The Zambezi region in Namibia has witnessed a surge in lion population, resulting in the killing of 70 head of cattle over the past three months. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the incidents occurred in the Makanga area of the Linyanti constituency and the Lusese Conservancy area in the Kabbe North constituency. The ministry has expressed concerns over the escalating situation, citing the increasing lion population as a major factor.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has provided a breakdown of the cattle killings, revealing that seven head of cattle were killed in June, 25 in July, and 38 in August. Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula attributed the accelerated cattle killings to the growing lion population, which has led to younger males being chased away from main prides and forced into settlements away from protected areas. This has resulted in the lions preying on livestock in these areas due to the lack of natural prey.
The proximity of cattle posts to protected areas has also been identified as a contributing factor to the cattle killings. Hangula explained that lions tend to follow cattle into grazing areas and attack them while they are grazing. To mitigate the situation, the ministry is urging communities to remain vigilant, report problem animals promptly, and properly kraal livestock. Additionally, the ministry is working with conservation partners to implement predator-resistant kraals and community awareness programs.
Local farmers have expressed concerns over the safety of their livestock and themselves due to the increasing lion population. James Musiyalike, a local farmer, reported losing about three cows valued at N$35,000 last month. He fears that he may lose more livestock due to the roaming lions and has called on the environment ministry to take action. Musiyalike also expressed concerns for the safety of his cattle herders, who are at risk of being attacked by the lions.
Another farmer, Simasiku Mwiya, has also reported losing cattle to the lions and has called on the environment ministry to act immediately. Mwiya expressed fear for his family's safety, particularly his children who go to school early in the morning and are at risk of being attacked by the lions. The situation has become increasingly worrying for local residents, with some calling for the lions to be relocated or culled.
The impact of the lion population surge is not limited to livestock losses. Residents have reported being attacked by lions while herding cattle or going about their daily activities. Nsunduno Libuku, a Kasika resident, was attacked by lions while herding cattle near the Chobe River last year and survived with injuries to his hand, face, neck, and head. In 2024, Likando Mambena was attacked by a stray lion while returning to his village and sustained a broken arm.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has assured that the owners of the 70 head of cattle will be paid for their losses as per existing human-wildlife conflict policies. The ministry is working to address the situation through various measures, including the implementation of predator-resistant kraals, community awareness programs, and rapid response mechanisms. Key points include:
Key points
- The lion population surge in the Zambezi region has resulted in 70 head of cattle being killed over the past three months.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is working with conservation partners to implement measures to mitigate the situation.
- Local farmers are calling for the environment ministry to take action to address the safety concerns posed by the increasing lion population.
