Conservation Success
Through ethical hunting and dedicated partnerships, NAPHA members help keep Namibia’s wildlife populations healthy and thriving. Every hunt contributes to conservation, community upliftment, and the protection of our country’s natural heritage.
The ART Medal System
The Age-Related Trophy (ART) Measurement System serves as the official standard for NAPHA’s medal system. Designed to promote ethical and conservation-minded hunting, it encourages hunters to pursue older, post-prime animals that have already contributed to the gene pool. By discouraging the harvest of young or immature trophies, the ART system plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, sustainable wildlife populations.
Medals may be awarded following your safari by visiting the NAPHA office in Windhoek.
Retroactive medals can also be issued for previous trophies, as long as accurate measurements and full hunting details are provided.
Gold Medal
For mature trophies meeting high standards
NAD 925
Silver Medal
Awarded to qualifying mature trophies
NAD 825
Bronze Medal
Recognises ethically harvested trophies
NAD 775
Game Fields Medal
Awarded for an exceptionally large, past-prime trophy
NAD 975
Conservation Medal
Trophies that do not qualify for the other medals due to being worn down by age, having deformities, or belonging to species such as Zebra or Baboon, qualify for the Conservation Medal, which is minted in Old Silver.
Animals that are simply too small but not past their prime, show no deformities, or were taken for conservation reasons (e.g., due to sickness), do not qualify for a Conservation Medal.
NAD 775
Certificate Only
Available in English or German
NAD 150
A Consistent Pattern in Namibia’s Conservation Success: People, Policy, and Sustainable Use
Across Namibia’s conservation achievements, the same foundation appears again and again. Wildlife thrives when people have a reason to protect it, when policy supports long-term investment, and when communities, landowners, and government institutions work together.
1. Incentive-Based Conservation Works
When wildlife holds economic value, landholders actively protect it. Since wildlife rights were extended to freehold farmers and later to communal conservancies, land use has shifted from purely livestock production to wildlife-based systems.
As a result:
• Wildlife biomass on freehold land has increased more than ten-fold
• Communal conservancies now cover over 20 percent of Namibia
• Elephants, giraffe, and mountain zebra have recovered across large landscapes
2. Community Participation is Essential
Conservancies have become the operational backbone of conservation in communal areas. They deploy game guards, manage wildlife, address human–wildlife conflict, and maintain anti-poaching patrols. This involvement has reduced illegal hunting and created more stable wildlife populations.
3. Sustainable Utilisation Funds Conservation
Revenue from hunting and tourism supports conservancies, pays game guards, funds patrols, and incentivises habitat restoration. It is especially important in remote regions where photographic tourism is limited.
4. Strong Policy and Clear Legislation
Namibia’s legal framework gives certainty to landholders and communities. Policies such as the Nature Conservation Amendment Act and the Elephant Management Plan create conditions that allow long-term investment in wildlife.
5. Monitoring and Data
Long-term datasets collected by MEFT, NACSO, WWF, GCF, CCF, and researchers ensure that quotas remain sustainable and that management decisions respond to real trends on the ground.
6. Collaboration
Government, farmers, communal conservancies, NGOs, and scientists all contribute to conservation outcomes. This broad cooperation prevents fragmentation and strengthens Namibia’s national model.
NAPHA Conservationists of the Year: A Look at the People Behind the Work
Each year, NAPHA recognises individuals and teams whose actions make a measurable difference to conservation in Namibia. The award highlights people who work on the ground, often quietly and under pressure, but whose efforts strengthen wildlife protection, community resilience, and the long-term sustainability of conservation hunting. Below is an overview of recent recipients and the work that earned them this recognition.
(Slide below)
2025: Mount Etjo Team
The 2025 award went to the Mount Etjo Team, recognised for their long-standing dedication to safeguarding Namibia’s wildlife and their exceptional contribution to conservation over several decades.
With extensive combined experience in managing the Okonjati Game Reserve and strengthening the Mount Etjo Rhino Trust, the team has played a significant role in both black and white rhino conservation. Their work forms part of Namibia’s rhino custodianship programme and has contributed meaningfully to the long-term protection of these iconic species.
In addition to rhino conservation, the Mount Etjo Team has been instrumental in elephant conservation initiatives, including a major elephant translocation project featured in the 2025 documentary Paid in Blood. Their efforts extend beyond wildlife management to include community upliftment, educational support, and mentoring young conservationists, ensuring that conservation knowledge and values are carried forward to future generations.
2024: Dr Clemens von Doderer
The 2024 award went to Dr Clemens von Doderer, recognised for his work in national and international policy arenas and for strengthening global understanding of Namibia’s conservation-through-sustainable-use model.
