within [[Malawi]]
| map_caption = Location of Livond/Liwonde National Park within [[Malawi]]
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'''Liwonde National Park''', also known as '''Liwonde Wildlife Reserve''',<ref name="Moving">{{cite news|last1=Morlin-Yron|first1=Sophie|title=Malawi is moving 500 elephants across the country|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/20/africa/malawi-relocation-of-elephants/index.html|accessdate=30 August 2017|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=21 July 2016}}</ref> is a [[national park]] in southern [[Malawi]], near the [[Mozambique]] border. The park was established in 1973, and has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization [[African Parks]] since August 2015. African Parks built an electric fence around the perimeter of the park to help mitigate human-wildlife conflict <ref>https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/liwonde</ref>. In early 2018, the adjacent '''Mangochi Forest Reserve''' was also brought under African Parks' management, almost doubling the size of the protected area.
'''Livond National Park''', also known as '''Liwonde Wildlife Reserve''',<ref name="Moving">{{cite news|last1=Morlin-Yron|first1=Sophie|title=Malawi is moving 500 elephants across the country|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/20/africa/malawi-relocation-of-elephants/index.html|accessdate=30 August 2017|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=21 July 2016}}</ref> is a [[national park]] in southern [[Malawi]], near the [[Mozambique]] border. The park was established in 1973, and has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization [[African Parks]] since August 2015. African Parks built an electric fence around the perimeter of the park to help mitigate human-wildlife conflict <ref>https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/liwonde</ref>. In early 2018, the adjacent '''Mangochi Forest Reserve''' was also brought under African Parks' management, almost doubling the size of the protected area.


⚫
==Description and geography==Livond/Liwonde National Park is in [[Southern Region, Malawi|Southern Region]] [[Malawi]],<ref name="Masina">{{cite news|last1=Masina|first1=Lameck|title=Cheetahs Back from the Brink in Malawi|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/cheetahs-are-back-from-the-brink-in-malawi/3892401.html|accessdate=24 August 2017|publisher=[[Voice of America]]|date=8 June 2017}}</ref> just south of [[Lake Malawi]],<ref name="Scotsman">{{cite news|title=A new safari nation is born|url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/travel/a-new-safari-nation-is-born-1-718522|accessdate=28 August 2017|work=[[The Scotsman]]|publisher=[[Johnston Press]]|date=29 June 2005|location=Edinburgh|issn=0307-5850|oclc=614655655}}</ref> near the [[Mozambique]] border. It lies largely within the [[Machinga District]], but also is in the [[Mangochi District]]. The [[Balaka District]] lies along its western border.<ref name="Snyman2013">Snyman, Susan. "Household spending patterns and flow of ecotourism income into communities around Livond/Liwonde National Park, Malawi." Development Southern Africa 30, no. 4-5 (2013): 640–658.</ref> The reserve covers {{Convert|548|km2|sqmi}}<ref name=Biodiversity>{{cite book|title=Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Islands: Conservation, Management, and Sustainable Use|date=1990|publisher=[[International Union for Conservation of Nature]]|page=132|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QGyrXpCbTX4C&pg=PA132&lpg=PA132&dq#v=onepage&q&f=false|accessdate=18 September 2017}}</ref><ref name="East">{{cite book|last1=East|first1=Rod|title=Antelopes: Southern and South-Central Africa|date=1989|publisher=International Union for Conservation of Nature |pages=20–26|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CcNel7LRwG8C&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq#v=onepage&q&f=false|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref> of woodlands and dry [[savannah]]. A 30km section of the [[Shire River]] runs through the park including a section of the shore of [[Lake Malombe]], 20 km south of [[Lake Malawi]] . A section was added in 1977 on the northern edge of the park which connects it with Mangochi Forest Reserve.<ref name=BirdLife/>
==Description and geography==
⚫
Liwonde National Park is in [[Southern Region, Malawi|Southern Region]] [[Malawi]],<ref name="Masina">{{cite news|last1=Masina|first1=Lameck|title=Cheetahs Back from the Brink in Malawi|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/cheetahs-are-back-from-the-brink-in-malawi/3892401.html|accessdate=24 August 2017|publisher=[[Voice of America]]|date=8 June 2017}}</ref> just south of [[Lake Malawi]],<ref name="Scotsman">{{cite news|title=A new safari nation is born|url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/travel/a-new-safari-nation-is-born-1-718522|accessdate=28 August 2017|work=[[The Scotsman]]|publisher=[[Johnston Press]]|date=29 June 2005|location=Edinburgh|issn=0307-5850|oclc=614655655}}</ref> near the [[Mozambique]] border. It lies largely within the [[Machinga District]], but also is in the [[Mangochi District]]. The [[Balaka District]] lies along its western border.<ref name="Snyman2013">Snyman, Susan. "Household spending patterns and flow of ecotourism income into communities around Liwonde National Park, Malawi." Development Southern Africa 30, no. 4-5 (2013): 640–658.</ref> The reserve covers {{Convert|548|km2|sqmi}}<ref name=Biodiversity>{{cite book|title=Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Islands: Conservation, Management, and Sustainable Use|date=1990|publisher=[[International Union for Conservation of Nature]]|page=132|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QGyrXpCbTX4C&pg=PA132&lpg=PA132&dq#v=onepage&q&f=false|accessdate=18 September 2017}}</ref><ref name="East">{{cite book|last1=East|first1=Rod|title=Antelopes: Southern and South-Central Africa|date=1989|publisher=International Union for Conservation of Nature |pages=20–26|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CcNel7LRwG8C&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq#v=onepage&q&f=false|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref> of woodlands and dry [[savannah]]. A 30km section of the [[Shire River]] runs through the park including a section of the shore of [[Lake Malombe]], 20 km south of [[Lake Malawi]] . A section was added in 1977 on the northern edge of the park which connects it with Mangochi Forest Reserve.<ref name=BirdLife/>


