In September, our Community Conservation Officer, Morulaganyi Kokole, attended an International Integrated Predator/Livestock Management course hosted by the Cheetah Conservation Fund at its center in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. Fifteen participants from nations including Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Niger, India and Namibia, also took part.

Presentations were made by representatives from a variety of institutions and individuals, both local and international. These covered subjects such as Enhancing Wildlife-based Economies in Rural Area’s, Wildlife Conflict and Land Use, as well as Livestock Management. Genetics also came under discussion, including sampling and the importance of genetic variations in a population. Statistical Analysis and modeling methods were also reviewed.

The course also featured practical exercises and excursions, including visits to local conservancies at Hereroland and Damaraland. Problems were identified and attendees had to come up with practical solutions. The course ended on a social note, with an excursion to Etosha National Park before the presentation of Certificates to all those who took part in the course.

In recent months, CCB has been successful in printing more new community resources. In addition to a new leaflet introducing our Education Programme to the public and to local education professionals, two new leaflets presenting information to farmers on the use of livestock guarding dogs have also been released - in English and Setswana.

These followed the publication of CCB's second book, 'The Predator-Safe Livestock Guide'. The 56 page book promotes the use of livestock management techniques, including the construction and use of livestock kraals, the introduction of guard animals, plus the art of animal and range management - all of which promote predator deterance and non-lethal control. The Predator-Safe Livestock Guide is available without charge to farmers and can be viewed or downloaded from this web site. Visit the Downloads section.