WINDHOEK, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Following an increase in human wildlife conflict (HWC) cases, communities living in Namibia's conservancy areas are pleading with the government to relocate dangerous wildlife residing there.
The communities who were giving testimonials on the impact of HWC in their areas to the National Council Standing Committee on Habitat that is currently conducting Public Hearings on Human Wildlife Conflict in the northern regions on Tuesday said that they live in constant fear.
A member of Omatjete community Isai Upendura narrated the killing of a young man who was trampled by an elephant in February this year leading them to start a group called "No more elephants in Daures," which helps tackle HWC.
"These wild beasts are terrorizing and killing family and friends as well as damaging property," Upendura said.
The communities have since handed a petition to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism asking for the relocation of elephants to the Etosha National Park.
Incidents of HWC are on the increase in the country in areas inhabited by elephants, especially in Erongo region where desert adapted elephants leave their habitats mainly in search of food and water.
Last week, stray lions escaped from the Etosha National Park and killed 19 goats in one night, leaving one livestock farmer in the area financially devastated.