Liwonde National Park, and the contiguous Mangochi Forest Reserve, are managed by African Parks in collaboration with local communities represented by the Upper Shire Association for the Conservation of Liwonde National Park (USACOL) and 31 Village Natural Resources Committees surrounding Liwonde.<ref name="Strengthening">{{cite news|title=Institutional Strengthening of the Upper Shire Association for the Conservation of Liwonde National Park (USACOL)|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-397216481.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055118/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-397216481.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2017|accessdate=30 August 2017|work=[[Mena Report]]|date=13 January 2015|publisher=[[Al Bawaba]]|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Liwonde has a {{Convert|129|km|mi|adj=on}} perimeter, which was unfenced until the nonprofit organization [[African Parks]] confirmed plans to construct a fully fenced border in 2015,<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|title=Animals kill seven people in seven weeks, says Malawi wildlife park|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/29/animals-kill-seven-people-in-seven-weeks-says-malawi-wildlife-park|work=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=24 August 2017|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|location=London|issn=0261-3077|oclc=60623878|date=29 September 2015}}</ref> which has since been completed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malawi Scoping Mission Identified Partnership Opportunities with African Parks|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r4/news-events/mediatools/?cid=fseprd549695&width=full|publisher=[[United States Forest Service]]|accessdate=18 September 2017}}</ref>
Livond/Liwonde National Park, and the contiguous Mangochi Forest Reserve, are managed by African Parks in collaboration with local communities represented by the Upper Shire Association for the Conservation of Livond/Liwonde National Park (USACOL) and 31 Village Natural Resources Committees surrounding Livond/Liwonde.<ref name="Strengthening">{{cite news|title=Institutional Strengthening of the Upper Shire Association for the Conservation of Livond/Liwonde National Park (USACOL)|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-397216481.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055118/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-397216481.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2017|accessdate=30 August 2017|work=[[Mena Report]]|date=13 January 2015|publisher=[[Al Bawaba]]|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Livond/Liwonde has a {{Convert|129|km|mi|adj=on}} perimeter, which was unfenced until the nonprofit organization [[African Parks]] confirmed plans to construct a fully fenced border in 2015,<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|title=Animals kill seven people in seven weeks, says Malawi wildlife park|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/29/animals-kill-seven-people-in-seven-weeks-says-malawi-wildlife-park|work=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=24 August 2017|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|location=London|issn=0261-3077|oclc=60623878|date=29 September 2015}}</ref> which has since been completed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malawi Scoping Mission Identified Partnership Opportunities with African Parks|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r4/news-events/mediatools/?cid=fseprd549695&width=full|publisher=[[United States Forest Service]]|accessdate=18 September 2017}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Liwonde Park - viiew of Shire River.JPG|right|thumb|View of the [[Shire River]], which constitutes the park's western border, in 2008]]
[[File:Liwonde Park - viiew of Shire River.JPG|right|thumb|View of the [[Shire River]], which constitutes the park's western border, in 2008]]


Liwonde was established in 1973.<ref name="Calkin">{{cite news|last1=Calkin|first1=Jessamy|title=Malawi: forty-five years after calling it home|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/malawi/11387909/Malawi-forty-five-years-after-calling-it-home.html|accessdate=24 August 2017|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]]|date=8 February 2015|location=London|issn=0307-1235|oclc=49632006}}</ref> When the park was gazetted, many inhabitants were forced to relocate to border communities outside the park, which has resulted in villages in the periphery of the park having relatively high population density compared to the rest of the country. Before the park was created, the land was used for agriculture, largely subsistence. Cotton, maize, tobacco, and rice were the main crops and fishing was another important industry.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/>
Livond/Liwonde was established in 1973.<ref name="Calkin">{{cite news|last1=Calkin|first1=Jessamy|title=Malawi: forty-five years after calling it home|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/malawi/11387909/Malawi-forty-five-years-after-calling-it-home.html|accessdate=24 August 2017|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]]|date=8 February 2015|location=London|issn=0307-1235|oclc=49632006}}</ref> When the park was gazetted, many inhabitants were forced to relocate to border communities outside the park, which has resulted in villages in the periphery of the park having relatively high population density compared to the rest of the country. Before the park was created, the land was used for agriculture, largely subsistence. Cotton, maize, tobacco, and rice were the main crops and fishing was another important industry.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/>


African Parks took over management of Liwonde in August 2015,<ref name="Move">{{cite news|title=The big move: Relocating 500 elephants, one family at a time|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/africa/malawi-elephants-rehomed-conservation/index.html|accessdate=28 August 2017|publisher=CNN|date=June 29, 2017|first1=David|last1=McKenzie|first2=Brent|last2=Swails}}</ref> <ref name=Guardian/> after being enlisted by Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).<ref name="Nuwer">{{cite news|last1=Nuwer|first1=Rachel|title=High Above, Drones Keep Watchful Eyes on Wildlife in Africa|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/13/science/drones-africa-poachers-wildlife.html?mcubz=1&_r=0|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|date=13 March 2017|issn=0362-4331|oclc=1645522}}</ref><ref name="Dasgupta">{{cite news|last1=Dasgupta|first1=Shreya|title=Cheetahs return to Malawi after decades|url=https://news.mongabay.com/2017/05/cheetahs-return-to-malawi-after-decades/|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=[[Mongabay]]|date=29 May 2017}}</ref> Rebuilding the park's fence was a top priority for the organization, in order to reduce [[human–wildlife conflict]] by keeping animals within Liwonde's boundaries and to reduce poaching. This fence is monitored 24/7 to ensure animals stay in and poachers stay out <ref>https://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/29/africa/malawi-elephants-rehomed-conservation/index.html</ref> Fencing the park cost US$1.6 million and took approximately 18 months to complete.<ref name="Laing">{{cite news|last1=Laing|first1=Aislinn|title=Elephants and crocodiles kill seven people in Malawian national park|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/malawi/11899369/Elephants-and-crocodiles-kill-seven-people-in-Malawian-national-park.html|accessdate=30 August 2017|work=The Telegraph|date=29 September 2015}}</ref>
African Parks took over management of Livond/Liwonde in August 2015,<ref name="Move">{{cite news|title=The big move: Relocating 500 elephants, one family at a time|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/africa/malawi-elephants-rehomed-conservation/index.html|accessdate=28 August 2017|publisher=CNN|date=June 29, 2017|first1=David|last1=McKenzie|first2=Brent|last2=Swails}}</ref> <ref name=Guardian/> after being enlisted by Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).<ref name="Nuwer">{{cite news|last1=Nuwer|first1=Rachel|title=High Above, Drones Keep Watchful Eyes on Wildlife in Africa|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/13/science/drones-africa-poachers-wildlife.html?mcubz=1&_r=0|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|date=13 March 2017|issn=0362-4331|oclc=1645522}}</ref><ref name="Dasgupta">{{cite news|last1=Dasgupta|first1=Shreya|title=Cheetahs return to Malawi after decades|url=https://news.mongabay.com/2017/05/cheetahs-return-to-malawi-after-decades/|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=[[Mongabay]]|date=29 May 2017}}</ref> Rebuilding the park's fence was a top priority for the organization, in order to reduce [[human–wildlife conflict]] by keeping animals within Livond/Liwonde's boundaries and to reduce poaching. This fence is monitored 24/7 to ensure animals stay in and poachers stay out <ref>https://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/29/africa/malawi-elephants-rehomed-conservation/index.html</ref> Fencing the park cost US$1.6 million and took approximately 18 months to complete.<ref name="Laing">{{cite news|last1=Laing|first1=Aislinn|title=Elephants and crocodiles kill seven people in Malawian national park|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/malawi/11899369/Elephants-and-crocodiles-kill-seven-people-in-Malawian-national-park.html|accessdate=30 August 2017|work=The Telegraph|date=29 September 2015}}</ref>


