BIG-CAT DEPREDATIONS REACH EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS NEAR ETOSHA

WINDHOEK (April 23, 2005)

Lions and cheetahs from Etosha National Park in Namibia are stepping up attacks on farmers and their livestock, and cattle losses are numbering in the thousands. One farmer, Israel Mbulu, is reported to have lost more than 2,000 head of livestock to the big cats since 1992; councillor Amutenya Ndahafa said he personally has lost more than 800 cattle, as well as 24 goats in the last two weeks of February alone. Last month, he lost a cow and four calves.

“The problem is the deteriorating condition of the game fence around the park, that is supposed to keep the lions and cheetahs in,” said Ndahafa. “I have urged the game department to speed up work on replacing the fence, and also to increase their game patrols to protect us from the lions.”

The game department agreed the situation is urgent, but said it would take time to complete the new fence because of the long distances involved.

Meanwhile, attacks on people and livestock are increasing. On April 19, attacks were reported at four different cattle posts, and last month, two herdsmen were injured when lions attacked them.