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.
Ironically, despite the wildlife problems, Nyae Nyae offers hope for conservationists. Given additional water sources, the game should recover. School is more important, because they need to understand the languages that I don't know. He frowns, frustrated that he must speak to outsiders through an interpreter. Suddenly, a huge smile spreads across his face.