Developing a community guardian programme to reduce livestock depredation
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The case study focuses on the Trans-Kalahari Predator Programme (TKPP), part of Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, aiming to reduce human-wildlife conflict, particularly livestock depredation, near Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The TKPP developed a community guardian program called the Long Shields Lion Guardian Programme (LSLGP). Local men and women were recruited to serve as guardians and protect livestock from predators. They used GPS collars on potential problem lions, alerting farmers via WhatsApp to move their livestock when lions approached. The guardians also hazed lions using noise makers. Additionally, the TKPP introduced mobile communal bomas to protect livestock and fertilize crop fields. The LSLGP resulted in a 50% reduction in livestock losses by lions, and fewer lions were killed in retaliation. Crop yields in fields with mobile bomas increased by up to 50%, improving food security. Local communities showed a positive attitude towards coexisting with lions and were willing to pay for the programs. Lessons learned include the importance of local researchers, communication, community involvement, and flexibility in implementation.