In the past two years, attacks on livestock have been reduced by up to 98% in three conservancies in Namibia: Kabulabula, Nakabolelwa, and Salambala. These conservancies were once considered hotspots for human-lion conflict. This achievement was possible by efforts from the Kwando Carnivore Project to upgrade and lion-proof the kraals—livestock enclosures—located in these three conservancies. Only seven livestock attacks have occurred in the past two years, as opposed to the 81 total cattle deaths back in 2016, showing the vast improvements and benefits of the upgraded kraals. Additionally, this represents the first time in seven years where there has been no retaliatory killing of lions in these areas, largely due to the construction and upgrading of the kraals. The investments from the Lion Recovery Fund have assisted the Kwando Carnivore Project to upgrade a total of 35 cattle kraals along the Chobe River, bringing the number of livestock attacks by lions to almost zero in these areas. The LRF is glad to see such tremendous success and will continue to support such projects that effectively promote human-lion coexistence.
