First caracal study underway

THE first large-scale study on caracals ever conducted has just been launched in Namibia.

The study is being conducted by Aletris Neils from the University of Arizona’s Wildcat Research Unit and Executive Director of Conservation CATalyst. The study will examine various methods used to control caracals on livestock farms and focus on finding solutions to typical wildlife and farmer conflicts. The project aims to study over 20 caracals who will be captured and fitted with VHS and GPS radio collars. ‘By comparing livestock versus natural kills, we can start to examine food preference and if control methods affect caracal prey selection,’ Aletris explained. Caracal collaring on farms is in full swing and has already provided valuable data. Aletris added that to date all study animals have only selected wild game. If collared caracals begin to take livestock, the farmer will be notified according to study protocol. ‘We plan to provide solutions that benefit both farmers and caracals,’ she said. Lethal control is currently used to manage caracals throughout their range. Although lethal control may provide a short-term solution because there is an immediate outcome, it is not the only solution and can even lead to additional problems, the researcher said. One of the long-term impacts of lethal control include ecological cascades that may result in higher numbers of jackals. ‘There is a balance in nature, and we often don’t understand the repercussions of our actions until it is too late,’ Aletris warned. Non-lethal solutions that could be more effective at reducing conflict with predators, such as kraaling animals at night and during lambing seasons, or by utilising guarding animals, are being offered to farmers. Another problem is finding reliable control methods that can be used by all farmers, regardless of economic status.’Many farmers are operating right at their income boundaries, and these people need solutions to prevent livestock losses from predators that are not going to cost them a lot of money,’ says Aletris. Losses from a single problem caracal could potentially be the difference between making and losing money in any given year to some small-scale farmers. Aletris recognises that there is a critical relationship between an area’s predator population, livestock management practices, and the impact on farming economics. Farmers interested in having a caracal radio collared on their farm can contact Aletris directly. In addition, Aletris asks that if any farmer kills a caracal that they place the carcass in the deep freeze where it will be collected. For further information or to participate in this project, please contact Aletris at (+264) 81 625 1122. Email may be sent to: Aletris@conservationcatalyst.com.

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