Action in the Hoaruseb river

Monday 15 March 2021

Action in the Hoaruseb river

During the past fortnight the two Orphan lionesses approached Leyland’s Drift on two occasions in search of prey. Many of the gemsbok that frequented the lower Hoaruseb river have become weary of the lions and some have vacated the area. As a result, the lionesses have had to move further a field and approached Leyland’s Drift on 6 March 21 and again on 14 March 21. On each occasion fireworks were used successfully as a scare tactic to prevent the lions from moving beyond Leyland’s Drift along the Hoaruseb river towards Purros. The movement animation video (see below) depicts an accurate temporal and spacial representation of the lions approaching and reaching Leyland’s Drift at 04h00. When the fireworks are deployed, the lions respond by rapidly moving away in a westerly direction along the Hoaruseb river. This method of attempting to condition the lionesses with a negative association at Leyland’s Drift that can act as a virtual boundary appears to be working.

Lionesses search for prey along the lower Hoaruseb river
Lionesses search for prey along the lower Hoaruseb river Lionesses search for prey along the lower Hoaruseb river​

Fireworks display at Leyland’s Drift

Movement animation of lionesses responding to fireworks display at Leyland’s Drift

Two Orphan lionesses resting under rock overhang after fireworks display
Two Orphan lionesses resting under rock overhang after fireworks display

Lioness explore granite outcrops


 

Mating in the Hoanib river

The Hoanib Floodplain lioness Xpl-114 “Charly” was observed mating with the Hoanib male Xpl-131 near President’s waterhole.

Xpl-114 “Charly” and the Hoanib male Xpl-131
Xpl-114 “Charly” and the Hoanib male Xpl-131 Xpl-114 “Charly” and the Hoanib male Xpl-131​

 

Unaib Delta leopard

The adult male leopard remains active in the area of the Union Delta. More evidence was found of the leopard dragging and feeding on Cape fur seal carcasses.

Images of the adult male leopard dragging seal carcasses at the Uniab Delta
Images of the adult male leopard dragging seal carcasses at the Uniab Delta Images of the adult male leopard dragging seal carcasses at the Uniab Delta​

Images of the adult male leopard dragging seal carcasses at the Uniab Delta Images of the adult male leopard dragging seal carcasses at the Uniab Delta​

 


Tourism Training

Tourism activities are slowly returning Namibia as Wilderness Safaris opened the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp on 12 March 2021. Refresher training courses were given to the guides and management staff. Attention was given to road management and off-road driving.

Images of road management training
Images of road management training ​

Elephants in the Hoanib and Hoaruseb rivers
Elephants in the Hoanib and Hoaruseb rivers Elephants in the Hoanib and Hoaruseb rivers​