ALL GREAT PROJECTS - NEED GREAT SPONSORSHIPS

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1 ALL GREAT PROJECTS - NEED GREAT SPONSORSHIPS SPONSOR A COMMUNAL STOCK KRAAL AND SUPPORT FARMERS PROTECT THEIR CATTLE Since its inception during the early 90 s, AfriCat s main goal has always been to find a workable solution to the ever present farmer-predator conflict on both freehold and communal farm land. AfriCat s field base, situated along the South-Western Etosha National Park boundary, is especially familiar with high stock losses due to lions leaving the confines of the park leading to the unabated, retaliatory persecution of these and other carnivores in the area. The lion range extends west, southwest and northwest of Etosha upwards to the Skeleton Coast, with small prides and individuals residing in a number of the communal conservancies of the Kunene Region. Here, livestock farmers share habitat with these lions as well as other conflict species such as hyenas, leopards, cheetahs and elephants.

2 Despite the growing local willingness to live with wildlife, communal farmers struggle to survive in this harsh environment, and despite the ever present threat to their livestock, be it predators or theft, a few have adapted effective livestock management tactics, leaving their grazing cattle unattended during the day as well as the night a happy invitation to predators to grab a quick meal. Since farming is a big pillar of the Namibian economy, as well as rooted deeply in local custom and tradition, it is inevitable for intolerance from stock losses to grow, resulting in a large number of these carnivores to be shot, poisoned or trapped. AfriCat s Livestock Protection Programme includes supporting farming communities through guidance and advice on improving livestock management and protective measures, specifically with regards to arid-adaptive programmes, herding and kraaling (herding domestic animals into strong enclosures at night, to protect them from marauding predators and theft). For the youth, cultivating a Conservation Through Education attitude is fundamental in ensuring a greater tolerance and appreciation for Namibia s wildlife. In the end, it will determine what world we leave behind for the new generation, and what generation we leave behind for the world. Livestock Protection Programme: Lion-proof Stock Kraals The communal livestock kraals which AfriCat constructs are 2.2m high, between 20m and 50m wide, and 50m 70m long. At times, only an upgrade is required. (i.e. the original kraal is taken down, and a higher kraal rebuilt in its place, using all the original material). The apron the base of the erected fence which is a section of mesh wire that is dug into the ground and stabilized with rocks, preventing entry by burrowing predators, completes the kraal.

3 Mobile Stock-Kraal Canvas Barriers Living alongside wildlife, especially so-called conflict species, such as carnivores, elephant, hippo and crocodile, is challenging, and the high cost of erecting kraals (bomas) and remunerating herdsmen, is oftentimes unattainable by communal farmers. The Founders of AfriCat were raised on farmland and have tried and tested many kraal designs - in the wilderness areas of Namibia s Northwest, the use of mobile kraals has proven successful in protecting livestock at night, especially when they are grazing too far away from the homestead to return to safety before nightfall. Ideally, once the animals are moved to another grazing area, the mobile structures are taken along, ensuring protection each night. The Farmer The farmers are in charge of maintaining their kraal, and AfriCat re-visits each kraal sponsored on a regular basis, to ensure that the communal farmers keep to their side of the agreement, to repair and maintain this nocturnal kraal. AfriCat provides assistance only to the farmers who agree to ensure their cattle are kraaled at night. We have noticed a positive change regarding the attitude and co-operation when a farmer is able to safely kraal his animals at night.

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5 More about what AfriCat s community programme entails: The AfriCat Conservation Through Education programme encourages the youth and farming communities of the Kunene, as well as other regions, to participate in our environmental education programmes, ultimately establishing a deep seated consciousness of environmental issues facing the world both locally and abroad. We also aim to change attitudes and foster commitment to the conservation of wildlife on a global scale. Based at the AfriCat wilderness camp, students from both local and foreign schools, community locals as well as farmers are able to experience firsthand the essence of wildlife conservation inside protected areas such as Hobatere and The Etosha National Park. Activities such as wildlife viewing in their natural habitat, constructing a kraal for a family, interaction with park wardens and tourists alike, are all means of education to last a lifetime. In this way, surrounding communities will be convinced of the long term value of the conservation and protection of wildlife in the Etosha National Park, as well as adjacent conservancies.

6 Sponsor a stock kraal for communal farmers: Funding in Namibian $ and US$ Namibian $ US$ One Kraal Construction for 350 heads of cattle (Including new materials) 50, ,556 Total Funds Needed in N$ 50, Total Funds Needed in US$ 3,