Lion Coastal Activities

Thursday 27 April 2023

Lion Coastal Activities

Several days were spent reconstructing the coastal movements and the feeding on marine food items (mainly Cape fur seals) of lions that occurred during recent weeks. Biological samples were collected from the marine food items utilised by lions.

Following the tracks and locating the marine food items used by lions

The Torra lioness Xpl-108 was observed for three days as she hunted Cape fur seals along the Uniab Delta. The lioness captured mainly juvenile seals that she carried to a nearby reed-bed to feed. A new thermal video camera, kindly sponsored by Griet Van Malderen, was tested in the field for the first time. It produced phenomenal results and lions could be spotted at distances exceeding 200 metres.

Xpl-108 exploring the reeds at the mouth of the Uniab River during her return to the coast.

Xpl-108 carrying a juvenile Cape fur seal to feed inside the reed-bed

Thermal image recordings of Xpl-108 at the Uniab mouth

The lioness Xpl-108 is still calling for her two sisters, who died more than six months ago.

 

Rains and prey movements

Early sprinkles of rain were observed along the Skeleton Coast, but no measurable amounts have yet been recorded. Light downpours that occurred earlier in the year has seen the return of both gemsbok and springbok to the coastal habitats.

Cloud buildup and light scattered showers were observed along the coast

Springbok at the mouth of the Hoanib River

 

Uniab/Obab lions and inland observations

The lioness Xpl-108 was followed during one of her inland excursions along the Uniab River. The rough terrain and large distances that the lioness moved every night made for a challenging exercise. Most of the days were spent taking large detours around inaccessible terrain to locate the lioness before nightfall. Observations were brief due to the thick vegetation. A lioness at the Beacon River approached a WiFi camera that was placed along a footpath to record movements. She carried off the protective casing, fitted with a camera, 12 Volt battery and WiFi transmitter, and destroyed the unit.

Xpl-108 resting in the shade of a rock overhang

The lioness Xpl-108 following the shade during a warm afternoon

Observing a lioness at night using night-vision, infra-red and thermal cameras

Traveling over treacherous terrain for several days only to get a glimpse of the lioness Xpl-108 during the late afternoons

Lioness carries off and destroys WiFi video camera unit.