Carnivore Research Malawi - developing an evidence base for the conservation of carnivores outside protected areas in Malawi

Carnivores in Malawi are in decline due to persecution, habitat loss and conflict. Since 2011 through my project Carnivore Research Malawi I have been working to study and conserve carnivores through applied research, conservation education and outreach, and conflict mitigation.
Over half of global population growth by 2050 is expected to occur in Africa, and we believe the conservation front line is in the villages and communities. Our conservation ethos is therefore centred around promoting coexistence between carnivores and people, to enhance and conserve populations outside of protected areas.

Malawi is densely populated, which creates a landscape with few natural resources. Many carnivores live outside protected areas and exist in urban and peri-urban landscapes across the country. Little is known about carnivores in Malawi, especially outside of protected areas. My research focuses on filling knowledge gaps that exist in carnivore ecology to inform conflict mitigation measures and conserve populations outside protected areas and in urban centres.