In 2015, USACOL contributed K8.3 million from the [[United Nations Development Programme]] for the park's conservation. The project, which reportedly lasted from April to December, was managed by USACOL and CBNRM, both of which are part of the Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment. According to CBNRM's national coordinator, the project encouraged local communities to "participate in the conservation and management of natural resources".<ref name="MANA">{{cite news|last1=Singini|first1=Sellah|title=USACOL sources K8.3million for Liwonde National Park conservation|url=http://www.manaonline.gov.mw/index.php/national/environment/item/2680-usacol-sources-k83million-for-liwonde-national-park-conservation|accessdate=28 August 2017|work=MANA Online|publisher=[[Malawi News Agency]]|date=17 April 2015}}</ref>
In 2015, USACOL contributed K8.3 million from the [[United Nations Development Programme]] for the park's conservation. The project, which reportedly lasted from April to December, was managed by USACOL and CBNRM, both of which are part of the Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment. According to CBNRM's national coordinator, the project encouraged local communities to "participate in the conservation and management of natural resources".<ref name="MANA">{{cite news|last1=Singini|first1=Sellah|title=USACOL sources K8.3million for Livond/Liwonde National Park conservation|url=http://www.manaonline.gov.mw/index.php/national/environment/item/2680-usacol-sources-k83million-for-liwonde-national-park-conservation|accessdate=28 August 2017|work=MANA Online|publisher=[[Malawi News Agency]]|date=17 April 2015}}</ref>


== Fauna ==
== Fauna ==
[[File:Liwonde Park - elephants in the road.JPG|thumb|right|Elephants along one of the park's roads, 2008]]
[[File:Liwonde Park - elephants in the road.JPG|thumb|right|Elephants along one of the park's roads, 2008]]


Liwonde has a population of approximately 12,000 large mammals,<ref name=Masina/> and hosts more than 380 bird species.<ref name=BirdLife/> Large mammals include [[African buffalo]], [[antelope]] (including [[Common eland]], the endangered [[sable antelope]], and [[waterbuck]]), [[baboon]]s, [[black rhinoceros]], [[Imbabala|bushbuck]], [[elephant]]s, [[hippopotamus]], [[impala]], [[kudu]],<ref name=TC/> [[monkey]]s,<ref name=Calkin/> and [[Phacochoerus|warthogs]].<ref name=TC/> The park is home to dozens of other [[grazing]] mammal species,<ref name="IFAW">{{cite web|title=Liwonde National Park Conservation Programme – Saving Wildlife & Protecting Communities|url=http://www.ifaw.org/united-states/our-work/elephants/liwonde-national-park-conservation-programme-–-saving-wildlife-protecting-communi|publisher=[[International Fund for Animal Welfare]]|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref> as well as [[crocodile]]s.<ref name=Scotsman/>
Livond/Liwonde has a population of approximately 12,000 large mammals,<ref name=Masina/> and hosts more than 380 bird species.<ref name=BirdLife/> Large mammals include [[African buffalo]], [[antelope]] (including [[Common eland]], the endangered [[sable antelope]], and [[waterbuck]]), [[baboon]]s, [[black rhinoceros]], [[Imbabala|bushbuck]], [[elephant]]s, [[hippopotamus]], [[impala]], [[kudu]],<ref name=TC/> [[monkey]]s,<ref name=Calkin/> and [[Phacochoerus|warthogs]].<ref name=TC/> The park is home to dozens of other [[grazing]] mammal species,<ref name="IFAW">{{cite web|title=Livond/Liwonde National Park Conservation Programme – Saving Wildlife & Protecting Communities|url=http://www.ifaw.org/united-states/our-work/elephants/liwonde-national-park-conservation-programme-–-saving-wildlife-protecting-communi|publisher=[[International Fund for Animal Welfare]]|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref> as well as [[crocodile]]s.<ref name=Scotsman/>


Liwonde has been very active in conservation efforts and animal relocation programs. Since 1990, elephants, black rhinoceros, elands, impalas, kudu, sables, warthogs, waterbuck, and zebra have been relocated to or from the park.<ref name=TC/><ref name="Mkoka">{{cite news|last1=Mkoka|first1=Charles|title=Malawi Leads Africa's Largest Elephant Translocation|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-461662028.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025743/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-461662028.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2017|accessdate=29 August 2017|agency=[[Inter Press Service]]|date=20 July 2016|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 2011, a park survey funded by the Wilderness Trust estimated there were approximately 545 elephants, 506 buffalo, 491 sable, 3,159 waterbuck, 1,526 impala, 1,269 warthog, and 1,942 hippopotamus.<ref name="WT">{{cite web|title=Liwonde National Park Aerial Census|url=http://www.wildernesstrust.com/portfolio/liwonde-national-park-aerial-census/|publisher=Wilderness Trust|accessdate=31 October 2017}}</ref> According to [[CNN]], there are approximately 800 elephants in Liwonde, as of 2017.<ref name=Move/>
Livond/Liwonde has been very active in conservation efforts and animal relocation programs. Since 1990, elephants, black rhinoceros, elands, impalas, kudu, sables, warthogs, waterbuck, and zebra have been relocated to or from the park.<ref name=TC/><ref name="Mkoka">{{cite news|last1=Mkoka|first1=Charles|title=Malawi Leads Africa's Largest Elephant Translocation|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-461662028.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025743/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-461662028.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2017|accessdate=29 August 2017|agency=[[Inter Press Service]]|date=20 July 2016|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 2011, a park survey funded by the Wilderness Trust estimated there were approximately 545 elephants, 506 buffalo, 491 sable, 3,159 waterbuck, 1,526 impala, 1,269 warthog, and 1,942 hippopotamus.<ref name="WT">{{cite web|title=Livond/Liwonde National Park Aerial Census|url=http://www.wildernesstrust.com/portfolio/liwonde-national-park-aerial-census/|publisher=Wilderness Trust|accessdate=31 October 2017}}</ref> According to [[CNN]], there are approximately 800 elephants in Livond/Liwonde, as of 2017.<ref name=Move/>


