Moreangels Mbizah: Bridging Human-Wildlife Conflict in Zimbabwe

In 2014, a devastating event—a lion killing a 7-year-old boy in a village adjacent to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe—prompted conservation biologist Moreangels Mbizah to create Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA). This organization aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict while safeguarding the livestock and livelihoods of local communities. With wild lion populations dwindling to under 20,000 and habitats diminishing, conflicts are on the rise. WCA equips local Community Guardians to monitor wildlife, offers mobile bomas, reinforced kraals, and lion lights to fend off predators, and employs camera traps and GPS technology for customized solutions. The organization has documented a 53% overall decrease in human-wildlife conflict across three project districts, achieving a 98% reduction in initial wards. Additionally, Mbizah mentors aspiring conservationists, particularly women, having supported hundreds of female university students and graduates. WCA integrates scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, and community-driven strategies to promote harmony between humans and Africa's iconic wildlife.