Eleven lions were killed by farmers in Kenya as the cases of climate-related human-wildlife conflicts continue to rise in the country.
The killings were part of a retaliatory attack, following a night raid that resulted in the loss of livestock. The farmers have also expressed displeasure at how wild animals have been straying into human settlements, causing destruction.
They accused the concerned government agencies of responding late or not at all, leading to losses. “Enough is enough. For some time now wild animals have been causing mayhem in homes, only for officials to arrive late after losses. The government must now henceforth be proactive and put measures in place to safeguard farms and livestock.” said Benson Lenku, a herder from Kajiado County, a region with one of Kenya's highest reported cases of human-wildlife conflicts.
The Kenyan government has since warned locals about killing wild animals. The authorities along with the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), have also promised to work with locals to find lasting solutions.
But, what is causing this rise in climate-linked human-wildlife conflicts? Climate change, changing land use and human, livestock and wildlife population increase are the major drivers of spiraling human-wildlife conflicts in Kenya.
According to a 2022 report on Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Schemes by the Ministry of Tourism, human-wildlife conflicts are rampant in the drylands of five regions, including Narok, Taita-Taveta, Lamu, Kajiado and Laikipia.
The report also noted that severe drought experienced across the Horn of Africa, where communities, wildlife and livestock share landscapes, has worsened the situation.
The three most common conflict types include the destruction of crops (50 per cent), attacks on humans (27.3 per cent) and livestock depredation (17.6 per cent). The most destructive animals include elephants, leopards and lions.
Kenya is already at risk of extinction of lions. According to KWS, the African lion population has declined by 43 per cent in the last 20 years. Lions now occupy only 8 per cent of their historical range in Africa with an estimated number of 20,000 lions across Africa.
As the climate changes and food and water sources get scarce, there must be concerted efforts to increase physical barriers to keep animals in protected areas.
Experts, who acknowledge it’s impossible to completely eradicate the conflicts, are calling for ramping up mitigation efforts for peaceful human-wildlife coexistence.
This includes the use of technologies such as predator lights to keep wild animals at a distance. Developmental activities such as the initiation of more water projects are also encouraged.
This will reduce the distances women travel looking for water and leave natural sources like rivers, streams, caves and gorges for wildlife.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), human-wildlife conflicts are among some of the main threats to the long-term survival of certain emblematic species and require immediate attention.
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