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A Manual for reducing and mitigating human large predator Conflict
| Author: | Connected Conservation and KAZA TFCA Secretariat |
| Language: | |
| Topic: | Conservation |
| Type: | Strategy and guides |
| Last updated: | 13 April 2026 |
The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) spans five countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area, hosting the largest contiguous population of African elephants, 20% of the global lion population, and about a quarter of African wild dogs. The region is home to approximately 3 million people, primarily rural communities reliant on subsistence farming. Human-wildlife conflict (HWC), particularly with large predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs, and hyenas, poses significant challenges to both wildlife conservation and local livelihoods.
The manual aims to improve understanding of human-large predator conflicts and equip communities and stakeholders with best practices to mitigate these issues. It identifies key causes of conflict, including livestock predation, attacks on humans, and habitat encroachment due to human expansion. Behavioral traits of large predators, such as hunting patterns and territorial habits, are outlined to aid in developing effective mitigation strategies.
Recommended measures include raising awareness, improving livestock management, and implementing deterrents like predator-proof kraals, guard animals, and lighting. Compensation and insurance schemes, such as Namibia’s Human Animal Conflict Self-Insurance Scheme (HACSIS), are discussed as potential solutions to offset losses. Environmental management strategies, including increasing wild prey availability and land-use planning, are emphasized to reduce conflict and promote coexistence.
The manual highlights the importance of training stakeholders, monitoring conflict hotspots, and ensuring adequate resources for effective HWC mitigation. Collaboration among communities, wildlife authorities, and other stakeholders is crucial for sustainable conservation and reducing human-large predator conflict in the KAZA TFCA.
Recommended measures include raising awareness, improving livestock management, and implementing deterrents like predator-proof kraals, guard animals, and lighting. Compensation and insurance schemes, such as Namibia’s Human Animal Conflict Self-Insurance Scheme (HACSIS), are discussed as potential solutions to offset losses. Environmental management strategies, including increasing wild prey availability and land-use planning, are emphasized to reduce conflict and promote coexistence.
The manual highlights the importance of training stakeholders, monitoring conflict hotspots, and ensuring adequate resources for effective HWC mitigation. Collaboration among communities, wildlife authorities, and other stakeholders is crucial for sustainable conservation and reducing human-large predator conflict in the KAZA TFCA.
