Observations along the Hoanib River
Saturday 13 August 2022
Prey animals, such as gemsbok, ostrich and springbok, have returned to the lower part of the Hoanib river. The main concentration of animals were found on the Hoanib Floodplain with an abundance of green vegetation and palatable grass species.
Large numbers of springboks on the Hoanib Floodplain
Hoanib Floodplain Pride
The two Orphan lionesses and three small cubs favoured the eastern section of the Floodplain where most of the prey were concentrating. The lioness Xpl-106 “Alpha” gave birth to two female and one male cub, and at the age of 11 weeks, they are becoming more mobile and occasionally move with the lionesses. When the lionesses are struggling to find prey, however, they stash the cubs and return a few days later.
The three cubs playing at a thicket where they were stashed.
After spending two days alone the lionesses return to suckle the cubs.
The cubs suckling and playing with their aunt Xpl-109 “Bravo
Xpl-106 “Alpha” calling the cubs from the lair.
The cubs following Xpl-106 towards the Floodplain.
Cubs suckling and playing before following the lionesses
Xpl-106 “Aplha” and the three cubs playing on a log on the Floodplain
Early morning activities on the Floodplain.
Early morning activities on the Floodplain
The two Orphan lionesses hunting for food after stashing the cubs. V-9
The two Orphan lionesses hunting for food after stashing the cubs
The solitary lioness Xpl-114 “Charly” was followed for several days as she moved along the Hoanib river. She is in good condition and was observed hunting springbok and giraffe.
Xpl-114 “Charly” moving along the banks of the Hoanib river.
Lioness Xpl-114 hunting springbok at night.
Lioness Xpl-114 hunting giraffe during the day.
Due to a faulty radio collar, Xpl-114 “Charly” was immobilised to remove the collar and fit a new satellite radio collar.
Darting of the lioness Xpl-114 “Charly” (photos -Grietvanm)
Xpl-114 “Charly” falling asleep (photo - Grietvanm)
Fitting of a new satellite radio collar (photo - Grietvanm)
Xpl-114 “Charly” recovering from the anaesthetics
Hoanib Pride
The Hoanib Pride, consisting of two adult lionesses (including Xpl-103 “Little Tina”) and a sub-adult male was observed at the President's waterhole in the Hoanib river. They were in good condition, but remained skittish due to several recent incidents of human-lion conflict.
The Hoanib Pride near the President's waterhole in the Hoanib river.
