Report urges govt to cull problem wildlife to decrease conflict

With rising cases of human-wildlife conflict across Namibia, a recent report has recommended that the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism introduce annual culling of problematic wildlife in all regions. This measure, determined by each region's carrying capacity, aims to reduce conflicts and safeguard both human lives and livelihoods.This recommendation is part of a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources on the Motion on Human-Wildlife Conflict. The committee held public hearings between August 2023 and August 2024 in five regions: Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, and Erongo. The goal was to gather feedback from affected communities before presenting the report to the National Assembly.According to the report, wildlife represents a valuable natural asset for rural communities. However, it also highlights that human-wildlife conflict poses a significant threat, especially from iconic species such as elephants, crocodiles, and lions. These conflicts often arise due to livestock predation, crop damage, and threats to human life.“The community out there is devastated by the loss of their domestic animals due to predators, loss of life as a result of crocodile attacks, and crop damage including destruction of infrastructure by wildlife animals,” the report states. It further warns that the desperation among affected communities has escalated to the point where some residents consider taking the law into their own hands.Regional Disparities in ConflictThe report identifies the Zambezi and Erongo regions as the most severely affected by human-wildlife conflicts. In Zambezi, the incidence of fatal attacks is notably high, while Erongo faces widespread destruction of houses and water infrastructure by elephants. Additionally, conservancies in the Zambezi Region reportedly offer more benefits to local communities than those in other parts of the country.In response, the committee recommended annual culling of problematic and aging wildlife as well as increased awareness campaigns on coexistence with wildlife. “The government should consider an annual culling of problematic wildlife animals, especially the old ones, including awareness raising on coexistence with wildlife,” the report suggests.Urgent government intervention neededThe report calls for urgent government intervention to address these conflicts, including a review of the National Policy on Human-Wildlife Conflict Management to incorporate the new recommendations. It emphasizes the need for the ministry to prioritize awareness on reporting wildlife incidents and submitting claims for damages or losses.The committee also advises that the government should decentralize payment processes to clear backlogs for compensation claims related to human-wildlife conflicts. Additionally, it stresses the importance of finalizing the Wildlife and Protected Areas Management Bill within a year to strengthen legal frameworks governing wildlife conservation and conflict management. Regular monitoring and game counts are recommended to maintain wildlife numbers at sustainable levels, ensuring that populations do not exceed the carrying capacity of their habitats.Fair and equal treatment for victims of wildlife conflicts across all regions is deemed essential, along with increasing the ministry’s presence in affected areas to enable faster responses to incidents. To improve communication and emergency response, the report urges the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to expedite the installation of network towers in remote villages of Kunene and Erongo. This measure would ensure that residents in these isolated areas can promptly report wildlife incidents and access support.“An intervention from the government is required as a matter of urgency to address the situation,” the report emphasizes, highlighting the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and livelihood.

Report urges govt to cull problem wildlife to decrease conflict

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-04

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Report urges govt to cull problem wildlife to decrease conflict

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-04

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