8. Eliciting empathy and connectedness toward different species in north-west Namibia

Abstract

This chapter turns to research with young people in north-west Namibia to ascertain their perceptions and understandings of “wildlife”. The aim is to better understand how young members of communal-area conservancies in north-west Namibia know and perceive the value of selected indigenous fauna species in these areas, alongside domestic livestock––specifically goats (Capra hircus). This study is set within a context in which tourism in Namibia is understood to greatly contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with Namibia being home to animals whose value is linked with their contemporary scarcity. Such species include black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis)––monitored and celebrated through organisations and campaigns such as Save the Rhino Trust and the Rhino Pride Campaign––as well as lion (Panthera leo), and oryx (Oryx gazella), all of which draw tourists to Namibia. Whilst these wild animals need to be protected at a global level, nationally they are also Namibia’s pride, even being pictured as nationally important symbols on Namibian bank notes.