Malawi administers contraceptives to lions to curb growing population
By Xinhua News Agency, October 26, 2025Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), in collaboration with non-profit conservation group African Parks, has introduced a population control initiative targeting lions in two of the country’s major wildlife reserves.
The program involves administering contraceptives to lions of reproductive age, aiming to manage the increasing number of predators.
The initiative was first launched at Majete Wildlife Reserve, located approximately 70 kilometres south of Blantyre, the commercial city in southern Malawi. Following early observations, the program was extended to Liwonde Wildlife Reserve, which has also seen a rise in the lion population.
DNPW Director Brighton Kumchedwa told Xinhua in a phone interview on Friday that the lion numbers at both Majete and Liwonde have grown significantly, surpassing the reserves’ carrying capacities.
“Lions have been breaking through fences and entering surrounding communities, creating human-wildlife conflict and safety concerns,” he said.
Kumchedwa highlighted that the surge in lion numbers has also had ecological consequences. “This has negatively impacted biodiversity, particularly causing a decline in antelope populations due to increased predation. Administering contraceptives is viewed as a temporary but necessary measure to manage the population surge,” he explained.
The contraceptive treatment is expected to remain effective for around five years. After this period, the lions’ reproductive systems will return to normal, at which point authorities will reassess population management strategies. Kumchedwa added that alternative long-term solutions are being explored to maintain a sustainable predator-prey balance in the reserves.
Malawi has experienced a notable increase in human-wildlife conflicts in recent years. Predators such as lions, hyenas, crocodiles, and herbivores like hippos and buffaloes have been involved in incidents that led to at least 19 deaths and several injuries between January and October 2025.
The government and conservationists argue that proactive measures, including contraception, fencing, and community awareness programs, are vital to reduce risks for both humans and wildlife.
The DNPW and African Parks say the initiative underscores a commitment to wildlife conservation while ensuring that surrounding communities remain safe. Officials hope that the strategy will maintain ecological balance and prevent further conflicts between humans and lions in the region.