- 4 lions, 14 vultures killed in poisoning incident
Vultures continue to be collateral damage in the waging Human/wildlife conflict in the Chobe area, where farmers continually lace carcasses with poison, targeting predators that kill their livestock. Instead of mainly predators falling prey to this illegal practice by farmers, raptors take the bait first, thereby dying in large numbers.
In a recent incident four lions, 14 vultures and one black-backed jackal were killed due to poisoning in Lesoma village, and the main suspects are farmers in the area, whose livestock is reportedly attacked by predators in the area. In a retaliatory move, farmers lace the same carcasses with poison in an effort to kill the predators.
Wildlife authorities in the area have confirmed the latest incident which brought the total number of vultures killed in poisoning incidents to 55 since the beginning of the year. This is a number too much for the dwindling vulture population in the wild.
Chobe Regional Wildlife Officer, Batshani Nduchwa told The Ngami Times this week that they received the report on December 4th, adding the investigations to determine the substance used in poisoning the carcass is ongoing.
While investigations continue, Nduchwa stated that no suspects have been apprehended yet in connection with this incident.
Nduchwa further revealed; from the beginning of January this year to date, the department has recorded a total of 55 cases of wildlife poisoning which occurred in Kachikau, Parakarungu and Lesoma villages respectively.
He noted that 35 vultures were killed at Shandowenzi cattle post, Kachikau on September 4, and another six killed in Parakarungu on July 10th. Further and latest incident saw14 vultures were also killed in Lesoma 04th December 2025. He however stated that from January 2024 to date, no suspects have been apprehended or found guilty.
“It is evident that farmers are involved in wildlife poisoning in retaliation often for livestock loss due to predation (Human‑Wildlife Conflict),”he said.
He highlighted that some of the negative impacts of wildlife poisoning including loss of apex predators destabilises ecosystems. Nduchwa added that wildlife poisoning also results in decline of scavengers, increasing disease risks and also threatens endangered species and weakens ecological resilience.
“Botswana’s tourism relies heavily on wildlife viewing. Poisoning incidents damage the country’s reputation as a safe wildlife destination. Reduced predator and raptor populations diminish visitor experiences, leading to economic losses for communities,” he said.
Nduchwa said that suspects found guilty under the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act could serve one year in prison and a fine of P1000.
Vultures critically endangered
There are five classified vulture species found in Botswana and among them are considered critically endangered and these include Hooded Vulture, White backed vulture, Lappet Faced, White headed, while one being Cape Vulture is considered endangered and vulnerable to extinction.
According to Birdlife Botswana Project Manager Percy Percy over a three-year period 252 vultures have been found dead in Chobe and Gumare due to illegal poison baits placed on animal carcasses.
Percy stated that this deliberate poisoning continues despite being unlawful and despite educational campaigns about its broad dangers.
In response, he said that BirdLife Botswana is combating the emerging threat of lead poisoning from ingested bullet fragments, forming a national working group and action plan.
He noted that these combined efforts aim to address both immediate and long-term threats to vulture populations and public health. Percy has urged the public to report any poisoning incidents to help mitigate this ongoing crisis.
It is estimated that over the past five years an estimated 10,000 vultures died due to poisoning across Southern Africa, with 6,000 in Namibia and adjacent Botswana.
