Kunene lion conflict is our error

The ongoing challenges that conservancy farmers in the Kunene Region face must be crippling. For weeks now, we have received reports of lions getting into kraals and killing large numbers of both small and big livestock. The farmers have their hands tied at this point and can only shoot under very special circumstances. The problem with a lion entering a livestock kraal is that the animal's kill instinct is triggered repeatedly and thus, the predator will kill every animal it sees. Then, when everything is dead, the predator leaves without feeding. The natural hunting process is not followed through, from identify, stalk, chase down, catch and asphyxiate.

This is why it is so destructive. From reports received by these farmers, this particular pride of lions are human imprinted and thus, have no fear at all of vehicles, or people. The farmers report that animals are 'taunting' and 'provoking' them, jumping on vehicles and the like. This, then, is a very dangerous pride and it appears, if going by research done on lions over the years that this particular group will continue with their destructive behaviour wherever they are translocated. This was proven by the now infamous Njombe pride of lions in Kenya. They fed exclusively on people and for 13 years, with generational turnover, the cubs were taught this precise behaviour. They had adjusted entirely to preying on people in villages and their hunting methods were adapted to the habits of the people in the area. The entire pride had to be shot. Human imprinted lions are dangerous and we can only surmise that this pride has had frequent contact with people. This is something our nature conservation officials should be aware of. Prides must be monitored and the groups must be known. Monitoring and fieldwork is essential to prevent this type of conflict. While we would never advocate for the killing of this pride, it appears that this will eventually be the only option.

Our ministry should have known. Researchers in that area, and there are several groups including those working to protect our rhinos, should have known of this pride. Had they come from Etosha, this should have been known. This conflict could have been prevented if effective monitoring of these animals was done. We failed in our duty.