The Zambian Government is set to restock the Lower Luano Game Management Area (GMA) with 50 puku and 50 buffalo as part of efforts to restore wildlife populations, strengthen biodiversity conservation and boost the area’s tourism potential.
The Ministry of Tourism, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), announced the planned wildlife restocking programme in a statement issued on August 20, 2026.
The initiative is aimed at restoring wildlife populations in the Lower Luano GMA, which has historically experienced declining animal numbers and became significantly understocked.
According to the Ministry, the restocking programme forms part of Government’s conservation priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and reflects its commitment to restoring degraded ecosystems while promoting the sustainable management and utilisation of Zambia’s wildlife resources.
The planned translocation will see 50 puku moved from Kafue National Park to Lower Luano, while 50 buffalo will be relocated from the Lower Zambezi ecosystem.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife says the exercise is expected to increase wildlife populations, improve genetic diversity and introduce greater species diversity to the Lower Luano ecosystem.
Authorities believe the intervention will help strengthen the ecological resilience and long-term productivity of the game management area.
The planned restocking follows what the Ministry described as significant ecological recovery in Lower Luano following sustained resource protection efforts.
Government, through DNPW, has worked with local communities, conservation partners and the wildlife hunting outfitter operating in the area to strengthen wildlife protection and improve conservation outcomes.
Enhanced law enforcement, stronger resource protection measures and increased community participation have contributed to the recovery and establishment of various wildlife species across the landscape.
The Ministry says the progress demonstrates the importance of partnerships in protecting Zambia’s wildlife and restoring ecosystems.
Beyond conservation, the introduction of more wildlife is expected to improve Lower Luano’s attractiveness as a tourism destination.
A larger and more diverse wildlife population could support the development of new sustainable tourism products while creating opportunities for employment, local businesses and increased participation by communities in natural resource management.
Government says communities living alongside wildlife remain critical partners in conservation and that successful wildlife restoration must also deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities.
The Ministry of Tourism has therefore commended local communities, the wildlife hunting outfitter and other conservation partners for their contribution to protecting and restoring the Lower Luano landscape.
The Ministry said their combined efforts demonstrate that successful conservation depends on strong partnerships, shared responsibility, sustained law enforcement and active community participation.
The Lower Luano restocking programme is expected to become another important step in Zambia’s efforts to rebuild healthy and productive wildlife ecosystems.
The Government says it will continue implementing science-based conservation programmes aimed at restoring wildlife populations, protecting biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of Zambia’s natural resources for current and future generations.
The Ministry believes the programme will not only strengthen the ecological health of Lower Luano but also contribute to Zambia’s position as one of Africa’s leading wildlife conservation and tourism destinations.
The statement was issued by Nelly Banda Chewe, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Tourism.
