Newsletter December 2019
Friday 6 December 2019
The search for the coastal lioness and her two small cubs continued for a total of 21 days without success. Her known home range and frequented areas were covered several times. No tracks or other signs of the lioness were found. Most of the areas that were searched were devoid of prey animals and it is likely that the lioness has moved beyond her normal range in search of food to support her cubs. A camera-trap placed at a spring near the ocean to monitor her movements was stolen, presumably by tourist or fishermen driving off-road illegally. A different strategy to find the lioness needs to be deployed.
The lions that inhabit the northern section of the study area were observed for several consecutive days. An adult male that recently settled in the area mated successfully with one of the resident lionesses and three young lionesses appears to becoming sexually active. Two of the lionesses captured an ostrich during a cooperative hunt.
A surveillance camera was mounted at the Mowe Bay Cape fur seal colony to monitor brown hyaena and lion activities. The camera is linked to a WiFi network and the images are being recorded on a 24-hour basis.
An unusually large group of nine lions, led by an experienced lionesses, have continued to move enormous distances between the Huab and Ugab Rivers in search of prey. They have been spending time in the spectacular mountainous terrain around Mikberg and Twyfelfontein.
A comprehensive NAS WiFi network was rigged in the Land Cruiser research vehicle. Attached to the network are several surveillance cameras that will greatly improve monitoring and the recording of data during nighttime observations. We wish to thank CARE for their assistance.
