Conservation in a new world

Wednesday 1 April 2020

The month of March has brought about such dramatic changes to the entire world that it is hard to maintain perspective. The work and activities of the DLCT are continuing, albeit at a reduced  level due to movement restrictions and support services.
Early in March, I spent two weeks in Windhoek and Jo’burg for meetings, fundraising and to initiate the modification of a new field vehicle. The Internet service provider, Paratus, agreed to sponsor and upgraded VSAT internet solution for Mowe Bay that will allow us to run a sever and handle large volumes of data in support of Human-lion conflict management. We thank Miles October, Barney Harmse and Claud Bosch for their support.

 

A new Land Cruiser V8 research vehicle was sponsored by the Lion Recovery Fund, the Lionscape Coalition & Ultimate Safaris. Meetings were held with Ultimate Safaris, Safari Engineering & LCCSA to discuss the modifications necessary to prepare the vehicle for active fieldwork. A special thanks to Brian Kibble of Safari Engineering for their enthusiastic support. Progress on the modifications are subject to the current state of the world-wide economy.

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A lioness in the northern section of the study area gave birth to three cubs and they are doing well, spending most of their time in the lower Hoanib area where prey animals are plentiful. Another group of two females are frequenting the dunes coastal habitat.
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During the past two weeks Humpback whales have been seen regularly around Mowe Bay. We’ve recorded the highest frequency of whale sightings for the past 10 years.

The current research vehicle developed mechanical problem that I’m trying to repair at Mowe Bay. Once fixed, fieldwork will continue with a focus on fitting Early-warning and satellite collars to key lions in the central and southern sections of the study area.