Aerial Survey and Ground Monitoring

Tuesday 25 May 2021

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) spearheaded an aerial survey of the distribution and abundance of prey animals, and the recent rainfall patterns in the Northwest of Namibia. Based out of Palmwag, the MEFT used their helicopter to conduct the survey and approximately 10 flying hours were used to survey an area of roughly 18,000km2 between the Ugab and Hoaruseb rivers. The survey provided valuable information on the spread and extent of rainfall as well as concentrations of wildlife. On the ground several vehicle-based teams covered the area locating groups of lions to assess group composition and physical condition. The MEFT are thanked for initiating and leading the collaboration between Desert Lion Conservation, IRDNC and the Lion Rangers, with support from TOSCO.

MEFT Helicopter survey Part 1: Northern Section

MEFT Helicopter survey Part 2: Adult male lion Xpl-107

MEFT Helicopter survey Part 3: Central Section

MEFT Helicopter survey Part 4: Southern Section

Landscapes and scenery with green grass from recent rainfall
Landscapes and scenery with green grass from recent rainfall​ Landscapes and scenery with green grass from recent rainfall Landscapes and scenery with green grass from recent rainfall

Giraffes and a spotted hyaena observed from the helicopter
Giraffes and a spotted hyaena observed from the helicopter Giraffes and a spotted hyaena observed from the helicopter​

 

Thin lioness at Hunkap

The condition of an emaciated lioness Xpl-84 that was found near Hunkap spring on 10 May 2021 continued to improve. Her partnership with the Hunkap lionesses also continued and together the two females moved approximately 40 km to the south where they found herds of Hartmann’s zebras congregating on areas covered in green grass from the recent rains.

Hartmann’s zebras moving to the areas that received rain during the past two weeks

Thin lioness Xpl-84 moved 40 km to find green grass and abundant prey

Lioness searching, during broad daylight, for prey attracted to the lush green grass 

Unusual images of a Desert lioness in lush green grass
Unusual images of a Desert lioness in lush green grass Unusual images of a Desert lioness in lush green grass

 

Namib

A recent publication by John Kinahan on the archaeology of the Namib Desert is a must-read for everyone interested in the Namib. The book is distributed by Namibia Book Market www.namibiabooks.com ISBN: 978-99916-42-65-9.
John Kinahan on the archaeology of the Namib Desert