Twenty-five years of livestock guarding dog use across Namibian farmlands

Preventing human-wildlife conflict is key to maintaining viable predator populations. In Namibia, over 90% of cheetahs are found outside protected areas, therefore risk with farmers high. Since 1994, the Cheetah Conservation Fund has implemented a programme prevent livestock depredation using guarding dogs (LGDs). Long-term (25-year period) monitoring efforts in Namibia have provided insights on efficiency and performance LGDs farmers‘ perceptions. reduced losses for 91% respondents were highly satisfied their LGD. Poor from behavioural issues, such as “staying at home” “chasing game”, was linked receiving less care being poorer body condition. Unwanted ecological impacts wildlife killings by merit further investigation, but occurrence issues time, suggesting targeted adaptive management approach increase performance. Addressing increasing LGD lifespans understanding under different conditions will be crucial optimising leading better Our long-term study provides unique into successful recommended replicated adapted where imminent human-predator conflicts threaten coexistence.