My Name is the Lorax

 A few words on conservancies and Namibia. This is one of the creative solutions that the government has found for managing the wildlife and human conflict. It also helps to preserve wild places and water sources.  In addition to national parks this is one more arrow in the quiver. 

The place where we are staying is in one such conservancy, and a great example of a success story. The Khoadi//Hoas Comservancy (which means Elephants Corner).  This area was nearly devoid of large wildlife 30 years ago. 

It’s establishment defined the roles of all with zones for different activities and a compensation process for the areas where there are small settlements if there is livestock loss (say, from a lion). The lodge created a means for ecotourism and engagement for the local community for wildlife management and prevention of poaching. The black faced impala and the black rhino are back and populations are increasing (there is one new baby rhino and another is about to deliver!). There is a source of employment for the local people, who now actually are owner operators. Jim saw a rhino today. The guide says they haven’t had poaching issues in a long time. 

We are having a sunset drive tonight, going to the area where there is a geocache. Which I couldn’t get today. Why? Fresh leopard and lion tracks noted this morning. Yeah, I will defer. And enjoy the ride!