Human-carnivore conflict across Namibian conservancies

For the past decade, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has conducted integrated livestock, wildlife and predator management training programs to communal farming communities throughout Namibia, called Future Farmers of... [ view full abstract ]

For the past decade, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has conducted integrated livestock, wildlife and predator management training programs to communal farming communities throughout Namibia, called Future Farmers of Africa (FFA), to mitigate predator conflict. Since 2015, FFA trainings, have taken place in the Greater Waterberg Landscape (GWL) in the Eastern communal areas and in 2017, in the Western communal area of Opuwo.

In addition, face to face questionnaire surveys have been conducted in these two areas to better understand aspects of livestock management and health as it relates to livestock losses pre and post training programs.  This survey yielded 231 farmer respondents, with the majority of respondents (93%, n=205) having lost livestock in the past year. Small stock (goats and sheep) made up the highest percentage of livestock lost (75%). Most losses (n=3592) were to predators followed by drought (n=2346.) Jackals were the most common perpetrator of depredation, responsible for the majority (66%) of livestock losses, particularly small stock loss (89% of goats and 84% of sheep), and wild dogs reported as responsible for the majority (76%) of cattle losses. A majority of respondents reported kraaling their animals (98%), using livestock guarding dogs (75%), and herders (56%). In 2016, a three year camera trap survey began in the GWL to determine the density of key carnivores and study the areas where human-carnivore conflict was most problematic.  CCF believes that it is key to determine the extent of the efficacy of kraals, livestock guarding dogs and herders and to continue to innovate methods to protect livestock both inside and outside the kraal to limit losses of farmer’s livelihood and potential retaliation against predators such as the ‘Critically Endangered’ wild dog (Lycaon pictus) and the ‘Vulnerable’ cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).