Kunene farmers complain about wildlife

COMMUNAL farmers in the Kunene Region near the Ugab River are distraught about livestock losses to wild animals in the area, and have called on Government for a lasting solution to protect their animals from predators.

Johnny Nambimbo, an elderly man farming in a communal area near the Ugab River , told The Namibian that he and fellow farmers continually suffer livestock losses due to attacks by wild animals.According to Nambimbo, the single biggest loss of livestock he has suffered came in 2007 when 38 goats were killed by wild animals. He said goats and calves are often the prey of leopards and caracals.Nambimbo says he lost seven animals in 2010, another seven in 2011 and has already lost two animals this year.Nambimbo said other damage is caused by elephants trampling fences, water pipes and water tanks.’The law says that we cannot kill those animals, but we are suffering losses, so we don’t know what to do. We would appreciate it if the Government could help us, or at least that some good Samaritan could give us advice on how to deal with this issue,’ Nambimbo said.The Namibian contacted the Ministry of Environment and Tourism for comment, but none could be obtained.