Lions and other animals attack cattle and domestic animals near Kenya’s natural parks. This is an increasing problem as humans and wildlife continue to compete for land and resources.
After killing Kenya’s oldest lion, herders slaughtered six others.
Kenya’s wildlife department reported six lions killing goats and a dog in settlements near Amboseli National Park in the south.
Three days after herders killed 19-year-old male lion Loonkiito, they were speared.
Richard Bonham, executive chairman of Big Life Foundation Kenya, stated that the organization’s rangers attempted to disperse a group of nine lions after they attacked a homestead’s goats and dog on Saturday, but only six of the lions would depart.
Police, a veterinarian, and Kenya Wildlife Service representatives arrived on the scene, and it was decided that the remaining lions should be kept in the Big Life Foundation compound until the next night when they could depart safely under the cover of darkness.
Mr. Bonham stated, “Throughout the course of the day, tensions escalated as dozens of individuals broke through the compound fence and speared all six lions”.
Many members of the crowd were armed with spears, and any intervention by KWS, the Kenya Police Service. Or Big Life would have risked escalating a highly volatile situation and almost undoubtedly caused human injury or death.
“While we are relieved that no humans were injured, this isolated but tragic incident is a stark illustration of the difficulties inherent in ensuring the coexistence of humans and wildlife.”
Herders have killed ten lions in the past week, hurting conservation and tourism.
Humans move into animal habitats, increasing the likelihood of animals trespassing on private land for food.
The conflict between humanity and other species
The Kenyan government and conservation organisations compensate herders whose livestock is killed by wild animals. And locals are encouraged to report roaming lions to the wildlife agency rather than kill them.
However, east Africa is also experiencing its worst drought in decades, so herders are particularly protective of their animals.
The wildlife service stated that it had convened with the local community to find a solution to the escalating conflict. But did not specify what, if anything, had been agreed upon.
