In an effort to control the lion population at Majete Wildlife Reserve in Chikwawa, at least 34 lions have received birth control treatments.
Conservation experts say the lion population has been growing excessively, posing a threat to other wildlife.
Brighton Kumchedwa, Director of the Parks and Wildlife Department in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, stated that the measure aims to protect prey species like antelopes.
“Another option is to translocate the lions, but without fences in other protected areas, they could escape and pose a danger to communities,” Kumchedwa explained.
Patricio Ndadzera, Country Director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare in Malawi and Zambia, affirmed that using contraceptives is an acceptable method for managing animal populations.
Communities near other protected wildlife reserves have raised concerns about animals straying into their areas and causing destruction. Officials believe this initiative will help regulate wildlife populations and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
