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Conserving Large Carnivores: Strengthening Livestock Protection and Human–Wildlife Coexistence
Updated: Apr 4, 2025
For pastoralist communities, livestock is incredibly important—it represents their bank account, security, and livelihood. Yet, living alongside large carnivores, especially lions, can be a constant challenge. These predators are among the most difficult species for humans to co-exist with, capable of wiping out a family’s wealth in a single night, let alone the risk of having your family member injured or even killed. This kind of conflict is highly damaging for local people, and also leads to high levels of preventative and retaliatory killing, so is one of the key threats driving carnivore declines.
In Morijoh, Laikipia, one pastoralist lost multiple goats to hyaenas in just one week. Facing repeated losses, he needed a solution—and quickly. Across Laikipia, similar challenges play out daily as communities strive to protect their livestock. At Lion Landscapes, we work with pastoralists to help implement practical, evidence-based strategies that reduce conflict, help secure livelihoods, and improve the outlook for the long term human-wildlife coexistence.
Strengthening Livestock Enclosures, Protecting Livelihoods
Left to Right: Livestock enclosure reinforced traditionally and livestock enclosure reinforced with wire.
After the second attack, Lion Extension Officers (LEOs) worked with the affected household to compare the cost of investing in more secure materials against the financial and emotional toll of ongoing losses. With their guidance, this pastoralist reinforced his traditional livestock enclosure using triple-twist wire and treated fence poles, significantly improving its security. Noticing that neighbours had already upgraded, he did not want to be the weak link in his community’s defences.
“If I keep losing goats, what do I have left? This is my family’s future.” — Pastoralist, Morijoh.
During the same visit, we observed a nearby homestead using a multi-layered approach to protection. The family combined strong wooden boards, wire, thorn brush, and predator deterrent lights (distributed at a recent Morijoh CCT+ benefit event). They also devised a homemade wind-powered noisemaker—showing how multiple strategies can reduce the likelihood of predator incursions.
This served as a reminder that no single intervention is foolproof, but a combination of reinforced livestock enclosures, deterrent lights, and community-led innovations can greatly diminish predation risks.
Reducing Livestock Losses = Reducing Retaliation Against Carnivores
Protecting livestock is not just about safeguarding livelihoods—it is also about minimising retaliatory actions against large carnivores. Every prevented attack lowers the chance that a pastoralist might resort to poisoning or hunting lions, hyaenas, and leopards, which can have devastating impacts for multiple species (including vultures) in one event.
Still, reinforced livestock enclosures alone will not guarantee the conservation of large carnivore populations. More sustainable co-existence calls for a multi-pronged approach, including:
Community buy-in and collaboration – so local families remain committed to maintaining and improving protective measures.
Tangible benefits from wildlife at the household and community level – so people see real gains, not just fewer losses.
Broader conservation strategies – for instance, predator deterrents, financial incentives, and field-based monitoring that adapt to local conditions.
Much remains to be done, and reducing livestock depredation is only part of the bigger picture.
Addressing Practical Challenges
Left to Right: Installation of fortified livestock enclosure and an enclosure protected using predator deterrent lights.
1. Improving Predator Deterrent Lights
Predator deterrent lights have proved highly beneficial for pastoralists, particularly in areas where livestock enclosures are temporary or herd sizes vary. However, in the Selous/Nyerere landscape, around 30% of these lights have failed prematurely—leading to frustration, increased costs, and potentially a drop in trust regarding options suggested by conservation groups. We have identified a potentially more reliable supplier in Kenya and are trialling lights that we hope will be much more durable.
2. Securing High-Quality Wire for Reinforced Livestock Enclosures
Market shifts in Tanzania have made it difficult to source high-tensile wire, which was once readily available. Direct imports may be necessary to maintain the quality needed for livestock enclosures. We are also exploring more cost-effective alternatives so communities can continue building or upgrading their enclosures securely.
Evaluating Impact: New Lion Landscapes Research in Ruaha
A recent study in Tanzania’s Ruaha region highlights how reinforced livestock enclosures help reduce human–carnivore conflict:
94% decrease in livestock predation in the short term.
60% reduction over the longer term.
Up to 8:1 return on investment for households when enclosures are subsidised.
The study finds that regular maintenance and community support are critical for lasting effectiveness. This finding aligns with Lion Landscapes’ experiences—multiple lines of defence, including reinforced enclosures and predator deterrent lights, can help minimise livestock losses and encourage a more positive outlook on large carnivore conservation.
Read more about this research here.
Looking Ahead: A Broader Approach
When lights fail or materials are scarce, Lion Defenders (LDs) and LEOs focus on strengthening existing livestock enclosures and recommending practical interim solutions:
“While reinforced livestock enclosures and deterrents are essential tools, conservation cannot succeed on technical solutions alone. Real change happens when communities take ownership of protecting their livestock. Financial investment is only part of the equation—local leadership and engagement are just as critical to long-term success.” — Alayne Cotterill, Joint CEO, Lion Landscapes
Although reinforced livestock enclosures and deterrent lights can reduce conflict now, securing large carnivore populations in the longer term relies on broader strategies—such as economic incentives for communities and ongoing field monitoring to adapt our methods as local needs evolve.
Catch up on our previous monthly updates to see how we are helping to tackle challenges across various landscapes, and what comes next in our work to ensure a future where both local communities and wildlife can flourish.
Help Make Large Carnivore Conservation Valuable to Local Communities
Your support enables us to co-develop practical, evidence-based approaches with local communities, which help reduce conflict, protect livelihoods, and create an easier future for both people and wildlife.
If you'd like to stay involved, share this update, follow us on social media, and help spread the word about the importance of coexistence!
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The strategies highlighted in your article, especially the use of reinforced livestock enclosures, truly illustrate how practical solutions can foster coexistence with large carnivores. The example of the pastoralist in Morijoh taking proactive measures to protect his livestock shows the importance of community collaboration and innovation. It's inspiring to see how these approaches not only secure livelihoods but also help in reducing retaliatory actions against these majestic animals. In my own experience with community initiatives, I've seen how understanding social dynamics can enhance support for wildlife conservation efforts. For those curious about their social energy and how it impacts community engagement, SBTI Match is a fun tool to explore that.
The challenges faced by pastoralists, such as the loss of livestock to predators, highlight the urgent need for effective solutions like reinforced enclosures. It's inspiring to see how proactive communities are working together to implement strategies that not only protect their livelihoods but also promote coexistence with large carnivores. The statistic showing a 94% reduction in livestock predation is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of these methods. As someone interested in wildlife conservation, I appreciate how this approach balances human needs with ecological health, and I’m curious about innovative tools that can support these efforts, like those found at AI Miniature Generator.
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