VOLUME 79

The Logistics of Running a Wildlife Reserve (5-minute Video)

Patrol Reports

23 Jun 2026 — 1 min read

Derek Littleton runs the Lugenda Wildlife Reserve (LUWIRE) within the Niassa Special Reserve in Northern Mozambique. In this video, he explains the intricacies involved.

Running a game reserve is far more complex than just managing wildlife; it requires navigating intricate security challenges, building community relationships, and overcoming massive logistical hurdles. This video pulls back the curtain on the day-to-day realities of managing a remote conservation area; there’s nothing glamorous about it.

Key topics covered include:

The Shift in Security: How the reserve’s approach has evolved from strict enforcement to fostering trust and collaboration with local communities.
The Technological Arms Race: Exploring the constant battle to stay one step ahead of poachers through the strategic use of data, satellite information, and high-ground control.
Logistical Challenges: A look at the "logistical nightmare" of operating in remote areas, including long supply chains, challenging terrain, and the sheer scale of the reserve.
Organizational & Financial Management: Insights into managing a large team of over 120 staff members, maintaining financial accountability, and the ongoing struggle for capital investment to modernize aging equipment.

Whether you’re interested in wildlife conservation or the operational side of managing large-scale remote projects, this video offers an honest look at the dedication required to keep a game reserve running effectively.

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Protection Through Decree: A Flaw in Roosevelt’s Thinking?

The Loss of a Wildlife Buffer Zone (6-minute Video)

A Ticking Time-bomb: Beyond Kruger’s Fences

Does a Locust Have Feelings?