Wildlife Credits impact
Lions and Community Protection
In 2013, lions in Wuparo Conservancy killed 135 cattle, and 17 lions were shot in retaliation. The conflict highlighted the need for conservation support in tough times.
To reduce these clashes, the Kwando Carnivore Project helped upgrade cattle enclosures (“kraals”). This led to a 90% drop in lion attacks on livestock.
Meanwhile, WWF and lodge operator Wild Waters Group launched a Wildlife Credits program in 2016. Under this, Nkasa Lupala Lodge paid Wuparo Conservancy based on the number of lion sightings. The total payment (N$51,425) helped fund six more lion-proof kraals.
Protecting Black Rhinos
In the Kunene region, //Huab Conservancy and Ultimate Safaris developed a similar program for rhinos. Since 2018, N$181,240 has been paid through Wildlife Credits for confirmed black rhino sightings, with the lodge operator contributing N$14,525.
The funds have gone toward hiring rangers and expanding radar systems to monitor and protect rhinos, ensuring long-term survival of this iconic species.
Elephant Corridor
For generations, the Sobbe Conservancy has protected a vital elephant migration corridor by avoiding farming or building along the route. In 2018, Distell Namibia and Amarula partnered with Wildlife Credits, investing N$130,000 to reward the community for keeping the corridor open. The community used these funds to bring electricity to six villages, directly benefiting over 1,000 people.
Ongoing monitoring, including satellite imagery, camera traps, and patrols shows the corridor is used by elephants and over two dozen species, including lions, leopards, roan antelope, and African wild dogs.
One exciting find: a brown hyaena, the northernmost record of the species.