As the Head of the CIC Namibia Delegation since 2020, and with a background in forestry, agricultural economics, and European policy, Dr von Doderer has been a key figure in defending Namibia’s position in international debates, particularly regarding proposed trophy import bans. His work with the Hans Seidel Foundation and his engagement with European institutions have helped ensure that Namibia’s conservation successes and sustainable-use principles are accurately represented abroad.
His contributions have supported Namibia’s ability to maintain international partnerships, protect market access, and uphold the integrity of its conservation model during a period of increasing global scrutiny.
2023: Nadja Le Roux
The 2023 award recognised Nadja Le Roux for her long-standing contributions to conservation, community engagement, and conflict mitigation. Having grown up within the conservation sector, she has been involved in projects across the country, especially in areas where human–wildlife conflict impacts rural livelihoods.
Nadja played a central role in linking government, farmers, and various organisations to promote practical, science-based management approaches. She is also the founder and coordinator of the Kalahari African Wild Dog Foundation project, which works to improve understanding of African wild dogs and reduce conflict with farmers.
Through research, outreach, and awareness work, she has helped rebuild trust and dispel long-standing misconceptions about this endangered species. Her efforts have strengthened both conservation outcomes and relationships with communities living alongside wildlife.
2022: Muyemburuko Max Kangwaka
The 2022 award was presented to Muyemburuko Max Kangwaka for his role in advocating for environmental transparency and responsible decision-making during oil and gas exploration activities in the Kavango East Region. Kangwaka faced significant pressure from various stakeholders but continued to engage openly with affected communities, asking legitimate questions about long-term environmental impacts, especially concerning groundwater.
His background in conservancy leadership and his academic work in Tourism Management strengthened his ability to communicate complex issues to local communities. Despite criticism and divisions within the region, he remained focused on promoting clear information, accountability, and community involvement. His work reflects a strong commitment to protecting both people and the environment, and his acceptance speech emphasised the responsibility of present generations to safeguard natural resources for the future.
2021: TSU Namibia - K9 Unit
The 2021 award recognised the TSU Namibia - K9 Unit, a specialised anti-poaching and crime prevention team that has become a vital asset in wildlife protection. Handlers Japhet Festus (K9 Alex), Festus Iihuhwa (K9 Baron), Johannes Kavila (K9 Nora), Nicolaus Hafeni (K9 Benno), and Menas Aipumbu “Chef” were acknowledged for their professionalism and dedication.
The K9 programme was initiated in 2017 with support from the Ministry of Defence, Old Mutual, and international partners, and is based at the Waterberg Plateau Park Wildlife Protection Training Centre. Since its establishment, the unit has detected hundreds of weapons at roadblocks, removed illegal firearms from circulation, and supported numerous anti-poaching operations. Their efforts directly contribute to safer protected areas and improved protection of high-value species.
The unit’s success also reflects strong cooperation between government departments, trainers, veterinarians, and private donors, all of whom continue to support the dogs and handlers.
2019: Black Rhino Custodianship Programme
The 2019 award acknowledged the Black Rhino Custodianship Programme, a landmark initiative built on collaboration between private landowners, communal conservancies, and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. The programme is one of Namibia’s strongest examples of public–private partnership in wildlife conservation. It has played a critical role in expanding habitat available to black rhinos and improving their long-term security by spreading risk across multiple landscapes. The initiative has contributed significantly to stabilising and rebuilding Namibia’s black rhino population and remains an important model of conservation in practice.
Namibia shows that conservation succeeds when it is
practical,
incentive-based, and
community-driven.
Wildlife protection and human development reinforce one another rather than compete.
Wildlife Success Stories
By the early 1970s, wildlife on freehold land had collapsed due to poaching, overstocking, and limited incentives for protection. Biomass was estimated at only eight percent of current levels. Since then, numbers have increased more than ten-fold, making this one of Africa’s strongest wildlife recoveries.
Why the Recovery Happened
• Legislative change gave farmers custodianship over wildlife
• Sustainable utilisation made wildlife economically valuable
• Habitat improvement followed reductions in livestock pressure
• Scientific monitoring ensured responsible management
Today, species such as kudu, oryx, springbok, eland, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra occur in higher numbers than in previous decades. Freehold and communal areas combined now support extensive wildlife economies.
References: NACSO; MET (2010); Lindsey et al. (2013); Humavindu and Barnes (2003)
Launched in 1993, the Black Rhino Custodianship Programme places state-owned black rhinos on private farms and communal conservancies that can provide secure habitat, monitoring, and long-term care. What began with 11 rhinos now supports around 750 animals.
Custodians work closely with MEFT, the Namibian Police, veterinarians, and neighbours to strengthen security. The controlled hunting of a very small number of post-reproductive bulls helps fund protection and management.
This model has received international recognition and shows how shared responsibility and sustainable use can protect a critically endangered species.
Since the establishment of the CBNRM system in 1996, more than 20 percent of Namibia has been placed under communal conservancies. These conservancies give rural communities legal rights to benefit from wildlife.
