Malawi recorded a 95 percent conviction rate for serious wildlife crime cases during the 2025-26 financial year, the highest since 2017, as conservation authorities intensified efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and expand environmental protection programs across the country.
The figures, released in the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) 2025-2026 Impact Report, show that 97 percent of convictions for offences involving protected species such as elephants, pangolins, and rhinos resulted in custodial sentences, with an average prison term of 6.5 years and a maximum sentence of 21 years.
Forestry-related offences also recorded a 93 percent conviction rate, according to the report.
The report attributes the improved outcomes to continued collaboration between conservation organizations, prosecutors, the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies.
It notes that court monitoring covering 821 wildlife crime cases involving 1,547 defendants found conviction rate for offences involving listed species have remained above 90 percent since 2023, reaching 94.5 percent in 2025.
Despite the gains, the report warns that wildlife crime remains a significant threat.
Elephant-related cases increased between 2024 and 2025, largely driven by small-scale ivory trafficking along the Malawi-Zambia border, although pangolin trafficking cases decline by 80 percent between 2021 and 2025.
The report also highlights as worrying a controversial presidential pardon granted in 2025 to convicted wildlife trafficker Lin Yunhua, who was released after serving a fraction of his 14-year sentence for rhino trafficking and money laundering.
Lin remains in custody while facing separate corruption charges linked to attempts to bribe court and prison officials.
Beyond law enforcement, LWT reported rescuing 121 wild animals during the year and releasing 77 back into the natural habitats.
The organization cared for 280 animals at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, while its Wildlife Emergency Response Unit carried out 26 rescue operations nationwide, most involving snaring and poaching incidents.
Pangolins accounted for around 15 percent of all wildlife rescues, with many animals requiring intensive rehabilitation after being recovered from illegal trade.
The report says sanctuary admissions reached their highest level in three years, reflecting sustained pressure on Malawi’s wildlife.
The conservation organization also announced the launch of a new program aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and improving climate resilience in southern Malawi.
The initiative will focus on biodiversity hotspots, including the South East Africa Montane Archipelago and the Lake Chirwa Basin, where environmental degradation, deforestation, and climate change continue worsening food insecurity and vulnerability to climate shocks.
LWT also expanded its environmental education program, reaching 8,909 children through schools and community initiatives.
Another 171 primary schools received wildlife education materials, while more than 300 teachers were trained to integrate conservation into classroom learning.
“From rescuing animals and inspiring the next generation to supporting strong criminal justice outcomes for perpetrators of nature crime, we hope this report shows the breadth of our work,” LWT Chief Executive Officer Jonny Vaughan, said, in his message.
Vaughan said the achievements also reflect the dedication of LWT incredible team and the many partners they work alongside them to create lasting impact for people and nature.
“As I look back on the year’s achievements, I am grateful for the support of our many donors and partners who share our commitment to protecting nature in Malawi,” Vaughan said.
“These achievements and many others would not be possible without our skilled and dedicated staff and the generosity of our community of donors, partners, and volunteers,” Vaughan added.
