The History and Conservation of Mammals in Malawi

This book, the first of its kind to be published in Malawi, considers the role of animals in African human culture and history, taking Malawi as a case study. It examines the relationship between humans and mammals from the time of the first inhabitants of Malawi through to the present day. It explains how game parks and protected species came into existence, the reasons why mammal numbers have dwindled, and provides details of the different mammal species, government and independent data.

The work includes a short history of wildlife preservation in Malawi focusing on the beginnings of the Nyasaland Fauna Preservation Society, the now present Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi. Commissioned by this society, the study is based on ethno-biology/zoological research undertaken in Malawi with support of the Nuffield Foundation and the Centre for Social Research, University of Malawi.