Mongabay · Climate & nature

Livestock 'Eyespots' Reduce Predator Attacks in Zimbabwe

A low-cost method of painting artificial eyes on livestock is showing promise in reducing predator attacks in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas with high human-wildlife conflict.

In Zimbabwe's Chiredzi district, residents face frequent wildlife conflicts, with predators attacking livestock. Farmer Edson Mabika reported losing multiple animals annually until he began painting black and white eyes on the backsides of his livestock.

Since adopting this practice, Mabika has experienced significantly fewer losses, attributing the protection to the decoy eyes. He noted that the effectiveness seemed to diminish as the paint faded.

The technique is gaining traction among Mabika's neighbors. Game rangers like Langton Bandama support the method, suggesting that adding elements like horns to the eyespots could further deter large ambush predators.

The practice may have been introduced by returning migrants who worked in neighboring Botswana, where painting decoy eyes on livestock is reportedly more common.

A 2020 study in Botswana tested artificial eyespots on cattle. Researchers found that cows marked with these eyespots were not killed by lions or leopards, unlike unmarked cows. However, spotted hyenas appeared unaffected by the decoy eyes.

With predicted drought conditions potentially increasing interactions between livestock, herders, and predators, this low-tech solution offers a practical way to mitigate conflict.

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