Reducing human-lion conflict in the Kunene Region

In what may seem paradoxical, lions can thrive during droughts. As grazing reduces, antelopes and livestock congregate in areas with remaining grazing and water, and become easy prey. Over seven consecutive years, a drought has ravaged the already dwindling herds of the Kunene farmers’ cattle, sheep and goats. As if that wasn’t enough, farmers have had to contend with an expanding lion population that has further destroyed the livestock upon which their livelihoods depend. In a two-month span of work to respond to human-lion conflict incidents reported by local farmers, IRDNC Kunene’s Human-Wildlife Support (HWS) Unit – which was established in 2017 – encountered 25 lions in only three conservancies (Ehi-Rovipuka, Omatendeka and Anabeb). The three conservancies have become hotspots for human-lion conflict primarily due to their location neighbouring Etosha National Park.

The unfortunate human-lion conflict in the three conservancies has led to some lions being shot or poisoned by farmers in retribution or self-defence, prompting IRDNC to prioritise mitigation solutions to in the area.

IRDNC has employed the following measures:
  • Erecting a lion-proof kraal and early warning tower at Okaturua. The kraals keep livestock safe from lions at night, while grazing during the day is under the watchful eyes of herders.
  • Supporting the collaring and branding of five lions and two lionesses at Okaturua in Anabeb Conservancy and one lioness at Elephant-Song in Sesfontein Conservancy.
  • Conducting four awareness campaigns in Okotjitenda/Tomakas, Otjetoveni, Okaturua, Otjondumbu to inform farmers and villagers not to tamper with lion collars, should they encounter a frail or deceased lion.
  • Training conservancy game guards and lion rangers to identify and report illegal activities such as poaching.
  • Patrols and community visits to distribute conservation information and warn farmers about lion presence in the vicinity.
  • Close monitoring of lion movements in Anabeb Conservancy.
During the past months, the HWS Unit has also kept busy with several other wildlife conservation activities in the region:
  • Exploring the introduction of the Lion Ranger Programme with Otjikondavirongo Conservancy.
  • Carrying out full-moon elephant counts in Ondundu, Okahua and Okangundumba Conservancies.
  • Assisting with the construction of a hide at Otjondeka, an elephant waterhole used for counting elephants during full-moon counts.
  • Documenting new waterpoints for future full moon counts of elephants and black-faced impalas in Kunene North conservancies.

The HWS Unit plans to construct more kraals in Torra Conservancy, while continuing with lion monitoring, patrols and responding to community requests. The team will also conduct a survey on settlement patterns to better understand the human geography in the region. Collaborations with other field non-governmental organisations and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) on human-wildlife conflict continues. Cooperation with MET is particularly crucial at this time to determining how to deal with problem lions as incidents peak.

IRDNC’s Human-Wildlife Support Unit with farmers fixing the Etosha National Park’s fence after retrieving cattle that entered the Park prior
  • IRDNC’s Human-Wildlife Support Unit and farmers fixing the Etosha National Park fence, allowing lions access to community areas, after retrieving cattle that entered the Park
Erecting a lion-proof kraal at Okaturua in Anabeb Conservancy
  • Erecting a lion-proof kraal at Okaturua in Anabeb Conservancy. The tourists who donated the material assisted with the construction
IRDNC’s Human-Wildlife Support Unit assisting Desert Lion Conservation with lion collaring and brandi
  • IRDNC’s Human-Wildlife Support Unit assisting Desert Lion Conservation with lion collaring and branding