What are causes of poaching in Mumbwa GMA?

Answer 1

Poaching in Mumbwa Game Management Area (GMA) is primarily driven by poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods, leading local communities to hunt wildlife for food and income. Additionally, the demand for bushmeat and illegal wildlife products, such as ivory and skins, fuels the illegal trade. Weak enforcement of conservation laws and insufficient resources for anti-poaching efforts further exacerbate the problem, allowing poaching activities to persist. Lastly, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict contribute to the decline of wildlife populations, motivating some individuals to resort to poaching.