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A manual for reducing and mitigating Human-Small Predator Conflict - KAZA
| 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 Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, hosting the largest contiguous population of African elephants, 20% of the lion population, and about a quarter of African wild dogs. It is home to approximately 3 million people, primarily reliant on subsistence farming. The region faces challenges from human-small predator conflict (HSPC), particularly involving black-backed jackals and caracals, which prey on livestock, transmit diseases, and occasionally attack humans.
This manual aims to improve understanding of HSPC and equip communities with effective management practices to reduce conflicts and promote coexistence. It targets farmers, wildlife managers, and individuals interested in predator conservation. HSPC is exacerbated by habitat loss, human expansion, and the predators’ dietary needs, leading to economic and social losses for locals and retaliatory killings of predators.
The manual outlines both lethal and non-lethal methods to mitigate HSPC. Lethal methods include hunting, poisoning, and trapping, while non-lethal methods include using guard dogs, donkeys, fencing, bell and scent collars, lanterns, radios, and kraaling livestock at night. Seasonal lambing and avoiding conflict hotspots are also recommended strategies.
Training programs for farmers and wildlife managers are essential to improve understanding of animal behavior and implement effective mitigation measures. Conservation authorities must focus on HWC hotspots, provide support programs, and ensure adequate resources for monitoring and evaluation.
The KAZA TFCA promotes sustainable management of the region’s ecosystem, heritage, and cultural resources through harmonized policies and practices, aiming to balance conservation, tourism, and socio-economic development for local communities. For inquiries, contact the KAZA TFCA Secretariat or relevant national wildlife authorities.
Training programs for farmers and wildlife managers are essential to improve understanding of animal behavior and implement effective mitigation measures. Conservation authorities must focus on HWC hotspots, provide support programs, and ensure adequate resources for monitoring and evaluation.
The KAZA TFCA promotes sustainable management of the region’s ecosystem, heritage, and cultural resources through harmonized policies and practices, aiming to balance conservation, tourism, and socio-economic development for local communities. For inquiries, contact the KAZA TFCA Secretariat or relevant national wildlife authorities.
