CLAWS - Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably

In 2013, communities along Botswana’s northern Okavango faced devastating livestock losses to predators. In retaliation, villagers poisoned and hunted more than 30 known lions which is nearly half the area’s population. Poisoning had particularly far-reaching consequences, killing not only targeted prides and their cubs but also scores of vultures and other predators.

Established in 2014 as a small research program, Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainably (CLAWS) became a registered Botswana non-governmental organization in 2020. Its mission is to balance wildlife conservation with local livelihoods through science-based solutions developed alongside communities and partners.

In 2017, CLAWS shifted its focus toward livestock husbandry as a way to reduce human–predator conflict and improve environmental health. An assessment of livestock enclosures, known as kraals or bomas, built in 2015 revealed that they protected cattle effectively only when well maintained. Building on traditional herding practices in Botswana, CLAWS introduced its Herding Program to provide more comprehensive support.

The program combines attentive herding, secure enclosures, and expert veterinary care to keep cattle safer and healthier. Participating farmers commit to not killing predators in exchange for support that strengthens their livelihoods, including improved access to beef markets. The approach also supports grassland restoration.

Since the program’s launch, lion conflict has declined and local lion populations are stabilizing, demonstrating how community prosperity and wildlife conservation can reinforce one another. Guided by respect, listening, compassion, ingenuity, holism, and optimism, CLAWS brings together local knowledge, innovation, and ecological sustainability to help communities and wildlife thrive alongside one another.