Conservation of Natural Ecosystems Trust

02/12/2025

Stronger Together for Botswana’s Wildlife

A joint de-snaring operation led by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) — with support from the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Botswana Police Service (BPS), and key conservation partners — successfully removed 145 snares from the Khwai–Mababe region, one of Botswana’s most important wildlife areas.

Conducted over four days in October 2025, the operation targeted zones where wildlife and human activity most often overlap, including river corridors and settlement perimeters. The findings point to increased snaring activity but also demonstrate the impact of coordinated action when government, communities, and the private sector work side by side.

The operation was conducted by .trust, , , Khwai Private Reserve, and the Mababe Community Trust, and hosted in the field by , , Mmatsebe Tented Camp, .mogotlho , and .

Additional contributions and logistical support were provided by , , Mokete Camp and .

Together, these efforts highlight the strength of Botswana’s collaborative approach to conservation — protecting wildlife through shared responsibility and unified action

20/11/2025

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In partnership with and .earth, CONNECT delivered an inaugural camera trap training session a few weeks ago at the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute (BWTI) in Maun. The training was aimed at wildlife professionals in the Department of Wildlife and National Parks as well as BWTI, and focused on building capacity in the use of camera traps for wildlife monitoring. This short course included both theory and practical components, giving an introduction to how camera traps work, how they can be applied to different monitoring scenarios ranging from general surveillance to targeted species monitoring and outlined practical considerations for setup and data management. Participants were then presented with a monitoring scenario, and given the opportunity to run through the process of survey planning and ex*****on, followed by physically setting cameras up in the field, allowing them to apply the theoretical lessons learnt.
This will be the first of many training opportunities offered at BWTI in collaboration with CONNECT as we work towards co-developing and delivering curricula to increase capacity of wildlife professionals and students in wildlife monitoring and conservation.

08/11/2025

Over the last week, CONNECT was part of the 1st Africa Biodiversity Summit, led by the African Union Commission and hosted in Gaborone by the Government of Botswana. In wake of the world’s biodiversity crisis, this summit served as an opportunity for African nations to discuss approaches towards biodiversity conservation and natural resource governance opportunities throughout the continent. The main objectives of the summit were to provide direction for future global engagements on biodiversity issues, strengthen partnerships for effective implementation of biodiversity frameworks and discuss ways to mobilize technical and financial frameworks to support implementation.
Biodiversity conservation is integral to what CONNECT does - our rangers on the ground and head office team in Maun work closely with Botswana government partners to secure wildlife in Botswana’s protected and wildlife management areas, and we are proud to be part of the solution.

24/10/2025

Thank to the The Okavango Express for sharing the story about the successful rescue and release of seven white backed vultures.

Click and follow our page to find out more!

24/10/2025

When reports came in of poisoned wildlife, teams from across Maun - together with the Department Of Wildlife & National Parks (DWNP) - mobilized with in an hour.

Amidst the loss, seven white-backed vultures and one bateleur eagle were found alive.

Ten days later - fully recovered, wings strong again - they were released back into the wild.

The first rescue and release of poisoned vultures ever recorded in Botswana.

These operations wouldn’t be possible without incredible collaboration.

A big thank you , , , Caron Botes, Elephant Havens Wildlife Foundation, Walk Botswana Safaris, Helicopter Horizons, , Bush Ways Foundation and the wider Maun conservation network for their swift response and teamwork. Raptors Botswana Endangered Wildlife Trust

22/06/2025

12/03/2024

A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise- Aldo Leopold