EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS IN MITIGATING HUMAN-CHEETAH CONFLICT IN NAMIBIA: SUCCESSES AND LIMITATIONS

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), a critical apex predator in African savannah ecosystems, has experienced a severe population decline due to the advancement of urbanization and human-wildlife conflict. In Namibia, which is home to the world’s largest cheetah population, over 70% of cheetahs live outside of protected areas, often preying on livestock and provoking retaliatory killings. To combat this, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) introduced the Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) program to deter cheetahs from killing livestock. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the LGD program on long-term farmer surveys and statistical analyses. Results showed a significant reduction in livestock losses: the proportion of farmers reporting zero annual livestock losses increased from 19.7% before LGD placement to 66.7% afterward. A chi-squared test confirmed these improvements as statistically significant (X²(4, N = 1,519) = 57.97, p < 0.00001). Although it is highly effective in reducing conflict and fostering coexistence, the program faces challenges, including high costs, short dog lifespans, and the ongoing genetic vulnerabilities of cheetah populations. This study concludes that although LGDs are a valuable conflict mitigation tool, they should be integrated with broader conservation strategies, such as genetic management and habitat protection, to ensure the long-term survival of cheetahs in Namibia.