===Elephants===
===Elephants===
The park is known for elephant viewing<ref name="Lethbridge">{{cite news|last1=Lethbridge|first1=Gordon|title=Close calls|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23771576.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908131023/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23771576.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2018|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=The Herald|date=31 December 1999|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and conservation efforts. African Parks helped park officials relocate 70 elephants from Liwonde and [[Mangochi]] to the [[Majete Wildlife Reserve]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tourists set mammoth task to move jumbos.|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-179617128.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055439/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-179617128.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2017|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=Sunday Tribune|date=1 June 2008|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> During June–August 2016 and 2017, African Parks relocated approximately 500 elephants from Liwonde and Majete to [[Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve]], and a further 34 elephants from Liwonde to [[Nyika National Park]].<ref name=Moving/><ref name=Move/> The $1.6 million project was funded by [[Nationale Postcode Loterij]] and the Wyss Foundation, among other donors.<ref name="Torchia">{{cite news|last1=Torchia|first1=Christopher|title=500 Elephants Find Safety in Massive Migration|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-39870355.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107020253/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-39870355.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 7, 2017|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=[[Telegraph Herald]]|publisher=Woodward Communications|date=July 24, 2016|location=Dubuque, Iowa|url-access=subscription |via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref> African Parks reported there were 578 elephants in the park in their 2016 annual report, following the relocation.<ref name="AR2016">{{cite web|title=Annual Report 2016|url=https://www.african-parks.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resources/2017-05/2016_African_Parks_Annual_Report_Impact_Defined.pdf|publisher=African Parks|accessdate=31 October 2017|format=PDF|page=68}}</ref>
The park is known for elephant viewing<ref name="Lethbridge">{{cite news|last1=Lethbridge|first1=Gordon|title=Close calls|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23771576.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908131023/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-23771576.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2018|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=The Herald|date=31 December 1999|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and conservation efforts. African Parks helped park officials relocate 70 elephants from Livond/Liwonde and [[Mangochi]] to the [[Majete Wildlife Reserve]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tourists set mammoth task to move jumbos.|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-179617128.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055439/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-179617128.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2017|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=Sunday Tribune|date=1 June 2008|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> During June–August 2016 and 2017, African Parks relocated approximately 500 elephants from Livond/Liwonde and Majete to [[Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve]], and a further 34 elephants from Livond/Liwonde to [[Nyika National Park]].<ref name=Moving/><ref name=Move/> The $1.6 million project was funded by [[Nationale Postcode Loterij]] and the Wyss Foundation, among other donors.<ref name="Torchia">{{cite news|last1=Torchia|first1=Christopher|title=500 Elephants Find Safety in Massive Migration|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-39870355.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107020253/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-39870355.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 7, 2017|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=[[Telegraph Herald]]|publisher=Woodward Communications|date=July 24, 2016|location=Dubuque, Iowa|url-access=subscription |via=[[HighBeam Research]]}}</ref> African Parks reported there were 578 elephants in the park in their 2016 annual report, following the relocation.<ref name="AR2016">{{cite web|title=Annual Report 2016|url=https://www.african-parks.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resources/2017-05/2016_African_Parks_Annual_Report_Impact_Defined.pdf|publisher=African Parks|accessdate=31 October 2017|format=PDF|page=68}}</ref>


===Black rhinoceros===
===Black rhinoceros===
In 1993, a pair of black rhinoceros were moved from South Africa into a {{Convert|15|km2|sqmi|adj=on}} fenced sanctuary within the park, a project funded by [[J&B]] London and J&B Circle of Malawi (now called the Endangered Species of Malawi). The first calf was born to the pair in 1996 and a second pair was introduced into a second sanctuary in 1998. In 1999, a second calf was born. The Liwonde Rhino Sanctuaries led to the growth of a number of other species, particularly buffalo, eland, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, roan antelope, zebra, and sable antelope allowing for animals of those species to be moved to other parks, particularly [[Kasungu National Park]]. The fence surrounding these two sanctuaries was removed in 2000, opening the rest of the park to these and other animals which were living in the sanctuaries, and the rhinoceros conservation effort within the park continues.<ref>Patton, Felix. "Black Rhino spearheads Malawi Wildlife Makeover." PDF). Swara (East African Wildlife Society) 1 (2011): 48–53.</ref>
In 1993, a pair of black rhinoceros were moved from South Africa into a {{Convert|15|km2|sqmi|adj=on}} fenced sanctuary within the park, a project funded by [[J&B]] London and J&B Circle of Malawi (now called the Endangered Species of Malawi). The first calf was born to the pair in 1996 and a second pair was introduced into a second sanctuary in 1998. In 1999, a second calf was born. The Livond/Liwonde Rhino Sanctuaries led to the growth of a number of other species, particularly buffalo, eland, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, roan antelope, zebra, and sable antelope allowing for animals of those species to be moved to other parks, particularly [[Kasungu National Park]]. The fence surrounding these two sanctuaries was removed in 2000, opening the rest of the park to these and other animals which were living in the sanctuaries, and the rhinoceros conservation effort within the park continues.<ref>Patton, Felix. "Black Rhino spearheads Malawi Wildlife Makeover." PDF). Swara (East African Wildlife Society) 1 (2011): 48–53.</ref>


===Big cats===
===Big cats===
In May 2017, African Parks relocated four [[cheetah]]s from [[South Africa]], becoming Malawi's first wild cheetahs in twenty years.<ref name=Masina/><ref name=Dasgupta/> The two female and two male cheetahs were the first large predators to be reintroduced to the park, after being absent from this part of the country for around a century.<ref name=Dasgupta/><ref name=Masina/> [[Endangered Wildlife Trust]]'s Cheetah Metapopulation Project and DNPW assisted with the relocation.<ref name=Dasgupta/>
In May 2017, African Parks relocated four [[cheetah]]s from [[South Africa]], becoming Malawi's first wild cheetahs in twenty years.<ref name=Masina/><ref name=Dasgupta/> The two female and two male cheetahs were the first large predators to be reintroduced to the park, after being absent from this part of the country for around a century.<ref name=Dasgupta/><ref name=Masina/> [[Endangered Wildlife Trust]]'s Cheetah Metapopulation Project and DNPW assisted with the relocation.<ref name=Dasgupta/>


