07 May 2026

The auction a lion in Maun, has raised over P1 million, with proceeds set to fund community-led initiatives aimed at strengthening human-wildlife coexistence in the Hainaveld area.

Managing Director of Auction It, Mr Adrian Rass, confirmed that the lion was sold for P1 000 035 000 during the auction conducted on behalf of the Hainaveld Farmers Association.

The auction forms part of an experimental lion hunting quota introduced by government as a strategy to manage increasing human-wildlife conflict, particularly in areas where predators population overlap into farming communities.

Hainaveld Farmers Association vice chairperson in NG39 concession area, Mr Othata Dikobe said the funds would be channeled toward initiatives that seek to reduce conflict between communities and wildlife, particularly in areas where farmers continue to experience livestock losses.

He said a significant portion of the proceeds would be used to intensify community education programmes, aimed at equipping residents with knowledge and practical strategies for living alongside wildlife.

“We want to ensure that communities understand how to coexist with wildlife while protecting their livelihoods,” he said. 

He further noted that part of the funds would be directed toward electrifying boundary fences, a measure expected to help deter wild animals from encroaching into farming areas.

Mr Dikobe added that the association was working closely with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to explore additional interventions that could strengthen ongoing conservation efforts while addressing the needs of affected communities.

Meanwhile, acting treasurer of the Hainaveld Farmers Association, Mr Kealeboga Tudor said the association would soon roll out training programmes for farmers focused on improved cattle herding practices.

He explained that better herding techniques play a critical role in reducing livestock vulnerability to predators, thereby minimising losses and easing tensions between farmers and wildlife.

“The training of farmers in herding livestock will entail measures in which they can protect themselves against wildlife and how to deter them from livestock areas,” he said.

The initiative came against the backdrop of continued human-wildlife conflict in parts of the North West District, where communities living near wildlife areas often face challenges associated with predator attacks on livestock.

Efforts such as community education, infrastructure improvement and farmer training are increasingly being prioritised as part of a broader approach to balance conservation goals with the protection of rural livelihoods.

The lion auction was therefore seen as one of the practical steps being taken by stakeholders to mobilise resources and implement solutions that promote sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife. ENDS