Fieldwork: June / July 2023

Wednesday 23 August 2023

Hoanib Pride

On 12 June 2023 the Hoanib Pride was located near Elephant Song. With assistance from Allu Kasupi, several members of Sesfontein Conservancy and Jason Nott from Ultimate Safaris, a sub-adult male lion was immobilized and fitted with a new satellite radio collar. The collar was fitted in anticipation that the 3-year old male will soon leave his natal pride. The male, Xpl-143, was named “Paratus” in acknowledgement of the sponsorship that DLC are receiving from Paratus Internet provider.

Darting and fitting a satellite radio collar to the Hoanib male Xpl-143 “Paratus”
Darting and fitting a satellite radio collar to the Hoanib male Xpl-143 “Paratus”


Darting and fitting a satellite radio collar to the Hoanib male Xpl-143 “Paratus"

 

Paratus Sponsorship

Paratus increased their support towards DLC by providing a LTE modem for the new research vehicle “Joey”. On 16 June 2023 DLC travelled to Barkhan Dune Retreat near Solitaire to meet with Paratus and give a presentation on the Desert Lion Conservation research. The event was also attended by senior members of the Namibian Police Force, including the Chief Executive Lt-Gen Shikongo. Barney Harmse and Miles October of Paratus are thanked for their support and hospitality.

Barney Haremse, Philip Stander and Lt-Gen Shikongo during the event Barney Haremse, Philip Stander and Lt-Gen Shikongo during the event
Barney Haremse, Philip Stander and Lt-Gen Shikongo during the event

Bat-eared foxes observed near Solitaire
Bat-eared foxes observed near Solitaire

 

Namib Campers

Stefan Bauer of Namib Campers in Swakopmund was presented with a canvas print in acknowledgement for his work and contribution towards the modifications and building of the new research vehicle.

 

Floodplain Pride

The majority of June was spent collecting data on the hunting behaviour and predation of the Floodplain pride during several consecutive 24-hour observation periods. During this period they operated on and around the Hoanib Floodplain. Attention was focussed on recording all kills and food items consumed. Scat samples were collected in order to compare actual food intake with that represented in the scats.

Hunting activities of two Orphan lionesses and the small female cub “Griet”

Hunting activities of two Orphan lionesses and the small female cub “Griet” Hunting activities of two Orphan lionesses and the small female cub “Griet”
Hunting activities of two Orphan lionesses and the small female cub “Griet”


Hunting activities of two Orphan lionesses and the small female cub “Griet”

 


The two Orphan lionesses hunting springboks on the Hoanib Floodplain The two Orphan lionesses hunting springboks on the Hoanib Floodplain
The two Orphan lionesses hunting springboks on the Hoanib Floodplain
 

Coastal activities

During the full moon period a few days were spent along the coast monitoring the activities of brown hyaenas and jackals.
During the full moon period a few days were spent along the coast monitoring the activities of brown hyaenas and jackals. During the full moon period a few days were spent along the coast monitoring the activities of brown hyaenas and jackals.

 

Floodpain Pride

During early July 2023 the Floodplain Pride moved into the dunes between the Floodplain and the coast where observation on their food intake continued.

The Floodplain lionesses spending time hunting in the dune-belt. The Floodplain lionesses spending time hunting in the dune-belt.
The Floodplain lionesses spending time hunting in the dune-belt.

 

Lower Hoanib River

The monitoring of predation and food intake was extended to the lower Hoanib River focussing on the lioness Xpl-114 “Charly”. Large numbers of prey species, such as gemsbok, springbok & giraffes, are currently utilising the riverbed due to the abundant availability of Faidherbia (Albida) seedpods .

Xpl-114 “Charly” along the lower Hoanib River Xpl-114 “Charly” along the lower Hoanib River
Xpl-114 “Charly” along the lower Hoanib River
 

Abundant wildlife observed in the lower Hoanib River Abundant wildlife observed in the lower Hoanib River

Abundant wildlife observed in the lower Hoanib River Abundant wildlife observed in the lower Hoanib River
Abundant wildlife observed in the lower Hoanib River


Obab Pride

The movement of the “Torra” lioness Xpl-108 were monitored closely and she was located at intermittent intervals to record large kills and monitor her physical condition.

Monitoring the activities of Xpl-108
Monitoring the activities of Xpl-108