Now we are giving rights to people in communal areas. The change in policy stems from widespread recognition throughout Africa that wildlife will not survive unless the people living with the animals can benefit from them. Despite all this effort, wildlife in Nyae Nyae has not fared well. During the past decade, Nyae Nyae animal populations have declined dramatically. Conservationists say hoofed species such as kudu, roan and gemsbok, though still common, have been particularly hard hit because of lack of water, population pressure, poaching, fences and overhunting.
Human presence keeps the animals from vital water sources.
As a result, Stander says, the animals in Nyae Nyae are healthy but are not breeding as they should. Two fences bordering Bushmanland have exacerbated the water problem by preventing animals from following traditional migration routes. One fence forms the eastern boundary between Namibia and Botswana. Many giraffes have died trying to get through the southern fence, though the fence may nevertheless prove to be a blessing in disguise. Poachers also come into the area, sometimes on horseback, to shoot for meat.