Napha supports hunting of ‘problem lions’
• ‘Practical solution to complex challenge’
The proceeds from trophy hunts serve multiple purposes, the association said.
The Namibian Professional Hunting Association (Napha) said the trophy hunting of problem-causing lions offers a practical solution for managing complex challenges.
‘Problem lions’, especially among desert-adapted lions, have been in the news lately, with Desert Lions Human Relations Aid (Delhra) expressing concern about an eight-year-old male which was recently declared a problem animal and trophy hunted in the Palmfontein area of the Kunene Region.
The lion killed 14 goats and one Brahman bull earlier this year.
Napha said the topic of using problem-causing lions for trophy hunts in Namibia has elicited diverse viewpoints, making it an area of ongoing debate.
“On the one hand, animal activists caution against the practice, arguing that it threatens both lion populations and environmental balance.”
The environment ministry has, however, highlighted that the approach serves as a pragmatic solution to human-wildlife conflict, especially conflict involving livestock farmers.
“It is worth noting that the term desert lion often mentioned in these debates is not based on scientific classification, but it is more of a marketing term. The ministry stated that there are approximately 750 lions in various regions of Namibia, indicating that the notion of these lions being critically rare may be misleading,” Napha said.
It added that the issue of human-wildlife conflict is not taken lightly, particularly when it comes to livestock farmers who bear a significant economic burden due to problem lions.
Mitigation measures
Before a lion is declared eligible for a trophy hunt, a variety of mitigation measures are employed.
“Lion rangers, for example, attempt to manage the conflict by employing various strategies to keep lions away from livestock and populated areas. Only when such mitigation efforts fail does the lion get classified as a problem-causing animal suitable for trophy hunting.”
The association pointed out that the proceeds from these trophy hunts serve multiple purposes.
“A portion of the funds goes to the Game Product Trust Fund, earmarked for wildlife conservation and conflict management initiatives.”
Further funds are allocated towards communities affected by these lions, aiding social and economic upliftment initiatives.
Napha said these may include investment in infrastructure improvement to deter future wildlife conflict.
Regulated alternative
There is also concern about what could happen if lions are not managed in a controlled manner.
“Frustrated farmers may resort to killing or poisoning lions without due process, resulting in negative outcomes for all parties involved.”
Napha said in this context, trophy hunting serves as a regulated alternative to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, providing a way to manage the lion population while also funding conservation efforts.
“Balancing wildlife conservation and human welfare is undoubtedly challenging. While wildlife tourism contributes to Namibia’s economy, the government rightly prioritises the welfare and safety of citizens.”
‘Problem lions’, especially among desert-adapted lions, have been in the news lately, with Desert Lions Human Relations Aid (Delhra) expressing concern about an eight-year-old male which was recently declared a problem animal and trophy hunted in the Palmfontein area of the Kunene Region.
The lion killed 14 goats and one Brahman bull earlier this year.
Napha said the topic of using problem-causing lions for trophy hunts in Namibia has elicited diverse viewpoints, making it an area of ongoing debate.
“On the one hand, animal activists caution against the practice, arguing that it threatens both lion populations and environmental balance.”
The environment ministry has, however, highlighted that the approach serves as a pragmatic solution to human-wildlife conflict, especially conflict involving livestock farmers.
“It is worth noting that the term desert lion often mentioned in these debates is not based on scientific classification, but it is more of a marketing term. The ministry stated that there are approximately 750 lions in various regions of Namibia, indicating that the notion of these lions being critically rare may be misleading,” Napha said.
It added that the issue of human-wildlife conflict is not taken lightly, particularly when it comes to livestock farmers who bear a significant economic burden due to problem lions.
Mitigation measures
Before a lion is declared eligible for a trophy hunt, a variety of mitigation measures are employed.
“Lion rangers, for example, attempt to manage the conflict by employing various strategies to keep lions away from livestock and populated areas. Only when such mitigation efforts fail does the lion get classified as a problem-causing animal suitable for trophy hunting.”
The association pointed out that the proceeds from these trophy hunts serve multiple purposes.
“A portion of the funds goes to the Game Product Trust Fund, earmarked for wildlife conservation and conflict management initiatives.”
Further funds are allocated towards communities affected by these lions, aiding social and economic upliftment initiatives.
Napha said these may include investment in infrastructure improvement to deter future wildlife conflict.
Regulated alternative
There is also concern about what could happen if lions are not managed in a controlled manner.
“Frustrated farmers may resort to killing or poisoning lions without due process, resulting in negative outcomes for all parties involved.”
Napha said in this context, trophy hunting serves as a regulated alternative to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, providing a way to manage the lion population while also funding conservation efforts.
“Balancing wildlife conservation and human welfare is undoubtedly challenging. While wildlife tourism contributes to Namibia’s economy, the government rightly prioritises the welfare and safety of citizens.”
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