The End of a Legend
Sunday 20 August 2023
Honouring a most reliable and functional research vehicle.
The Desert lion population lives in an inhospitable area of roughly 50,000km2 that consists of rugged mountains, shifting sand dunes and gravel plains. A reliable research vehicle is without question the most essential and valuable item of the Project. Over the past 35 years the DLCT have had three vehicles that each made significant contributions to the long-term study.
“Hagar” the Horrible Hilux – 23 years & 1,500,000 kms
In 1983 a new Toyota Hilux 18R was purchased for mere US$ 800 and soon became synonymous with the DLCT. After the Hilux was in an accident, the roof was cut off and replaced with a Land Rover roof and windscreen. The characteristic “Hagar” was invaluable to Project as it worked tirelessly in the harsh terrain for 23 years and recorded 1.5 million kilometres without any major mechanical problems.
Land Cruiser Club Double Cab – 6 years & 185,000 kms
In 2008 the Land Cruiser Club of Southern Africa donated a second- hand Land Cruiser DC 4.5 EFI to the DLCT and “Hagar” was retired. The vehicle was modified by removing all but the driver’s seat and fitting racks for research equipment and supplies. The Land Cruiser was a big boost to the study and made significant improvements to the research and productivity.
Land Cruiser 4000 VVTI – 8 years & 160,000 kms
Late in 2013 Namsov Community Trust donated a new Land Cruiser 4000 VVTI to the DLCT. With the benefit of experiences gained during the previous 28 years the new Land Cruiser was modified extensively to construct the optimum research vehicle. The vehicle was redesigned to accommodate shelves and drawers to transport research equipment and the ability to load an immobilised lion for translocation. The modifications also included upgraded solar power, a basic laboratory, a 1.5 KW sound system, and Infrared & satellite tracking technology. Research data are recorded and management by a NAS server & WiFi network.
Retirement of the Research Vehicle “Arnold”
After eight years of intensive fieldwork the research Land Cruiser, sponsored by Namsov Community Trust, has finally been retired. All the useable modifications and equipment were removed and the vehicle was treated with a full valet cleaning in Swakopmund. During the eight years of fieldwork the car was deliberately never washed in order to maintain the natural smells and camouflage of the Namib desert. An event was held in Swakopmund on 6 June 2023 to honour the car and all the main sponsors attended.
Retiring of the iconic Desert Lion Research Vehicle (Arnold)
Presentation summarising the eight years.
The future of the iconic vehicle?
Desert Lion Conservation Trust is making the vehicle available for purchase in support of the ongoing research and conservation of desert-adapted lions. Individuals or parties interested in the vehicle as a collector’s item or simply as a sponsorship should submit their interest and make an offer by 30 September 2023. If several offers are received, a silent auction will be held amoung the bidders.
The Land Cruiser 4000 VVTI is fully licenced and operational. The engine, gearbox and differentials are still in good condition (180,000 km), but the body and chassis are extensively corroded.
Failing any interest in the vehicle, the engine and gearbox will be sold separately as spare parts. The sale is expected to provide N$120,000 towards the Project.
The 4.5 EFI petrol engine of the Double Cab Land Cruiser “JB” (see above) with 185,000 km is also available for sale to anyone interested in supporting DLC.
Interested or just want to support please send an message in this contact form