The result has been a major increase in species such as elephant, giraffe, zebra, and several large carnivores. Conservancies use revenue from hunting and tourism to fund game guards, anti-poaching work, and community needs. Governance systems have strengthened, making communities key partners in national conservation.
Namibia’s conservancy framework is widely regarded as a leading example of linking wildlife protection with rural development.
Elephant numbers in Namibia have increased steadily in the north-west and north-east due to long-term monitoring, community involvement, and strong policy frameworks. Elephants have expanded their range in Kunene, and the Zambezi Region holds a healthy free-ranging population connected to the wider KAZA landscape.
The CBNRM system gives communities an incentive to maintain elephant habitat, while the Elephant Management Plan provides guidance on monitoring and conflict mitigation. Anti-poaching partnerships with conservancies and law enforcement have kept poaching levels comparatively low.
Independent assessments confirm that Namibia holds one of the more secure elephant populations in the region.
Giraffe populations have collapsed in much of Africa, yet Namibia has maintained stable and strong numbers. This achievement comes from coordinated management across protected areas, communal conservancies, and freehold farms.
The Giraffe Conservation Foundation, based in Namibia, leads research, monitoring, and genetic studies that guide management decisions. Survey work in the north-west records roughly 1,600 giraffe with high calf survival rates. Wide distribution across multiple land-tenure systems improves resilience and reduces pressure on any single area.
Namibia’s approach is recognised internationally as a practical model for giraffe conservation.
Namibia holds one of the largest remaining populations of Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Despite drought and habitat pressure, numbers have remained stable for decades due to a combination of ecological resilience and deliberate management.
Long-term monitoring by NACSO and MEFT shows stable populations across both freehold and communal land, especially in Kunene and Erongo. Sustainable utilisation has created incentives for landholders to conserve habitat, maintain water infrastructure, and invest in anti-poaching efforts.
This species is now considered one of Namibia’s strongest conservation successes.
Sustainable Trophy Hunting Is Applied Conservation
Namibia stands as one of Africa’s shining beacons of wildlife conservation—a land where nature thrives. Since the 1960s, its wildlife populations and diversity have more than doubled, thanks in large part to conservation-focused trophy hunting that harmonizes human purpose with the rhythms of the wild.
Over 70% of Namibia’s wildlife roams freely across private lands, where the spirit of conservation is deeply rooted. Trophy hunting plays a vital role in sustaining these wild spaces, funding efforts that protect and preserve nature’s legacy.
Guided by this vision, NAPHA remains committed to ethical hunting and the responsible use of natural resources—ensuring that Namibia’s wildlife endures for generations to come.
Namibia’s Wildlife Distribution Status
Namibia’s wildlife distribution status is determined using scientifically established criteria. These categories help guide responsible management and protection efforts:
For the complete list of Namibian Species Wildlife Status: Download Here
Where the species occurs naturally without any human intervention. This refers ti the species' actual distribution, not the countries where it occurs. For example, Waterbuck and Lechwe are indigenous to the wetland systems of NE Namibia - they are not indigenous to the whole of Namibia. Similarly, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra are indigenous to the western escarpment and central plateau of Namibia, but not to the Kalahari
Where an indigenous species has a naturally restricted range. Thus, a Namibian endemic means that the species occurs naturally only in Namibia. We therefore have a special responsibility for its conservation. A Southern African endemic means that the natural global distribution of a species is confined to south of the Kunene and Zambezi rivers
Where about 80% of the natural range of a species is confined to the specified area. For example, the Damara Dik-Dik is a near-endemic to Namibia, with just a small part of its range extending into south west Angola
Where a species originates from another part of the world and has never occurred naturally in Namibia. e.g. Nyala, Blesbok, Black Wildebeest & Bontebok*
(*not pictured)
Where A species just enters the very edge of Namibia, with most of its distribution occurring elsewhere. e.g. Puku, with a tiny population on the Chobe floodplains but most of its population in Zambia
Carnivornes
-
Caracal,
-
Leopard,
-
Lion,
-
Cheetah
-
Brown Hyena and,
-
Spotted Hyena
Ungulates
-
Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra,
-
Burchell’s Zebra,
-
African Buffalo,
-
Eland,
-
Greater Kudu and,
-
Gemsbok (Oryx)
Small Game
-
Damara Dik-Dik
-
Steenbok
-
Duiker
-
Springbok
Namibia is home to a rich diversity of legally huntable species, carefully managed to ensure sustainability and conservation. These include:
Huntable Species in Namibia
Step into a legacy where adventure meets purpose. By embracing ethical and sustainable hunting, you become part of a greater story - one that protects Namibia’s wild beauty, sustains its wildlife, and ensures that future generations can witness the magic of nature, untamed and thriving.