The long-term monitoring inside the Skeleton Coast National Park

Monday 19 August 2024

Behaviour and Ecology

The long-term monitoring of food intake and movement patterns of the lions that live inside the Skeleton Coast National Park and along the coast continued.


Hoanib / Floodplain lions

The lioness “Charly” Xpl-114 and the “Orphan” lionesses remained active along the lower Hoanib river as prey animals were plentiful.
Xpl-114 “Charly” along the Hoanib riverbed​ Xpl-114 “Charly” along the Hoanib riverbed
Xpl-114 “Charly” along the Hoanib riverbed

Young male following the lioness Xpl-114 “Charly” along the Hoanib riverbed​ Young male following the lioness Xpl-114 “Charly” along the Hoanib riverbed​ Young male following the lioness Xpl-114 “Charly” along the Hoanib riverbed
Young male following the lioness Xpl-114 “Charly” along the Hoanib riverbed

Orphan lionesses feeding on a large seal carcass
Orphan lionesses feeding on a large seal carcass


Hoaruseb River

The young lioness in the Hoaruseb River is in good conditions. She is observed occasionally by Shipwreck Lodge.​ The young lioness in the Hoaruseb River is in good conditions. She is observed occasionally by Shipwreck Lodge.
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The young lioness in the Hoaruseb River is in good conditions. She is observed occasionally by Shipwreck Lodge.
The young lioness in the Hoaruseb River is in good conditions. She is observed occasionally by Shipwreck Lodge.

 

Uniab River

The “Torra lioness” is in good condition and visited the Uniab Delta during the beginning of August 2024.​ The “Torra lioness” is in good condition and visited the Uniab Delta during the beginning of August 2024.
The “Torra lioness” is in good condition and visited the Uniab Delta during the beginning of August 2024.


Whale sightings

During the latter part of June 2024 Hump-backed whales were spotted on four consecutive days in the area of the Hunkap and Hoanib rivers. The whales appeared to be heading in a southern direction.

Hump-backed whales in the area of the Hunkap and Hoanib rivers

Hump-backed whales in the area of the Hunkap and Hoanib rivers​ Hump-backed whales in the area of the Hunkap and Hoanib rivers
Hump-backed whales in the area of the Hunkap and Hoanib rivers


Ieos Granadier (Link)

Desert Lion Conservation joined forces with INEOS Granadier to test their unique and sophisticated off-road vehicle in the conditions of the coastal lions. It is an impressive vehicle that would further the difficult night-work of the Desert Lion Conservation project.
Desert Lion Conservation joined forces with INEOS Granadier to test their unique and sophisticated off-road vehicle in the conditions of the coastal lions​ Desert Lion Conservation joined forces with INEOS Granadier to test their unique and sophisticated off-road vehicle in the conditions of the coastal lions


Articulating the skeleton of Xpl-68 the “Terrace Male”

It is the objective of Desert Lion Conservation to articulate the skeletons of both the female, Xpl-10, and the male lion: Xpl-68. The process was expanded for the male lion, Xpl-68, by also developing a digital 3D model of the entire skeleton.

Articulating the skeleton of the “Terrace Male” Xpl-68​ Articulating the skeleton of the “Terrace Male” Xpl-68
Articulating the skeleton of the “Terrace Male” Xpl-68