Niassa Carnivore Project
Large carnivores, particularly the African lion, leopard, spotted hyaena and African wild dog, epitomize wilderness Africa and are integral to ecotourism and sport hunting that bring in essential revenues for Reserve management.
It is estimated that there are between 800 – 1000 lions in the Reserve. However, the growing lion population is causing a significant cost to the communities living in the Reserve. In the last 30 years there have been 75 lion attacks, with 11 people killed and 18 people injured in the last 8 years alone.
The project focuses on understanding the local context of lion attacks and snaring, so that practical, sustainable and community based solutions can be identified.
Community education is already underway focusing on safe behaviours and ways of reducing conflict with carnivores. Bamboo and thorny fences are being tested to reduce contact between lions and people in villages and fields.
Click to download the update reports and studies from this Project.