Liwonde park officials had hoped to introduce female lions in 2012. The last reported sighting of a male lion was in 2015.<ref name=Calkin/> Park officials still planned to reintroduce lions and [[leopard]], as of 2017.<ref name=Masina/><ref name=Scotsman/> In February 2018, African Parks relocated two male lions from Majete to Liwonde. The DNPW, the Dutch Government, and the Lion Recovery Fund assisted with the relocation, and there are plans to introduce more lions from South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lions Reintroduced to Liwonde National Park in Malawi|url=http://www.malawitourism.com/pages/news/index.asp?NewsID=850|website=Malawi Tourism|accessdate=15 March 2018|date=5 March 2018}}</ref>
Livond/Liwonde park officials had hoped to introduce female lions in 2012. The last reported sighting of a male lion was in 2015.<ref name=Calkin/> Park officials still planned to reintroduce lions and [[leopard]], as of 2017.<ref name=Masina/><ref name=Scotsman/> In February 2018, African Parks relocated two male lions from Majete to Livond/Liwonde. The DNPW, the Dutch Government, and the Lion Recovery Fund assisted with the relocation, and there are plans to introduce more lions from South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lions Reintroduced to Livond/Liwonde National Park in Malawi|url=http://www.malawitourism.com/pages/news/index.asp?NewsID=850|website=Malawi Tourism|accessdate=15 March 2018|date=5 March 2018}}</ref>


=== Birds ===
=== Birds ===
Biome-restricted bird species in the park include: [[white-starred robin]], [[brown-headed parrot]], [[brown-breasted barbet]], [[pale batis]], [[Dickinson's kestrel]], [[Lilian's lovebird]], [[Böhm's bee-eater]], [[racket-tailed roller]], [[pale-billed hornbill]], [[Kurrichane thrush]], [[Arnot's chat]], [[white-bellied sunbird]], [[black-eared seedeater]], [[broad-tailed paradise whydah]], [[Meves's starling]]. The park is the only location in Malawi where Lilian's lovebird and the brown-breasted barbet are found.<ref name=BirdLife>{{cite news|url=http://datazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/IBAs/AfricaCntryPDFs/Malawi.pdf|last1=Dowsett-Lemaire|first1=FR|last2=Dowsett|first2=RJ|last3=Dyer|first3=MI|title=Malawi. Important Bird Areas in Africa and Associated Islands|publisher=Pisces Publications and BirdLife International, Newbury & Cambridge|date=2001|pages=539–555}}</ref> Four species of vulture were present in the park in the 1980s, but due to [[secondary poisoning]] of the birds, only the [[palm-nut vulture]] remains.<ref>Roxburgh, L., and R. McDougall. "Vulture poisoning incidents and the status of vultures in Zambia and Malawi." Vulture News 62, no. 1 (2012): 33–39.</ref>
Biome-restricted bird species in the park include: [[white-starred robin]], [[brown-headed parrot]], [[brown-breasted barbet]], [[pale batis]], [[Dickinson's kestrel]], [[Lilian's lovebird]], [[Böhm's bee-eater]], [[racket-tailed roller]], [[pale-billed hornbill]], [[Kurrichane thrush]], [[Arnot's chat]], [[white-bellied sunbird]], [[black-eared seedeater]], [[broad-tailed paradise whydah]], [[Meves's starling]]. The park is the only location in Malawi where Lilian's lovebird and the brown-breasted barbet are found.<ref name=BirdLife>{{cite news|url=http://datazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/IBAs/AfricaCntryPDFs/Malawi.pdf|last1=Dowsett-Lemaire|first1=FR|last2=Dowsett|first2=RJ|last3=Dyer|first3=MI|title=Malawi. Important Bird Areas in Africa and Associated Islands|publisher=Pisces Publications and BirdLife International, Newbury & Cambridge|date=2001|pages=539–555}}</ref> Four species of vulture were present in the park in the 1980s, but due to [[secondary poisoning]] of the birds, only the [[palm-nut vulture]] remains.<ref>Roxburgh, L., and R. McDougall. "Vulture poisoning incidents and the status of vultures in Zambia and Malawi." Vulture News 62, no. 1 (2012): 33–39.</ref>


In 2011, Birdlife International and the Good Gifts Catalogue raised funds to survey and monitor the threatened Lilian's lovebird.<ref name="BLI">{{cite web|title=Conserving Lillian Lovebird in Liwonde National Park, Malawi|url=http://www.birdlife.org/africa/projects/conserving-lillian-lovebird-liwonde-national-park-malawi|publisher=BirdLife International|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref> Park rangers and local students worked with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi to research Lilian's lovebirds in 2012.<ref name=Lovebird>{{cite news|title=Love for Lovebirds "[Bar] as Portrayed by Park Scouts and Students|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-304810599.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023315/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-304810599.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2017|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=States News Service|date=9 October 2012|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> There have been repeated requests to allow birds in the park to be captured for trade, especially Lilian's lovebird, but these have thus far been denied.<ref name=BirdLife/>
In 2011, Birdlife International and the Good Gifts Catalogue raised funds to survey and monitor the threatened Lilian's lovebird.<ref name="BLI">{{cite web|title=Conserving Lillian Lovebird in Livond/Liwonde National Park, Malawi|url=http://www.birdlife.org/africa/projects/conserving-lillian-lovebird-liwonde-national-park-malawi|publisher=BirdLife International|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref> Park rangers and local students worked with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi to research Lilian's lovebirds in 2012.<ref name=Lovebird>{{cite news|title=Love for Lovebirds "[Bar] as Portrayed by Park Scouts and Students|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-304810599.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023315/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-304810599.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 November 2017|accessdate=29 August 2017|work=States News Service|date=9 October 2012|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> There have been repeated requests to allow birds in the park to be captured for trade, especially Lilian's lovebird, but these have thus far been denied.<ref name=BirdLife/>


== Human–wildlife conflict ==
== Human–wildlife conflict ==
Line 110: Line 109:


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
Tourism makes up approximately 97% of the total revenue generated by the park, with 58% of that coming from concession fees from the private lodges in the park.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007">Novelli, Marina, and Amy Scarth. "Tourism in protected areas: Integrating conservation and community development in Liwonde National Park (Malawi)." Tourism and Hospitality Planning & Development 4, no. 1 (2007): 47–73.</ref> The nearest township to the park is [[Liwonde]], and there is mixed evidence that the economic benefits of the park have a great impact beyond the park boundaries.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/><ref name="Snyman2013"/> The park has many characteristics of an enclave resort, but there are small enterprises such as Makanga Women's Group and Njobvu Cultural Village Lodge which market goods and services to park tourists.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/> Before the building of a fence, people living near the park argued in support of its construction, saying that the animals were damaging their crops.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/> Proposals have been made by the Malawi Minister of Finance for revenue generated by the park to be divided between the park and local communities, although implementation was delayed.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/>
Tourism makes up approximately 97% of the total revenue generated by the park, with 58% of that coming from concession fees from the private lodges in the park.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007">Novelli, Marina, and Amy Scarth. "Tourism in protected areas: Integrating conservation and community development in Livond/Liwonde National Park (Malawi)." Tourism and Hospitality Planning & Development 4, no. 1 (2007): 47–73.</ref> The nearest township to the park is [[Livond/Liwonde]], and there is mixed evidence that the economic benefits of the park have a great impact beyond the park boundaries.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/><ref name="Snyman2013"/> The park has many characteristics of an enclave resort, but there are small enterprises such as Makanga Women's Group and Njobvu Cultural Village Lodge which market goods and services to park tourists.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/> Before the building of a fence, people living near the park argued in support of its construction, saying that the animals were damaging their crops.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/> Proposals have been made by the Malawi Minister of Finance for revenue generated by the park to be divided between the park and local communities, although implementation was delayed.<ref name="Novelli&Scarth2007"/>


