Problem Animal Control Workshop Hosted by Tsabong Wildlife

The objectives of the workshop were to share ideas and experience on problem animal control methods and to acquaint participants with knowledge to mitigate predator conflicts, understand the importance of wildlife and its benefits and on compensation procedures. Invited stakeholders included Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) represented by Mr Kokole & Mr Tagwa, Department of Immigration in Bray, Botswana Unified Revenue Service and Botswana Police Service.

CCB talked at length about good livestock management techniques and preventative methods which can reduce livestock loss to predation, such as good kraal designs, good livestock managers who have knowledge of predators in the area, use of livestock guard dogs and record keeping. Farmers were advised to take proper care of their guard dogs and livestock managers to enjoy the benefits of sustainable management practices. CCB provides free veterinary care to dogs that have been placed as guard dogs such as sterilisation, vaccination and de-worming. Farmers were also advised to protect their livestock using other techniques such as kraaling livestock at night to avoid them becoming easy opportunities to predators. Better knowledge and management will result in improved health, quality and productivity of livestock, thus improving the wealth of farmers.