Human-lion Conflict: A Growing Concern in Hwange District
Human-lion conflict is a pressing issue in Hwange District, Zimbabwe, where livestock depredation by lions and other predators is a significant threat to farmers’ livelihoods. According to the Hwange Rural District Council (RDC) Environment Department’s Problem Animal Control report book for 2024, lions were responsible for 120 livestock losses, hyenas for 125, crocodiles for 86, and leopards for 35. Although lions prey on almost all livestock, they kill more cattle than any other predator, which means that lions cause the most damages in terms of economic value.
Human and wildlife conflict in Hwange, 2024, (Source: Hwange RDC Environment Dept. PAC report Book, 2024)
The conflict between humans and lions is exacerbated by the intrusion of livestock into protected areas in search of grazing land during droughts. The frequent droughts in Zimbabwe and the rest Southern Africa due to the El Niño weather system has thus resulted in more livestock losses to lions and other predators. Some lions will even kill livestock that are kept in bomas overnight. As a result, human tolerance of lions decreases during these times, resulting in more lions being killed in retaliation.
Guarding livestock to prevent them from being killed by predators is a crucial practice, especially in areas where wildlife and domestic animals come into regular contact. Effective livestock guarding involves a variety of strategies, including preventing livestock from straying into forestry areas and hiring herders to closely monitor the animals while they graze. The communities are also building fortified bomas to prevent lions from accessing livestock during the night.
CAMPFIRE committees and Hwange RDC continue to educate local communities about ways to reduce the risks of lion attacks on livestock, the role of lions in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the benefits from lions through eco-tourism. Additionally, compensation schemes are needed to reimburse farmers for any losses incurred due to predation.
Map showing the movements of problematic species in Hwange communal areas, with lions being the most frequently reported during the month of February 2025.