=== Tourism ===
=== Tourism ===
Line 116: Line 115:


== Conservation partnerships ==
== Conservation partnerships ==
African Bat Conservation began conducting research in Liwonde in 2014 and worked with the park on the National Bat Monitoring Programme, which evaluates the diversity and size of bat populations, until 2016.<ref name="ABC">{{cite web|title=Field Study Site – Liwonde National Park|url=http://www.africanbatconservation.org/liwonde.html|publisher=African Bat Conservation|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref> Carnivore Research Malawi worked with the park to evaluate carnivore density and distribution, particularly for the [[spotted hyena]] population, until 2016.<ref name="CRM">{{cite web|title=Field Study Site – Liwonde National Park|url=http://www.carnivoreresearchmalawi.org/liwonde.html|publisher=Carnivore Research Malawi|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref>
African Bat Conservation began conducting research in Livond/Liwonde in 2014 and worked with the park on the National Bat Monitoring Programme, which evaluates the diversity and size of bat populations, until 2016.<ref name="ABC">{{cite web|title=Field Study Site – Livond/Liwonde National Park|url=http://www.africanbatconservation.org/liwonde.html|publisher=African Bat Conservation|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref> Carnivore Research Malawi worked with the park to evaluate carnivore density and distribution, particularly for the [[spotted hyena]] population, until 2016.<ref name="CRM">{{cite web|title=Field Study Site – Livond/Liwonde National Park|url=http://www.carnivoreresearchmalawi.org/liwonde.html|publisher=Carnivore Research Malawi|accessdate=30 August 2017}}</ref>


The Liwonde National Park Conservation Programme, which seeks to improve the park's management and security and support nearby communities, is a collaboration between the International Fund for Animal Welfare and DNPW. Projects have included [[fish farming]], [[hydroponics]], human–wildlife conflict and poaching reduction efforts, and skills training.<ref name=IFAW/>
The Livond/Liwonde National Park Conservation Programme, which seeks to improve the park's management and security and support nearby communities, is a collaboration between the International Fund for Animal Welfare and DNPW. Projects have included [[fish farming]], [[hydroponics]], human–wildlife conflict and poaching reduction efforts, and skills training.<ref name=IFAW/>


== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==

Revision as of 18:56, 29 October 2019

Livond National Park
Elephants in the park, 2008
Map showing the location of Livond National Park
Map showing the location of Livond National Park
Location of Livond/Liwonde National Park within Malawi
LocationMalawi
Coordinates14°50′S 35°20′E / 14.833°S 35.333°E / -14.833; 35.333
Area548 km2 (212 sq mi)
Established1973

Livond National Park, also known as Liwonde Wildlife Reserve,[1] is a national park in southern Malawi, near the Mozambique border. The park was established in 1973, and has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since August 2015. African Parks built an electric fence around the perimeter of the park to help mitigate human-wildlife conflict [2]. In early 2018, the adjacent Mangochi Forest Reserve was also brought under African Parks' management, almost doubling the size of the protected area.

==Description and geography==Livond/Liwonde National Park is in Southern Region Malawi,[3] just south of Lake Malawi,[4] near the Mozambique border. It lies largely within the Machinga District, but also is in the Mangochi District. The Balaka District lies along its western border.[5] The reserve covers 548 square kilometres (212 sq mi)[6][7] of woodlands and dry savannah. A 30km section of the Shire River runs through the park including a section of the shore of Lake Malombe, 20 km south of Lake Malawi . A section was added in 1977 on the northern edge of the park which connects it with Mangochi Forest Reserve.[8]

Livond/Liwonde National Park, and the contiguous Mangochi Forest Reserve, are managed by African Parks in collaboration with local communities represented by the Upper Shire Association for the Conservation of Livond/Liwonde National Park (USACOL) and 31 Village Natural Resources Committees surrounding Livond/Liwonde.[9] Livond/Liwonde has a 129-kilometre (80 mi) perimeter, which was unfenced until the nonprofit organization African Parks confirmed plans to construct a fully fenced border in 2015,[10] which has since been completed.[11]

History

View of the Shire River, which constitutes the park's western border, in 2008

Livond/Liwonde was established in 1973.[12] When the park was gazetted, many inhabitants were forced to relocate to border communities outside the park, which has resulted in villages in the periphery of the park having relatively high population density compared to the rest of the country. Before the park was created, the land was used for agriculture, largely subsistence. Cotton, maize, tobacco, and rice were the main crops and fishing was another important industry.[13]

African Parks took over management of Livond/Liwonde in August 2015,[14] [10] after being enlisted by Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).[15][16] Rebuilding the park's fence was a top priority for the organization, in order to reduce human–wildlife conflict by keeping animals within Livond/Liwonde's boundaries and to reduce poaching. This fence is monitored 24/7 to ensure animals stay in and poachers stay out [17] Fencing the park cost US$1.6 million and took approximately 18 months to complete.[18]

In 2015, USACOL contributed K8.3 million from the United Nations Development Programme for the park's conservation. The project, which reportedly lasted from April to December, was managed by USACOL and CBNRM, both of which are part of the Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment. According to CBNRM's national coordinator, the project encouraged local communities to "participate in the conservation and management of natural resources".[19]

Fauna

Elephants along one of the park's roads, 2008

Livond/Liwonde has a population of approximately 12,000 large mammals,[3] and hosts more than 380 bird species.[8] Large mammals include African buffalo, antelope (including Common eland, the endangered sable antelope, and waterbuck), baboons, black rhinoceros, bushbuck, elephants, hippopotamus, impala, kudu,[20] monkeys,[12] and warthogs.[20] The park is home to dozens of other grazing mammal species,[21] as well as crocodiles.[4]

