Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is set to discuss a lion branding initiative aimed at addressing the rising concerns of human-wildlife conflict in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in communal areas.

As lion sightings in communal areas across the province continue to rise, the agency has proposed branding lions in state-protected areas and private game reserves.

This initiative seeks to resolve challenges faced by residents, especially in northern KZN, where increased lion activity has caused fear and anxiety.A recent incident in Phongola highlighted the difficulty of tracking escaped lions, complicating compensation claims for livestock losses.

Currently, unbranded lions in private reserves make it hard to trace their origins, prompting Ezemvelo to prioritize branding at the upcoming KwaZulu-Natal Predator Forum.The forum will focus on preventing 'res nullius' (ownerless property) disputes and finger-pointing between stakeholders.

Vuyi Radebe, Ezemvelo’s General Manager for Biodiversity, emphasized collaboration with private reserves and communities to strengthen containment measures, including fence integrity assessments and early-warning protocols.The agency urged residents to report lion sightings immediately to ensure community safety and swift investigation of escaped lions.