The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has registered a slight increase of human wildlife conflict incidents in Chobe against the ones recorded in the previous quarter.
The department registered 44 cases among which 41 were compensatory while three were not as compared to the 41 received in previous quarter out of which 21 attracted compensations. The 44 cases which were brought forward were compensated at a total P703, 859.07 for the damage caused compared to only 10 compensated at P162, 422.20 in the second quarter.
This was revealed by Chobe District Council Chairman Johane Chenjekwa during the full council meeting that was held in Kasane this week. Chenjekwa has revealed that there was an improvement in the government paying system which was a big challenge in the previous quarter hence a great increase of 86% in the amount paid.
‘‘I note with concern that there are times when there are delays in crediting of compensation funds to victims whose property is damaged by wildlife due to technical glitches with the Pula Card or unavailability of funds. However, the DWNP has often countered the challenge through the use of EFT which seems a lot more efficient,’’ he said.
Chenjekwa noted that the department is currently reviewing compensation rates and species that should attract payment. He indicated that the review of compensation guidelines is a welcome development that should bring relief to farmers who suffer damage due to problem animals.
He has expressed that in a way to mitigate damage of these problematic animals, a total of 59 warthogs were captured and translocated from Mowana lodge into the park during the period between October 2024 and December 2024.
He further indicated that DWNP has deployed the use of a program known as Earth Range that facilitates integration, collection and analysis of conservation data by various technology tools. According to him, the project consists of a control room with associated equipment and towers that are installed in Chobe National Park.
‘‘The control room based at the Regional Wildlife Office has been completed with necessary equipment installations. Communication radios have also been installed in five vehicles and training of 10 officers has been done,’’ he said.
He said that the main challenge thus far has been slow implementation of the project resulting from delayed deployment of staff in the control room and purchasing of equipment to support the running of the program.
Chenjekwa has further revealed that DWNP in partnership with KAZA TFCA is constructing dog kennels to help in combating wildlife related crimes in the region. He noted that it is envisioned that at its full operation, the facility with associated operations will enhance detection and consequent suppression of cross border transfer of illicit wildlife products.
Chenjekwa has indicated that the tender award for the project is expected to be done by the end of February 2025 and construction will start by mid-March 2025. He said that the materials for the project have already been procured and DWNP is funding procurement of materials while KAZA TCFA will fund the labor component.
