Application of Conservation and Veterinary Tools in the Management of Stray Wildlife in Zambia

Abstract

In recent years, Zambia has seen an increase in the incidences of conflicts involving stray wild animals with humans. Notable among these animals include the African elephants, buffalo and lion. Consequently, this triggers a response from law enforcement units of both government and the department of national parks to control the animals. Regrettably, most of their responses have involved the shooting down of these animals, rather than taking advantage of conservation and veterinary tools to relocate the animals back into protected areas, and this raises concerns about the welfare of these animals. Therefore, this chapter will bring to light some of the locally available tools that could be used to control stray wildlife in order to contribute towards both conservation and reducing human-wildlife conflicts in Zambia.