Title:

Human-Lion conflict farmer surveys: Mitigation and impacts 2022

Publication Year:
2022
Abstract:

Communal farmers in northwest Namibia live with the effects of human-wildlife conflict (HWC). Recently implemented projects, such as the HWC Rapid Response Teams, Early-Warning Systems, Lion Rangers, and predator-proof kraals, have begun yielding positive results, particularly for mitigating human-lion conflict (HLC), and are being well-received among affected communities. However, data on intervention effectiveness have been lacking. Social surveys are effective for measuring attitudes among constituents within participatory entities, such as communal conservancies. Following the implementation of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism's (MEFT) Human Lion Conflict Management Plan for North West Namibia (GRN 2017), and as part of the National Policy on Conservation and Management of Large Carnivores in Namibia (GRN 2016), Heydinger et al. (2019), implemented social surveys examining the quantitative and qualitative effects of drought and HLC within three core lion-range conservancies (Anabeb, Puros, and Sesfontein). Results indicated large-scale losses suffered by communal pastoralists. These results have been used to motivate HWC interventions, focusing on mitigating and preventing HLC. Alongside local partners, 339 similar surveys were repeated from late 2021 to early 2022. Surveys focused on livestock-owning household heads in 12 conservancies constituting the core of desert-adapted lion range. Targeted conservancies include: Anabeb, Doro !Nawas, Ehi-rovipuka, ≠Khoadi-//Hôas, Omatendeka, Orupupa, Otjikondavirongo, Puros, Sesfontein, Sorris Sorris, Torra, and Tsiseb.

Item Type:
Report
Language:
en