Live and Let Live

Wildlife Conservationist Phillip Spar looks at the real issues that face free roaming predators throughout the world. Predators are under threat whether that be Leopards in Africa to Coyotes in the USA and Foxes in the UK. This short book provides an understanding of the issues but more importantly it it offers practical solutions for farmers and conservationists.

The subject of how to farm game and livestock whilst dealing with the threat from predation is an issue that is key to not only predator conservation, but also in environmental management. I am privileged to have been able to discuss these issues with conservationists and farmers around the world and I find that no matter what the continent, there are very similar views regarding the measures that need to be taken as compiled in this pamphlet. This is an issue that affects farmers on every continent and one that requires a global sharing of ideas to find solutions. My point is that what may be seen, as a local problem is in fact replicated in rural communities across the world. Thankfully the good news is that there are practical solutions, but in order for those to work or have a chance of working, then it is often the case that attitudes need to change. However, that change is not restricted to one group but to all of us. It is easy to condemn the farmer who considers the leopard or Coyote as vermin, but that condemnation only highlights our ignorance. Sure we need to work to stop those killings but in that we need to provide support and workable solutions rather than prosecution. I can tell you that from my research, it is evident that it is the farmers that have proved to be the real conservationists. They are the custodians of the land. Indeed the vast majority that I have talked to would prefer to live alongside predators rather than loose them forever. Of-course we can set up reserves and parks to preserve small parts of the world and the wildlife within them, but those are but small protected islands surrounded by the infinitesimally larger areas of farmland and urban sprawl. Following that train of thought, one could argue that it is the farmer who is the real guardian of the environment.

In this pamphlet I have tried to highlight some of the possible solutions and practices as explained to me in interviews with farmers, wildlife professionals and conservationists (although those are not mutually exclusive). I have focused mainly on Africa, as that is where I have conducted most of my interviews. However, I have added comments and advise from farmers and conservationists in the USA, UK and India who helped me to compile this pamphlet. My hope is that if nothing else, it highlights some practical ways to minimize predation without reaching for a gun. Hopefully it also provides food for thought.