DSC 2018 Convention Auction Item of the Day – 5-Day Conservation Experience for Two with Ivan Carter in Mozambique

This donated trip will provide two people the unique opportunity to visit Coutada 11 in Mozambique, one of the foremost successful conservation areas Africa, and participate in hands-on conservation efforts. The Zambezi Delta in eastern Mozambique was once home to over a million head of diverse game species. By the early 1990s, through heavy poaching and meat harvest by rebels, game populations pummeled to near extirpation except for sporadic big game and small antelope such as the duiker and suni. In 1994, Zambezi Delta Safaris (ZDS), under the directorship of Mark Haldane, took over Coutada 11 where he undertook a
monumental effort to rebuild the ecological diversity of the war torn region. Initial game counts showed that, with the exception of the mini antelope, the numbers of big game were truly devastating. Buffalo had dropped from an estimated 80-100,000 to only 1,200, and sable were nearly gone with a mere 44 animals found. It would take a day of driving to just see a small number of general game species. An intensive anti-poaching initiative was developed and implemented. This initiative, consuming much of two decades and over a million dollars, resulted in the removal of thousands of gin traps, tens of thousands of wire snares and the arrest of hundreds of poachers. Coupled with a generous meat distribution program, Coutada 11 saw a rapid decline in poaching. The results of the policing and protection on game numbers were truly remarkable – buffalo increased to well over 25,000 and sable rebounded to over 3,000 animals. Literally several hundred animals can now be seen on any given day within the concession area. They have a sizeable and effective anti-poaching team on the property. Lead by exceptional management, the team works hard to keep the area free of poachers, both meat and ivory. The C11 is a spectacular example of what hunting and the hunter’s dollars can do when purposed correctly. A very important animal that is relatively numerous in the swamp areas of the concession is elephant, however, these elephants do leave the area from time to time and so collaring and monitoring of these animals are crucial. In 2016, four collars were installed on elephants in the area, which also require changing and we hope to t at least two more transmitters to elephants in 2018. The winning bidder and guest will participate in a true conservation effort on the frontline of this exceptional hunting conservancy, including: 1) Observing the darting and collaring of four elephants; 2) Being in a helicopter with the vet when an elephant is darted; 3) Participating in measuring the animal while the collar is changed (the animal is usually kept “under” for about 30 minutes giving ample opportunity for photos and interaction); and 4) Spending a morning with the anti-poaching team during a meat drop to the local community. Ivan Carter will host the event, alongside the ZDS team, and this unique experience will be captured on lm to share with friends and family. This package includes 5 full days in one of Coutada 11 hunting lodges, charter ight from Beira to C11 for two people, guide service by Ivan Carter, all collars and vet costs, services by a professional cameraman and nal edit, meals, laundry service and accommodation. RULES/NOTES: 1) Trip must be taken in late 2018 between August and November (when its dry and easier to dart and track). 2) The bidding is reserved for members or prospective members of DSC. 3) The dates to be coordinated with Ivan Carter and ZDS. 4) Additional guests may be added to the group at extra cost. 5) Hunting days in ZDS can be added at normal hunting rates and days. Big game hunting on the property is exceptional and there are excellent buffalo species, as well as a wide variety of plains game available. The net proceeds will be dedicated to anti- poaching support in Coutada 11. DSC Foundation thanks the Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance, Zambeze Delta Safaris, Ivan Carter and Johan Calitz for this extraordinarily special donation. 100% PROCEEDS BENEFIT DSC FOUNDATION. Valued at $30,000