Human wildlife conflict in Namibia on the increase: official

Namibia's human wildlife conflict is on the increase with a total of seven lives lost this year since January, according to the environment ministry.

In a statement on Friday the ministry said the latest incident was that of a man, Lourens Hindjou, who was killed on Tuesday at Omungambu village near Omatjete in Daures Constituency, Erongo region.

"Sadly, the incidents of human wildlife conflict are on the increase in areas where elephants are prevalent especially in Erongo region where desert adapted elephants leave their habitats mainly in the Ugab area in search of food and water," the statement read.

According to the ministry, from time to time, elephants wander into villages and the conflicts tend to occur.

The ministry said it will continue to ensure that conflicts between humans and wildlife is reduced.

The ministry cautioned the public, especially those that reside in conservancy areas and communities where there are elephants or any dangerous predators, to always be vigilant and avoid walking at night in the bush.

Furthermore, the ministry appealed to tourists to refrain from using drones and taking pictures at very close range to the elephants.

Since the unfortunate incident was reported, the ministry said the elephant was tracked and put down on Thursday as it was declared a problem animal. Endit