In honour of World Wetlands Day We were searching for Mason , a collared male lion that usually roams near Xini Lagoon in the Moremi Game Reserve. We hadn’t seen him in some time, and our research protocol required us to locate him and download data from his GPS collar. When his signal finally appeared, we left the main track and drove off-road toward the steady beep.  Recent heavy rains had transformed the landscape. Tall grass concealed the ground, making it impossible to

African wild dog overmarking a synthetic (lab produced artificial) scent mark precisely as if it were a natural scent mark. The Importance of Scent Communication in African Wild Dogs A few months ago, Botswana Predator Conservation’s BioBoundary project achieved a significant milestone. For the first time, we captured evidence that African wild dogs respond behaviorally to single lab-produced components of their territorial scent mark signals. They react in the same way they

The Importance of Veterinary Services in Conservation Botswana Predator Conservation (BPC), a program of Wild Entrust, partnered again in 2025 with the Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS). Together, they brought essential veterinary services through several vaccination campaigns to key communities within the Okavango landscape. BPC staff raised over P50,000 for the 2025 MAWS vaccination program in rural areas, supported by African Bush Camps , Chitabe Camp , Natural Selection

Mid July our team stepped away from the everyday rush to pause, reflect, and reconnect during our annual retreat. This gathering was more than just a change of scenery. It was a space for us to strengthen bonds, spark creativity, and reaffirm our shared mission.  Through interactive team-building activities, we discovered new strengths in each other and learned fresh ways to collaborate. These moments weren’t just fun. They reminded us that trust and understanding are the fou

In June 2025, the Department of Curriculum Development and Evaluation (DCDE) , under the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education (MCWBE), conducted a week-long field validation of the Coaching Conservation Programme in the North-West Education Region.    From 23–27 June 2025, a team of DCDE officers visited five primary schools (Samochima, Chukumuchu, Shakarawe, Chanoga, and Matsaudi) to assess the programme, and to evaluate its suitability for expansion to other region

On March 6 th 2025 in Seronga our Coaching Conservation team packed up camp and set off for Gunitsoga Primary School in Seronga. Spirits were high as we headed out to deliver our Rapid Awareness Programme (RAP) - our signature session designed to help children reconnect with nature, and themselves.  Upon arrival, we were greeted with warmth and curiosity. The school head, Mrs. Mokgwathi, welcomed us with open arms and soon entrusted us with her upper primary students. As per

In late November 2024, Habu’s Kgosi ‘Mod’ Masedi, along with WEA Senior Staffers Kalafo and Joel Kangootui, gathered an eager group of 30 young men and women from Habu for a three-day workshop at a campsite within the proposed Habu Community Conservancy. This workshop was initiated by Kgosi Masedi after village discussions revealed the youth's interest in participating more actively in community development projects. Recognizing this opportunity, Kgosi organized meetings at t

As 2024 comes to a close, we are satisfied to look back at a year of growth, meaningful impact, and strengthened partnerships in the field of environmental education. This year we not only doubled our reach but also made significant strides in empowering young minds to become active participants in wildlife conservation and sustainability efforts. Our commitment to environmental stewardship has never been stronger and the results from 2024 are a testament to the collective ef

The children of Lorato House recently had an unforgettable adventure at Natural Selections   Thamo Telele camp; a day filled with discovery, learning, and laughter. This outing featured engaging activities such as horse riding, a game drive, and an inspiring conservation program presented by Coaching Conservation. The excitement began as the children arrived and took turns riding horses. While some showed a hint of fear initially, their confidence grew with each passing mome

Excitement buzzed among students from Kelekele and Gumare Primary Schools as they set off on an unforgettable journey to Omogolo Hideaways , as winners of Coaching Conservation's 'Play It Forward' initiative, Gumare region. The adventure began with an exhilarating road trip from Gumare to Tsau, followed by a scenic ride on game viewers to the serene Omogolo.  Upon arrival, the students were captivated by an inspiring lesson about elephants, led by the dedicated coaches from C

The Play It Forward program took an exciting turn as students from Mohembo Primary School and Gudigwa Primary School traveled to Shakawe for an unforgettable day of adventure and learning. For many of these students, especially those from remote areas like Gudigwa, it was their first time visiting Shakawe. The excitement was palpable as they boarded the boat, ready for a day filled with new experiences and knowledge.  The adventure began with a boat ride along the Okavango Ri

The Mathiba Primary School’s triumphant win in the Play it Forward competition was not just a celebration of victory but a testament to the boundless power of creativity and inspiration in shaping a better society. This remarkable achievement brought pride to the students, their school, and the entire community, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication.  On the much-anticipated award day, the presence of distinguished guests, Lesley McNutt and Ms. Ridge from the M

The "Play it Forward" initiative beautifully showcases the incredible power of creativity and collaboration among students. After participating in coaching conversation RAPS, students have the chance to express what they’ve learned in imaginative ways through songs, plays, poems, dances, raps, or presentations to audiences. This platform not only highlights their unique talents but also fosters teamwork, confidence, and innovation. What’s truly inspiring is the enthusiasm the

A few weeks ago a dedicated team of coaches embarked on an extraordinary journey to the village of Shorobe, near the quaint town of Maun in Botswana. Little did they know that their visit would ignite a remarkable connection between young minds and one of the most majestic creatures on our planet - the elephant! In this rural community, where human and elephant interactions are a daily reality, hope and inspiration blossomed as the coaches introduced the groundbreaking Elepha

The territories of African wild dogs are vast, on the order of hundreds of square miles. Consequently, wild dogs were often described as...

From 30 September to 10 October 2024, Coaching Conservation Botswana (CC) welcomed partners from the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) and Conservation Lower Zambezi (CZL) for a meaningful exchange focused on strengthening conservation education across Southern Africa. These visits highlighted the power of collaboration in equipping educators and communities with practical tools to inspire environmental stewardship among young people. Nine trainers from SAWC, a long-s

Our BioBoundary experiments at livestock enclosures have previously shown that BioBoundary deterrents, based on predators’ chemical signals, protect livestock by keeping predators away.  But nearly all predator attacks happen when animals are out grazing, and using BioBoundary chemical signals at overnight kraals does not protect these free-ranging livestock. Adapting our BioBoundary deterrents to protect livestock while they are grazing has the potential to revolutionize how

An adult African wild dog interacting with newborn pups that emerged from the den for the first time. Post-doctoral researcher Kasim...

Our Earth Day celebration this year, themed "Planet vs. Plastics," was a resounding success, filled with engaging activities that not only educated but also empowered local children to take an active role in preserving the planet. Held with the support of generous sponsors, this event brought together the community to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainability.  From the moment the event began, children were immersed in a serie

A new wave of energy and enthusiasm has arrived at Coaching Conservation! Meet the dynamic new team of coaches who joined our team to reach and inspire kids to care about themselves, others and the environment in the northwest primary schools of Botswana. Bursting with creativity, passion, and a love for the environment, these coaches will revolutionize the way children engage with concepts of conservation and environmental stewardship. Leading the charge is Othusitse, common