Maria David
THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) will be publicly selling a total of 40 crocodiles as a measure to minimize conflicts, according to spokesperson Romeo Muyunda.
Muyunda announced on Wednesday that due to effective conservation methods, Namibia has witnessed a significant recovery in wildlife populations, establishing the country as a global leader in conservation.
However, Muyunda also highlighted that this recovery has led to an increase in Human Wildlife Conflict, as a large portion of the country’s wildlife exists outside national parks.
Crocodile attacks on people and livestock continue to be a problem in the northeastern regions of Kavango West, Kavango East, and Zambezi, and the sale of the 40 crocodiles aims to minimize such incidents and mitigate the impact of crocodile conflicts on communities, explained Muyunda.
The decision aligns with the recommendations made at the recently concluded conference on human-wildlife conflict management, urging the ministry to reduce the number of crocodiles in affected regions.
Since 2019, the Ministry has paid over N$2.3 million in compensation for losses caused by crocodiles, including livestock losses, injuries to people, and human fatalities.
Muyunda stated that individuals wishing to export the crocodiles must provide official proof that the conservation authorities of their respective countries permit such exports. The capture of the crocodiles will be conducted under the full supervision of the Ministry, with the buyer covering the capturing costs.
Buyers will be responsible for all related activities, including disease testing and necessary post-capture care, and they must demonstrate that they have suitable habitats for the crocodiles.
The crocodiles will be sold through a tender process, where interested parties can submit written financial offers in sealed envelopes indicating the price per individual animal. Offers should be deposited in the tender box at the MEFT headquarters by July 17, 2023, emphasized Muyunda.
