Namibia: Protocol for Relocation of Carnivores Launched

A recent meeting between the Large Carnivore Management Association of Namibia (LCMAN) and its counterparts in Botswana, shed some light on the problems which farmers experience with wild animals.

The meeting, which was attended by representatives from eight LCMAN member organisations, was also used as a forum for exchanging information and experiences between the two countries and sharing ideas on cross-border carnivore management.

During the meeting, the protocol for the relocation of carnivores trapped on Namibian livestock and game farmland was discussed. This protocol will be used on a trial basis by all LCMAN members involved in assisting farmers with predators that are caught and providing advice to farmers on reducing livestock losses to predators.

LCMAN's marketing subcommittee further announced the official launch of the LCMAN website, which can be accessed at www.carnivore-namibia.org. Although still in its initial phases, the website provides information for the public to learn more about LCMAN and its work.

The research subcommittee met prior to the main meeting to discuss the upcoming LCMAN project for evaluating the IUCN status of the carnivore species in Namibia. During the evaluation process, each of the 35 carnivore species will be examined according to the current knowledge on their distribution, population size, ecology and conservation threats and needs within the country.

LCMAN provides a platform for carnivore conservationists, government ministries, agricultural, hunting and tourism organisations to discuss the management of large carnivores in Namibia. The next LCMAN meeting will take place on 7 June 2011, at the Namibia Nature Foundation in Windhoek.