Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is proposing a new way to identify escaped animals: branding lions in state-protected areas and private game reserves, as lion sightings outside protected areas continue to rise, according to IOL.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Charles J. Sharp/Wikimedia Commons
The proposal comes amid growing concern in communities, particularly in northern KwaZulu-Natal, where lions have increasingly been spotted roaming beyond reserve boundaries.
One recent incident occurred near Phongola in June, where authorities urged residents to remain alert after a lion was seen in the area. Following a multi-day search, the animal was eventually destroyed without any reported livestock losses. The sighting was one of several recent cases highlighting the ongoing challenge of lions escaping from protected areas.
A key issue facing conservation authorities is determining where escaped lions originate. This becomes especially important when livestock owners submit compensation claims for animals killed by lions, as many lions in private reserves are not individually identifiable.
To address this, Ezemvelo has placed the branding of lions on the agenda for discussion at the KwaZulu-Natal Predator Forum in October. The proposal aims to help identify the source of escaped animals, reduce disputes between reserve owners and authorities, and improve accountability when incidents occur.
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Vuyi Radebe, Ezemvelo’s General Manager for Biodiversity, Conservation and Operations, said the organisation is working closely with private game reserves and industry stakeholders to strengthen measures that prevent lion escapes.
“From fence integrity assessments to early-warning protocols, we are dedicated to reinforcing existing strategies to prevent escapes,” she said.
Radebe added that transparent communication with affected communities remains a priority.
“We urge communities to cooperate with our teams during response operations for the safety of both people and animals.
“Human-wildlife conflict is a complex issue, but through collaboration and proactive management, we can mitigate risks while protecting both biodiversity and community safety.”
Ezemvelo has encouraged residents to report any lion sightings, spoor or suspected livestock attacks to their nearest Ezemvelo office, police station or the Ezemvelo Emergency Hotline on 0800 212 126.
The organisation says every credible report of an escaped lion will be investigated, with response teams deployed where necessary to help protect both communities and wildlife.
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