Cow camouflage: blending in for survival

In Africa, cattle grazing is not an easy task due to lions causing significant damage by hunting cows and bulls. Farmers in Africa constantly face the challenge of lioness encounters (as they are the main predators). Wealthy farmers build fences and enclosures in pastures, but such solutions are not affordable for most. In Botswana, the use of firearms or poison against animals is prohibited, leading both farmers and ecologists to seek a suitable solution to this problem.

How to Save Cows Without Harming Lions?

Ecologist Neil Jordan once witnessed a predator abandoning its prey after making eye contact. Neil realized that visual contact saved the antelope and decided to harness this effect.

Jordan chose to paint realistic eyes on the hindquarters of cows to deter lions with their "gaze." After trials and experiments, amazing results were obtained. Lions did not attack cows in a 23-head herd with eyes painted on their rumps. In contrast, in a herd of 39 cows without eye markings, 3 individuals were killed. Neil Jordan named his project ICow (similar to iPhone).

Farmer Ron Kru participated in the research of this innovative invention and, after losing 1/6 of his cattle over 4 years, praised the humane approach that protects cows and calves without harming lions.

Can Lions Be Deceived Long-Term?

Jordan plans to upgrade his invention by using wireless collars for cows to gather more precise data and monitor lion-cow encounters. Carnivore biologist Gus Mills notes that lions will eventually realize the eyes are not real and that the cow cannot see them.

The eye markings for cows are applied using a stamp with special paint that lasts about 3-4 weeks.

As seen, a creative approach not only brings inventors money and fame but also helps save animals. Share this article with friends on social media, while we prepare more interesting stories for you.