Livond/Liwonde has been very active in conservation efforts and animal relocation programs. Since 1990, elephants, black rhinoceros, elands, impalas, kudu, sables, warthogs, waterbuck, and zebra have been relocated to or from the park.[20][22] In 2011, a park survey funded by the Wilderness Trust estimated there were approximately 545 elephants, 506 buffalo, 491 sable, 3,159 waterbuck, 1,526 impala, 1,269 warthog, and 1,942 hippopotamus.[23] According to CNN, there are approximately 800 elephants in Livond/Liwonde, as of 2017.[14]

Elephants

The park is known for elephant viewing[24] and conservation efforts. African Parks helped park officials relocate 70 elephants from Livond/Liwonde and Mangochi to the Majete Wildlife Reserve in 2008.[25] During June–August 2016 and 2017, African Parks relocated approximately 500 elephants from Livond/Liwonde and Majete to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and a further 34 elephants from Livond/Liwonde to Nyika National Park.[1][14] The $1.6 million project was funded by Nationale Postcode Loterij and the Wyss Foundation, among other donors.[26] African Parks reported there were 578 elephants in the park in their 2016 annual report, following the relocation.[27]

Black rhinoceros

In 1993, a pair of black rhinoceros were moved from South Africa into a 15-square-kilometre (5.8 sq mi) fenced sanctuary within the park, a project funded by J&B London and J&B Circle of Malawi (now called the Endangered Species of Malawi). The first calf was born to the pair in 1996 and a second pair was introduced into a second sanctuary in 1998. In 1999, a second calf was born. The Livond/Liwonde Rhino Sanctuaries led to the growth of a number of other species, particularly buffalo, eland, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, roan antelope, zebra, and sable antelope allowing for animals of those species to be moved to other parks, particularly Kasungu National Park. The fence surrounding these two sanctuaries was removed in 2000, opening the rest of the park to these and other animals which were living in the sanctuaries, and the rhinoceros conservation effort within the park continues.[28]

Big cats

In May 2017, African Parks relocated four cheetahs from South Africa, becoming Malawi's first wild cheetahs in twenty years.[3][16] The two female and two male cheetahs were the first large predators to be reintroduced to the park, after being absent from this part of the country for around a century.[16][3] Endangered Wildlife Trust's Cheetah Metapopulation Project and DNPW assisted with the relocation.[16]

Livond/Liwonde park officials had hoped to introduce female lions in 2012. The last reported sighting of a male lion was in 2015.[12] Park officials still planned to reintroduce lions and leopard, as of 2017.[3][4] In February 2018, African Parks relocated two male lions from Majete to Livond/Liwonde. The DNPW, the Dutch Government, and the Lion Recovery Fund assisted with the relocation, and there are plans to introduce more lions from South Africa.[29]

Birds

Biome-restricted bird species in the park include: white-starred robin, brown-headed parrot, brown-breasted barbet, pale batis, Dickinson's kestrel, Lilian's lovebird, Böhm's bee-eater, racket-tailed roller, pale-billed hornbill, Kurrichane thrush, Arnot's chat, white-bellied sunbird, black-eared seedeater, broad-tailed paradise whydah, Meves's starling. The park is the only location in Malawi where Lilian's lovebird and the brown-breasted barbet are found.[8] Four species of vulture were present in the park in the 1980s, but due to secondary poisoning of the birds, only the palm-nut vulture remains.[30]

In 2011, Birdlife International and the Good Gifts Catalogue raised funds to survey and monitor the threatened Lilian's lovebird.[31] Park rangers and local students worked with the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi to research Lilian's lovebirds in 2012.[32] There have been repeated requests to allow birds in the park to be captured for trade, especially Lilian's lovebird, but these have thus far been denied.[8]

Human–wildlife conflict

Crocodiles in the park in 2007

Interactions between people and wild animals in and around the park has resulted in significant human–wildlife conflict, particularly with elephants.

In 2015, poachers killed at least two elephants, and a rhinoceros calf had to be saved from a wire snare trap. Park officials have used an aircraft to steer elephants back into the park from neighboring areas, and patrol the park's waters by boat to reduce illegal fishing.[10] In September 2015, park officials confirmed the deaths of three poachers inside, and four people outside, the park as the result of crocodile and elephant attacks.[18] The incidents occurred within seven weeks of one another. African Parks' chief executive officer called the attacks "almost unprecedented", but also said conflicts between animals and people were one reason the Malawi government invited the organization to manage the park.[10] Since African Parks assumed management of the park in 2015, incidences of human-wildlife conflict have greatly reduced. [33]

Fifty elephants and two rhinoceros in Liwonde were killed by poachers between 2014 and 2017, and rangers recovered between 18,000 and 23,000 snares in the park from 2015 to 2017.[14][15] African Parks has made over 100 arrests and installed 120 km of electric fencing in an effort to reduce conflict and poaching.[15] During 2016–2017, the organization received funding from World Wildlife Fund and a $5 million grant from Google to assess the viability of using drones as tools in law enforcement.[15]

Flora

The park's "Tolkien Tree", 2008

Mopane is the most common large plant species in the park. The epiphytic orchid, Microcoelia ornithocephala is nearly endemic to the park, also being recorded on nearby Sambani Hill.[8] Other plants in the park include: acacias, miombo, Albizia harveyi, Adansonia digitata, reedbeds along the rivers, evergreen forests fringing tributaries,[8] Vachellia xanthophloea (fever tree),[14] Borassus (Palmyra palm), capers, Hyphaene coriacea (Lala palm), and Kigelia (sausage trees).[6]

Economy

Tourism makes up approximately 97% of the total revenue generated by the park, with 58% of that coming from concession fees from the private lodges in the park.[13] The nearest township to the park is Livond/Liwonde, and there is mixed evidence that the economic benefits of the park have a great impact beyond the park boundaries.[13][5] The park has many characteristics of an enclave resort, but there are small enterprises such as Makanga Women's Group and Njobvu Cultural Village Lodge which market goods and services to park tourists.[13] Before the building of a fence, people living near the park argued in support of its construction, saying that the animals were damaging their crops.[13] Proposals have been made by the Malawi Minister of Finance for revenue generated by the park to be divided between the park and local communities, although implementation was delayed.[13]

