Coping with Human Lion Conflict Kunene, Namibia, community engagement and response
A prolonged, twelve year drought in Namibia's arid northwest has exacerbated Human Lion Conflict. Prey species numbers and livestock numbers have plummeted over time (as in November 2022) and continue to do so (November 2024). Farmers, already reeling from severe losses cannot afford additional losses to this free-ranging lion population. An IUCN SOS grant enabled significant mitigation efforts in 6 Conservancies with an area of some 15 000 square kilometers and provided momentum to reduce impacts. Community consultation indicated that, several mitigation measures be implemented. These included developing early warning system, building predator proof kraals(with solar lights), response to incidents, support a community based Lion Ranger system, and concerted community engagement. Impacts of these efforts resulted in increased tolerance amongst community members and a reduction in livestock losses.
Photo and video gallery
Impacts
There was a substantial increase in community tolerance and openness from May 2020 to November 2022. Previously, many incidents of livestock losses and lions killed remained unreported. Relationships with communities were built and maintained and a high degree of openness achieved. Retribution killing of lions decreased. Livestock losses to lions also decreased. However, the ongoing drought had an impact on this. Building of predator proof kraals continued and by November 2022 there were some 81 kraals spread through hotspot areas. This was an important and tangible mitigation measure which was highly effective. During this period, some 14 cattle, 28 donkeys and 184 small stock were killed by lions. Figures for a similar period, May 2018 to May 2020 showed some 451 cattle, 47 donkeys and 232 small stock dying or being killed. Some of this was certainly drought related, however, it provides an idea of the impact on farmers and communities. Over the 30 month grant period, May 2022 to November 2022, some 251 community engagements took place, an average of over 8 per month. This concerted effort to establish and build relations with local farmers and communities was considered a critical effort.
