Through locally led conservation initiatives, we help people and animals thrive together.
The Human-Wildlife Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict worldwide.
In early January 2025, The Human Wildlife Project delivered 7 tons of maize seed to seven communities in the Lower Zambezi region of Zambia. These communities, located in the Eastern GMA (Game Management Area), had suffered from a combination of severe drought and crop raids by elephants, leaving most farms without seed for the upcoming harvest. We supplied every field with maize seed, and, as luck would have it, the first big rain of the season fell on the day of delivery.
UP NEXT: The Painted Wolf Project
The African Painted Wolf (Lycaon pictus), often referred to as the “Wild Dog,” is neither wolf nor dog but belongs to its own distinct genus. With a population of just 6,500, it is Africa’s most endangered large carnivore. While they are not hunted for skins or meat, human activities pose severe threats—these animals are frequently caught in snares, struck by vehicles, or exposed to diseases such as canine distemper and rabies. Habitat loss and fragmentation further accelerate their decline.
With their striking coat patterns, large ears, and amber eyes, Painted Wolves are a favorite subject for wildlife photographers. Their distinctive barks and yips reflect a complex social structure, essential for communication within their tightly bonded packs. Once roaming widely across sub-Saharan Africa, their range has now drastically diminished, with Zambia serving as one of their last strongholds.
We are currently assessing the next location for a project that will employ local people as trained wildlife rangers and scouts, with a particular focus on removing snares in which Painted Wolves—and many other animals—are so often caught.