http://allafrica.com/stories/201208020534.html



Namibia: Twenty Jackals to Be Shot in Southern Conservancy


2 August 2012


Blouputs — A total of 20 jackals from the !Khob !Naub Conservancy in the Karas Region will be shot to reduce their numbers because they hunt and kill the sheep and goats of local farmers.

!Khob !Naub is located some 15 kilometres north of Keetmanshoop and covers villages such as Blouputs, Blouwes and Itsawises.

Conservancy Committee Vice-Chairperson Anna-Marie Kooper told Nampa that the Environment and Tourism Ministry granted them a quota to hunt the jackals, following an outcry from local farmers.

The hunting quota also includes culling of 240 springbok for selling the meat, plus an extra 60 for own consumption and one kudu for sale.

The hunting allocation was made in May, and expires in September this year.

Kooper could, however, not say how many jackals are in the conservancy, but was sure that they are many and need to be reduced.

The jackals that were killed will be distributed to community members for meat, and to make carpets from the hides.

Kooper said poaching has also hit the conservancy lately as bloodstains and game hides were were found in the veld recently, indicating that some community members hunt illegally.

"At night, we see the hunting lights from a distance. These are some community members who want to destroy the conservancy. We have done everything, but so far nobody was caught with a carcass, and our people are tight-lipped and don't report illegal hunting," explained the conservancy vice-chairperson.

She urged illegal hunters to start being responsible because the game is supposed to benefit everyone in the community and not only the poachers.

Kooper also called on all residents in the village to report illegal hunting.

She said a professional hunter has been earmarked to hunt the allocated quota of the animals.

The conservancy has many wild animals, including hyenas and steenbok.

Nampa