Torra Bay & Coastal lions Updates (22 -26 Jan '23)
Thursday 2 February 2023
Hoanib Floodplain Pride
The two Orphan lionesses (“Alpha” Xpl-106 & “Bravo” Xpl-109) and the two small cubs were observed hunting wetland birds at Oasis spring.
Xpl-106 and one small cubs in picture at Oasis spring.
Monitoring the movements of lioness Xpl-108 in the seasonal Torra Bay angling area
16 – 22 January 2023
On 16 Jan 23 the lioness Xpl-108 left the Uniab Delta area and moved inland. At that time we suggested that it was unlikely for her to return before the end of the tourist season. We were wrong in that prediction because seven days later, after walking a total distance of 116 km at an average of 16.6 km/day, she arrived back at the mouth of the Uniab river on 22 Jan 23.
Xpl-108 arrive back at the ocean via the Uniab waterfall after spending seven days inland.
Xpl-108 walked 116 km during her inland visit over a seven-day period.
23 January 2023
During the seven days inland the lioness did not find any food and was clearly hungry and in need of a meal. Her desperation was evident in the distances she walked. Between 21 and 23 January, the lioness walked an average of 28 km/day. On the night of 23 Jan 23 she did not find any seals along the beach and moved southwards past Torra Bay before she succeeded in catching a juvenile Cape fur seal. There was some concern as to how the lioness would react to the remaining visitors at Torra Bay and she was kept under close observation using night-vision equipment to both drive and observe the lioness as she passed by Torra Bay at 23h45.
Xpl-108 combing the beaches for Cape fur seals.
Following & observing the lioness Xpl-108 as she moved past Torra Bay at 23h45.
An example of driving in total darkness using GPS and infrared cameras.
24 – 26 January 2023
(Map - 26 Jan 23)
For the following three days the lioness pursued terrestrial prey (gemsbok & springbok) that utilise the Uniab Delta. She embarked on several elaborate hunts, but was unsuccessful. The lioness visited the coastline on 25 & 26 January and managed to catch a young seal on both occasions.
Springbok along the dunes at the Uniab Delta.
Xpl-108 searching for springbok and gemsbok at the Uniab Delta.
A black crow harassing the lioness Xpl-108 resting on hummocks at the Uniab Delta.
