Closing of a challenging year
Friday 25 December 2020
The year 2020 has by all accounts been a disruptive and challenging period for humans. The collapse of the tourism industry in the northwest of Namibia had a severe impact on the community based conservation efforts and the income that local communities derive from tourism. Wildlife conservation efforts have also suffered due to a lack of funding and ongoing support the the tourism industry provided.
Partial solar eclipse
On 14 December 2020 a total solar eclipse was visible in parts of South America and Namibia witnessed a partial solar eclipse during the late afternoon and at sunset.
Partial solar eclipse in the Skeleton Coast Park at sunset on 14 Dec 2020
Möwe Bay Cape fur seal colony
Cape fur seals breed during November / December and the large number of seal pups at the Möwe Bay colony in 2020 attracted an increasing number of vultures. On 3 Dec 2020 a total of 78 Lappet-faced vultures and one White-backed vulture were observed feeding on dead seal pups.
Möwe Bay Cape fur seal colony
Lappet-faced vultures feeding at the seal colony
Night-time observations on lions moving along the coast and hunting seals and cormorants have continued when conditions were suitable. Sandstorms and long periods of dense fog along the coast have complicated observations.
Two lionesses searching for prey along the Skeleton Coast
When the Obab lionesses were observed near the Koigab river on 16 Nov 2020 (see 20 November 2020 update above) it was suggested that they may be on their way to visit the Uniab Delta.
Three of the Obab pride lionesses heading towards the Uniab Delta
The lionesses continued to move towards the Delta and crossed over the dune-belt at the Samanab river (photo). Two days later on 18 Nov 2020 the three Obab pride lionesses arrived at the Uniab delta and were captured on a camera-trap at freshwater spring.
The dune-belt between the Samanab river and the coast.
The Obab lionesses drinking at the Uniab Delta
Lion observations
Several of the lion prides that occupy the southern and the northern sections of the study area were tracked and observed to collect data on group compositions and cub survival. The Huab Valley produced interesting data as lions from three different prides were utilising different sections of the ephemeral river system.
Spectacular scenery of the Huab Valley
Lions resting on the bank the Huab riverbed
A small pride with two cubs was observed for several days in the Mudorib river. They were very skittish following several incidents of human-lion conflict in the Sesfontein area. After spending 24 hour with them, the lions calmed down and they were observed hunting and feeding on a gemsbok carcass.
Mudorib lions relaxing at dawn
Lion cubs playing at the remains of a gemsbok kill - Part I
Lion cubs playing at the remains of a gemsbok kill - Part II
Early-warning systems & data loggers
In the Hoanib area the early-warning collar of an adult lioness stopped working unexpectedly. The lioness was immobilised and the broken collar replaced with a new satellite collar. On inspection of the broken collar the encapsulated electronic unit was found to have been damaged by a blunt impact so severe that it dislodged & damaged the circuit board and other electronic components. The fact that the lioness survived the impact is remarkable.
Darting of a Hoanib lioness to remove a damaged radio collar.
Two lionesses and a young male were darted near the Koigab river in the central section of the study area to fit satellite and early-warning collars. An array of infrared & wifi cameras were used to observe and immobilise the lions. The equipment allowed detailed observations of the behaviour of the lions post-darting and during the recovery phase.
Darting of three lions near the Koigab river - Part I
Darting of three lions near the Koigab river - Part II
The behaviour of lions recovering from anaesthetics - Part I
The behaviour of lions recovering from anaesthetics - Part II
A wifi camera was developed specifically to observe the recovery of lions following an immobilisation (photo). The Koigab lions took a liking to the camera and eventually destroyed it.
A wifi infrared camera developed to monitor the recovery of immobilised lions
Lions inspecting and biting a wifi monitoring camera
Damaged wifi camera
