Tourists from Europe come to Namibia primarily, or even mainly, to experience its wildlife. By visiting state and private parks, they contribute significantly to its protection. And yet, this is not enough. A considerable portion of predator populations must be considered threatened.
This was revealed in new estimates of predator populations. They were presented at a meeting of government officials, researchers, farmers, hunters, and representatives of tourism companies in Windhoek in mid-August. The event was organised by the Large Carnivore Management Association of Namibia (LCMAN) and the World Wildlife Fund Namibia (WWF).
The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) described the figures for 11 of the 34 terrestrial predator species in Namibia as alarming. Six species must be classified as threatened, and another five as critically endangered.
The situation is particularly critical for the African wild dog, which is considered critically endangered in Namibia. Experts estimate the cheetah population at 130 to 350 animals in approximately 35 prides. The total cheetah population in Namibia is currently estimated at around 1,200 individuals.
The experts largely agreed that nature reserves alone cannot protect predators that do not recognise park boundaries. Park rangers, farmers, lodge operators, and local communities must work together. Continuous monitoring using standardised methods and a structured exchange of data are also crucial.
Lions at the Okondeka waterhole in Etosha National Park in northern Namibia. Photo: Sven-Eric Stender