10 Mar 2015

The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) is aware of the reports by farmers countrywide about a spotted hyena that kills livestock, says Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso.

Responding to a question on behalf of Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Ms Tshireletso told Parliament that MEWT had prioritised to compensate for only nine animals due to limited budget, adding that these consisted of seven species classified as dangerous animals in the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act of 1992 and two species that were  internationally classified as endangered.

She said the seven species consisting of buffalo, crocodile, elephant, hippopotamus, leopard, lion and rhinoceros were selected in cognisance of the dangers they pose to famers as they protect their properties.

Ms Tshireletso noted that the other two, namely cheetah and wild dog were included for conservation purposes to protect them. She said it would be desirable to increase the number of compensable species when resources permit adding that the ministry will continue to compensate the above species with the available limited resources.

Kgalagadi North MP, Mr Itumeleng Moipisi had asked if the minister was aware of the general outcry by farmers countrywide about the spotted hyena, which was killing their livestock and whether the minister will consider enlisting the spotted hyena among the species eligible for compensation. ENDS