In many parts of the world, humans live alongside wildlife and within their natural habitats. There are many examples of peaceful coexistence with different species, something which indigenous cultures have long practiced and advocated for, but as human populations grow and encroach on the territories of wild animals, conflicts can arise.

In the Kajiado county of Kenya, for example, drought causes competition between pastoralist communities and wild animals seeking scarce water. Livestock are an important part of people’s livelihoods and therefore take priority with existing resources, leaving wild animals vulnerable to thirst. In the Mendoza region of Argentina, the natural predatory instincts of Pumas have put them in conflict with livestock producers protective of their domestic animals such as goats and sheep. This rivalry has unfortunately led to the persecution of Pumas, who are killed in their thousands every year in Argentina.

Nature Vanguards is supporting two projects with a mission to alleviate conflicts between humans and wild animals with tested solutions. In Kajiado, partner organisation Eco Clubs of Kenya is aiming to construct community water pans at key locations so that both wildlife and domestic animals have a reliable source of water during drought seasons. With funding, the team will consult and work with local communities to create sustainable water systems. In the Mendoza region of Argentina, Fundación Cullunche will be working with local livestock producers to implement animal-welfare friendly protective systems which deter Pumas from targeting livestock. Solutions such as installing fox lights and training protective dogs to alert against attacks have shown to help protect Pumas from harm.

To learn more about these initiatives, visit our projects page.