Zimbabwe National Leopard Conservation Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2027.

The Zimbabwe National Leopard Conservation Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2027 is the first conservation strategy and action plan that has been developed for leopards. The strategy focuses on the following long term and shorter-term goal or purpose. Long-term Vision: Leopards conserved and managed sustainably for their aesthetic, cultural and ecological values and the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe. The immediate objective or purpose: To secure and where possible, restore as many viable leopard populations and habitats as possible in Zimbabwe, whilst mitigating their negative impacts and enhance their value for the benefit of people through sustainable use. In order to meet these goals, and to effectively contribute to national policy objectives, the following five components and strategic objectives have been adopted as the primary focus for strategic action in achieving the immediate and long term conservation of leopards in Zimbabwe: 1. Protection and Law enforcement to ensure the effective protection of all leopard populations in Zimbabwe. Activities include: Ensure full compliance with hunting and guiding regulations and quotas set; for each key population introduce specialized training on leopards to existing (and required) rapid response anti-poaching units; Improve investigation and prosecution of crimes; Enhance international and transboundary collaboration in law enforcement particularly on the illegal trade in leopard skins and other body parts; Engage traditional healers (THs) and leader; Improve control at ports of entry and exit; Review potential impacts of special permits on sustainable utilization of leopards; etc. 2. Biological monitoring and management of leopards to achieve viable and diverse populations that are within upper and lower acceptable limits to change in numbers and distribution. Activities include: Monitor trends in all leopard populations; Define current leopard range and abundance; Monitor trophy quality; etc. 3. Implementing social, economic and cultural strategies to enhance the contribution of leopards to rural livelihoods, protected area management and national development 4. Building conservation capacity and ensuring that sufficient and appropriately trained personnel, equipment, infrastructure and finances are mobilised, available and used efficiently and effectively to achieve leopard conservation. Activities include: Provide incentives and promote partnerships and joint venture opportunities to strengthen leopard conservation, including across land use boundaries; Explore opportunities for building cooperation between protected areas and neighbouring land uses to enhance leopard/carnivore conservation farm produce to tourist table, wild life friendly beef, community support projects and crafts, school support and visits, support for livestock and predator proof bomas; Implement effective techniques and land use strategies and planning to mitigate human-leopard conflict; etc. 5. Ensuring coordination, collaboration and programme management with local, and international stakeholders to implement these strategic objectives. Activities include: Secure fundings, and establish sustainable funding programs; Strengthen, collaborate, and coordinate research and monitoring in all leopard range area; etc.