Botswana Uses GPS Collars to Protect Lions and Farmers

Farmers in Botswana's North West District are getting a high-tech ally in protecting their livestock: GPS collars that track lions in real time.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has rolled out a comprehensive program that uses early warning systems, specially trained herding dogs, and predator-proof enclosures to reduce conflicts between wildlife and farming communities. Minister Wynter Mmolotsi recently told Parliament that these strategies are transforming how people and animals share the land.

The approach goes beyond just keeping lions away. The department is mapping wildlife corridors to help communities plan where to farm and where to leave migration routes open. Community outreach programs teach farmers practical coexistence strategies that protect both their livelihoods and endangered species.

In the Shorobe area, where 26 lion incidents were reported during the 2025/2026 period, officials have worked to capture and relocate problem animals whenever possible. Hainaveld farmers received support to maintain and electrify fences that keep elephants from destroying crops. The ministry recorded 35 elephant reports and 27 lion reports so far this season.

When prevention isn't enough, the government provides compensation to affected farmers under the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act. Translocation offers problem animals a second chance, with lethal removal only used as a last resort when other options fail.

The Ripple Effect

The Community Based Natural Resource Management program is turning conservation into community wealth. Hunting quotas in agricultural areas generate funds that flow directly back into conflict-mitigation projects, creating a cycle where protecting wildlife also protects farmers' interests.

For the 2026 season, elephant and lion hunting quotas allocated to area NG39 will reinvest proceeds into more protective infrastructure and early warning technology. This model shows communities that wildlife can be an asset rather than just a threat.

The program faces real challenges, including vehicle shortages and maintenance delays due to funding constraints. With only five vehicles dedicated to problem animal control across a vast district, resources are stretched thin. But the ministry continues building capacity through farmer training and expanding the network of predator-proof kraals.

The success stories are adding up in villages where farmers once felt helpless against wildlife damage. Guard dogs alert families before predators arrive, GPS systems give precious time to move livestock to safety, and stronger enclosures mean people can sleep without fear of losing their animals overnight.

Botswana's approach proves that conservation doesn't require choosing between people and wildlife when smart solutions address both needs simultaneously.