Examining rural livelihoods relevant to human-lion conflict interventions within the communal conservancies of the Kunene Region, Namibia

In the Kunene Region of northwest Namibia, desert-adapted lion (Panthera leo) numbers increased from the late 1990s to 2015. They have since declined by as much as two-thirds. This is primarily as a result of lions killed following human-lion conflict (HLC) incidents, within communal conservancy lands. HLC and conflict with other predators threatens pastoralists’ already-tenuous livelihoods, eroding the economic instrumentalism pillar of the conservancy system. Our survey quantitatively and qualitatively examined pastoralists’ livelihoods, perceptions of lions, and the efficacy of recently implemented HLC interventions in core lion range conservancies; it is a follow-up to a previous survey (Heydinger et al. 2019). Results show that livestock losses over the past decade likely exceed 80%. These losses are overwhelmingly attributed to the effects of drought and predators. Lions are considered the most problematic species, with 57% of respondents holding negative attitudes towards lions, while 84% say they do not benefit from having lions in their conservancy. Yet, problems with other predators, such as spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) and black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas), are more widespread. The effects of HLC interventions, including Lion Rangers, human-wildlife conflict Rapid Response Teams, an early-warning system, and predator-proof livestock enclosures (kraals), are not uniformly experienced and show no unequivocal improvement in respondents’ attitudes towards lions. Results are discussed in the context of supporting pastoralists’ livelihoods, and as part of an ongoing process for strengthening HLC interventions for the conservation of lions and other carnivores on communal lands.