Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Born Free is pleased to share the findings of a three-year project it has supported to improve livestock kraal design around the Khutse Game Reserve, Botswana.

Lion predation has historically triggered widespread resentment and lethal retribution from farming communities throughout the Kalahari region. Recognising the need to restore a more peaceful co-existence between people and predators, the team at Leopard Ecology and Conservation expanded their remit to mitigate the conflicts with lions. Born Free has supported their efforts to design and test various door mechanisms, identifying the most appropriate and cost-effective methods of securing livestock when under greatest threat from predation.

Whilst the report concludes that there is no substitute for direct herding of livestock, it presents evidence that the correct design and use of a well made kraal can make livestock management easier and more effective, whilst also reducing conflicts with lions.

This report – which can be downloaded here – has provided timely information to the Born Free Kenya team who are helping pastoralist farmers protect their livestock in lion-proof bomas around Amboseli National Park.