The objectives of the Association are the research of the Brown Hyena in its natural habitat to ensure the long-term conservation and survival of free-ranging Brown Hyenas and their ecosystem and to create solutions for the conservation of Brown Hyenas and their habitats and all objects ancillary thereto. The Brown Hyena's current conservation status in Namibia is 'insufficiently known (vulnerable or endangered)'. This category reflects the shortage of data. The most recent IUCN classification (2000) describes the status as 'Lower Risk/Near Threatened'. Namibian authorities consider the species to be extremely vulnerable in Namibia. It is currently listed as a protected species in the Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 4 of 1975, but will be given the highest order of protection in future.