Human dimensions of human–lion conflict: a pre- and post-assessment of a lion conservation programme in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

A targeted lion conservation programme in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, significantly increased local stakeholder tolerance towards carnivores through innovative management strategies. The study found that while overall tolerance improved post-intervention, villagers remained wary of lions near their homes. Key interventions included predator-proof livestock enclosures, GPS-tracked early warning systems, depredation investigations, and educational programmes. These efforts were more effective than the existing government compensation scheme, which faced criticism for delayed and insufficient payments. The research highlights that intensive, community-focused conservation can mitigate human-carnivore conflict by balancing biological and social factors.

LeFlore, E. G., Fuller, T. K., Tomeletso, M., Dimbindo, T. C., & Stein, A. B. (2020). Human dimensions of human–lion conflict: a pre- and post-assessment of a lion conservation programme in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Environmental Conservation, 47(3), 182–189. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0376892920000120