News
September 2023 – Giraffe Hunting in the Hoanib
Sunday 1 October 2023
A major development of the hunting behaviour and predation by the two “Orphan” lionesses (Xpl-106 “Alpha” and Xpl-109 “Bravo) occurred during the past two weeks. Due to our persistent continuity in monitoring the hunting behaviour and food intake of the lionesses, DLC is extremely fortunate to have documented the event. ..read more >>
September 2023 – Hoanib Fieldwork
Sunday 1 October 2023
After spending a few days in the southern mountainous habitat of the Mudorib River, the lioness returned to the Hoanib and moved northwards. On 22 Aug 2023 she killed an adult ostrich in a narrow gorge 5 km north of President’s waterhole. During the night of 26 Aug 2023, whilst still feeding on the ostrich, the lioness moved to drink at the waterhole. ..read more >>
Camera-trap data analysis
Sunday 24 September 2023
Recent advances in AI technology have enabled rapid analysis of vast amounts of camera-trap data. As with most computer/automated systems, the results are only as good as the attributes of the mathematic algorithms and quality and quantity of the data. We are collaborating with SmartParks and other experts to develop a reliable AI programme that can scan a set of camera-trap images and identify key features. With machine learning the AI program identifies people and wildlife species, and can separate them into numerous categories. ..read more >>
Brown hyaena killed by vehicle at Möwe Bay
Tuesday 12 September 2023
Between 19h00 and 20h00 on 5 September 2023, Xhb-22 “Ella” was killed by a vehicle on the main road 2 km southeast of Möwe Bay Station (see photo). Xhb-22 was a breeding female of the Möwe Bay Clan and it is a tragic loss. She was fitted with a new GPS radio collar on 25 July 2023 ..read more >>
Fieldwork: July / August 2023
Friday 1 September 2023
Severe weather conditions prevailed as strong east-winds up to 40 knots ripped through the Northern Namib. The Floodplain Pride was observed during the harsh conditions. They used thick vegetation, rock overhangs or caves for shelter against the sandstorms. ..read more >>
Fieldwork: June / July 2023
Wednesday 23 August 2023
On 12 June 2023 the Hoanib Pride was located near Elephant Song. With assistance from Allu Kasupi, several members of Sesfontein Conservancy and Jason Nott from Ultimate Safaris, a sub-adult male lion was immobilized and fitted with a new satellite radio collar. The collar was fitted in anticipation that the 3-year old male will soon leave his natal pride. The male, Xpl-143, was named “Paratus” in acknowledgement of the sponsorship that DLC are receiving from Paratus Internet provider. ..read more >>
The End of a Legend
Sunday 20 August 2023
Honouring a most reliable and functional research vehicle. The Desert lion population lives in an inhospitable area of roughly 50,000km2 that consists of rugged mountains, shifting sand dunes and gravel plains. A reliable research vehicle is without question the most essential and valuable item of the Project. Over the past 35 years the DLCT have had three vehicles that each made significant contributions to the long-term study. ..read more >>
Orphan lionesses return to the coast
Tuesday 15 August 2023
After an absence of over two months, the Orphan lionesses and small female cub returned to utilise marine food items. Night observation were intensified and all food items were recorded. Biological samples were collected from all food they consumed. During several nights the lions were visited by the brown hyaena Xhb-18 “Bonnie”. ..read more >>