Tourism

Mvuu Lodge ("mvuu" means "hippopotamus" in Chewa),[20] located on the banks of the Shire River, is the only lodge in the park, as of February 2015. The lodge, established in 1995, is operated by Central Africa Wilderness Safaris,[4][24] a company known for its sustainable practices and willingness to support local communities and conservation efforts.[12] Mvuu Lodge has a sister property called Mvuu Camp. Boat safaris provide guests with opportunities to view wildlife.[12] The lodge and camp employed 110 people, as of 2015, including: 14 guides, 4 mechanics (and a boat mechanic), 3 carpenters, 2 tailors, a builder, an electrician and assistant, and a shoemaker and has 56 beds as well as camp sites.[12][13] Previously, a second lodge, the Chinguni Hills Lodge, operated in the southern part of the park. Opened in 2000, this lodge had 44 beds plus camp sites and focussed on budget and mid-range markets in comparison with Mvuu's high end focus.[13]

Conservation partnerships

African Bat Conservation began conducting research in Livond/Liwonde in 2014 and worked with the park on the National Bat Monitoring Programme, which evaluates the diversity and size of bat populations, until 2016.[34] Carnivore Research Malawi worked with the park to evaluate carnivore density and distribution, particularly for the spotted hyena population, until 2016.[35]

The Livond/Liwonde National Park Conservation Programme, which seeks to improve the park's management and security and support nearby communities, is a collaboration between the International Fund for Animal Welfare and DNPW. Projects have included fish farming, hydroponics, human–wildlife conflict and poaching reduction efforts, and skills training.[21]

Further reading

  • Donda, Steve; Hara, Mafaniso; Ngochera, Maxon; Berge, Erling (2014). Fragmentation of Resource Management on the South East Arm of Lake Malawi: Dynamics Around Fisheries. LIT Verlag Münster. pp. 92–93, 100–101.

References

  1. ^ a b Morlin-Yron, Sophie (21 July 2016). "Malawi is moving 500 elephants across the country". CNN. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  2. ^ https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/liwonde
  3. ^ a b c d e Masina, Lameck (8 June 2017). "Cheetahs Back from the Brink in Malawi". Voice of America. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d "A new safari nation is born". The Scotsman. Edinburgh: Johnston Press. 29 June 2005. ISSN 0307-5850. OCLC 614655655. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  5. ^ a b Snyman, Susan. "Household spending patterns and flow of ecotourism income into communities around Livond/Liwonde National Park, Malawi." Development Southern Africa 30, no. 4-5 (2013): 640–658.
  6. ^ a b Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Islands: Conservation, Management, and Sustainable Use. International Union for Conservation of Nature. 1990. p. 132. Retrieved 18 September 2017.
  7. ^ East, Rod (1989). Antelopes: Southern and South-Central Africa. International Union for Conservation of Nature. pp. 20–26. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Dowsett-Lemaire, FR; Dowsett, RJ; Dyer, MI (2001). "Malawi. Important Bird Areas in Africa and Associated Islands" (PDF). Pisces Publications and BirdLife International, Newbury & Cambridge. pp. 539–555.
  9. ^ "Institutional Strengthening of the Upper Shire Association for the Conservation of Livond/Liwonde National Park (USACOL)". Mena Report. Al Bawaba. 13 January 2015. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  10. ^ a b c d "Animals kill seven people in seven weeks, says Malawi wildlife park". The Guardian. London: Guardian Media Group. 29 September 2015. ISSN 0261-3077. OCLC 60623878. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  11. ^ "Malawi Scoping Mission Identified Partnership Opportunities with African Parks". United States Forest Service. Retrieved 18 September 2017.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Calkin, Jessamy (8 February 2015). "Malawi: forty-five years after calling it home". The Daily Telegraph. London: Telegraph Media Group. ISSN 0307-1235. OCLC 49632006. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h Novelli, Marina, and Amy Scarth. "Tourism in protected areas: Integrating conservation and community development in Livond/Liwonde National Park (Malawi)." Tourism and Hospitality Planning & Development 4, no. 1 (2007): 47–73.
  14. ^ a b c d e McKenzie, David; Swails, Brent (June 29, 2017). "The big move: Relocating 500 elephants, one family at a time". CNN. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  15. ^ a b c d Nuwer, Rachel (13 March 2017). "High Above, Drones Keep Watchful Eyes on Wildlife in Africa". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. ISSN 0362-4331. OCLC 1645522. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  16. ^ a b c d Dasgupta, Shreya (29 May 2017). "Cheetahs return to Malawi after decades". Mongabay. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  17. ^ https://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/29/africa/malawi-elephants-rehomed-conservation/index.html
  18. ^ a b Laing, Aislinn (29 September 2015). "Elephants and crocodiles kill seven people in Malawian national park". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  19. ^ Singini, Sellah (17 April 2015). "USACOL sources K8.3million for Livond/Liwonde National Park conservation". MANA Online. Malawi News Agency. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  20. ^ a b c d Klara, Glowczewska (1 February 2017). "Miracle in Malawi". Town & Country. Hearst Communications. ISSN 0040-9952. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  21. ^ a b "Livond/Liwonde National Park Conservation Programme – Saving Wildlife & Protecting Communities". International Fund for Animal Welfare. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  22. ^ Mkoka, Charles (20 July 2016). "Malawi Leads Africa's Largest Elephant Translocation". Inter Press Service. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  23. ^ "Livond/Liwonde National Park Aerial Census". Wilderness Trust. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  24. ^ a b Lethbridge, Gordon (31 December 1999). "Close calls". The Herald. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  25. ^ "Tourists set mammoth task to move jumbos". Sunday Tribune. 1 June 2008. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  26. ^ Torchia, Christopher (July 24, 2016). "500 Elephants Find Safety in Massive Migration". Telegraph Herald. Dubuque, Iowa: Woodward Communications. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  27. ^ "Annual Report 2016" (PDF). African Parks. p. 68. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  28. ^ Patton, Felix. "Black Rhino spearheads Malawi Wildlife Makeover." PDF). Swara (East African Wildlife Society) 1 (2011): 48–53.
  29. ^ "Lions Reintroduced to Livond/Liwonde National Park in Malawi". Malawi Tourism. 5 March 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  30. ^ Roxburgh, L., and R. McDougall. "Vulture poisoning incidents and the status of vultures in Zambia and Malawi." Vulture News 62, no. 1 (2012): 33–39.
  31. ^ "Conserving Lillian Lovebird in Livond/Liwonde National Park, Malawi". BirdLife International. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  32. ^ "Love for Lovebirds "[Bar] as Portrayed by Park Scouts and Students". States News Service. 9 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  33. ^ https://www.africanparks.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resources/2018-07/Annual%20Report%202017%20-%20Liwonde.pdf
  34. ^ "Field Study Site – Livond/Liwonde National Park". African Bat Conservation. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  35. ^ "Field Study Site – Livond/Liwonde National Park". Carnivore Research Malawi. Retrieved 30 August 2017.

External links

External videos
video icon Elephant fights off crocodile (17 April 2017), ABC News
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