This archive of reports of wildlife surveys in Namibia aims to:
Public access to information is a vital component of ensuring community engagement in prevalent issues. Wildlife surveys are critical to determine the health of wildlife populations and determine trends over time to guide conservation and management actions.
Wildlife surveys are done for different species using methods that are suited to counting them (e.g. by air or road) in their natural habitats. Such surveys need to be repeated over time to detect long-term trends and inform conservation managers. The Namibian government, non-governmental organisations and private reserves all conduct regular surveys covering different parts of Namibia and targeting different species. This archive will thus serve as a repository of our collective knowledge of the trends and status of a variety of species occurring throughout Namibia.
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In 2012, a simplified territory mapping method was employed to study the distribution and numbers of all birds breeding in the Ogongo Game Park (OGP). OGP is situated approximately 50 km north-west of Oshakati, in the Outapi district, Omusati region, North-Central Namibia. The area of the park is approximately 1000 ha. The vegetation of OGP comprises mainly mopane savanna Colophospermum-Acacia nilotica. In total, 142 bird species were recorded: 101 breeding residents, 19 regular visitors, 10 irregular visitors, 3 vagrants, 10 Palaearctic migrants.
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Status_distribution and numbers of birds in the Ogongo Game Park.pdf | 1.28 MB |
The lions of Namibia's Kunene Region are sought after by tourists, but they are a local threat to livestock farming, and are still largely unresearched in terms of their ecology and ranging behaviour. Though lions in Kunene have been monitored for more than twenty years, it may come as a surprise that the population has not been systematically counted throughout its range - until now. It is less surprising when one realises that the lion range in Kunene covers more than 51,000 km² of mountainous desert landscape.
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First_ever systematic lion population survey in northwest Namibia.pdf | 1.02 MB |
Estimates were calculated for the current year using DISTANCE. In most cases at least the last 5 years of data were used in analysis to generate a detection profile for each species. Several conservancies have been grouped due to the low numbers of animals recorded. The bottom row of the table (hyphenated) numbers = 95% Confidence Intervals. In Sikunga, very few sightings have ever been recorded (60 for all species since 2011) and no sensible estimates for any species can be derived for this area.
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Zambezi Game Count_ East 2022.pdf | 522.67 KB |
Counts were undertaken at waterholes in the escarpment zone of north west Namibia. In 2018,18 waterholes in 7 conservancies were counted while in 2019, 2020 and 2021, the number of waterholes was increased to around 26 covering 10 conservancies. Counts were undertaken over a period of 2, 3 or 4 days during which time all animals seen were counted. Game species differ in the frequency with which they need to visit water resources with some able to acquire much of their hydration needs through foraging.
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Waterholes_NW_poster_2022_Final.pdf | 468.62 KB |
Nyae Nyae and N#a-Jaqna Conservancies - Full moon water counts 2022.
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Nyae Nyae waterhole 2022 Final.pdf | 597.64 KB |
Line transects were initiated in 2017 and represent almost half of the total area of the conservancy and include most of the waterholes. The area not covered by transects has low animal densities due to reduced habitat suitability and people pressure. Transect counts have recorded 25 species including 6 predator species. Based on average spoor sightings and Event Book records, hyaena are the most common predator, followed by wild dog, leopard and jackal. The top 3 species in terms of sightings between 2017 and 2022 included wildebeest, elephant and kudu.
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Nyae Nyae transect count 2022 Final.pdf | 670.9 KB |
Game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies south of the veterinary fence - May 2022.
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North West Game Count_South of Vet Fence 2022 final.pdf | 560.8 KB |
The fundamental purpose of game counts in communal areas is to inform conservancies and MEFT of wildlife trends for the purposes of adaptive management of resources. While estimates of species numbers are provided, these should only be considered as an approximate guide to species abundance.
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Kavango poster 2022 final.pdf | 651.24 KB |
Game counts in Bwabwata N.P. - August 2022.
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Zambezi Game Count_Bwabwata 2022.pdf | 632.72 KB |
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Game counts in north_central Namibia_Total number of animals seen_last 5 years_July 2021.pdf | 865.86 KB |
Wildlife populations in north-west Namibia were severely impacted in the 1980s by a combination of severe drought and poaching. Community conservation, formalised in 1996 through conservancies facilitated an increase in wildlife numbers through controlled utilisation and effective control of poaching. Between 1996 and 2012 most species experienced stable or growing population trends. However, a subsequent prolonged dry phase has resulted in a steady decline in populations of many game species. It is unclear how much illegal harvesting has contributed to this decline.
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Game counts in north_west Namibia regional summary_May 2021.pdf | 897.11 KB |
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Game counts in southern Namibia_May 2021.pdf | 786.81 KB |
Line transects were started in 2017 and represent almost half of the total area of the conservancy and include most of the waterholes. The area not covered by transects has low animal densities due to reduced habitat suitability and people pressure. Transect counts have recorded 23 species including 6 predator species. Based on average spoor sightings hyaena are the most common predator, followed by leopard and wild dog.
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Nyae Nyae Game Count transect 2021.pdf | 765.3 KB |
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Game counts in north_west Namibia_Hobatere Concession_May 2021.pdf | 669.12 KB |
Counts were undertaken at waterholes in the escarpment zone of north west Namibia. In 2018,18 waterholes in 7 conservancies were counted while in 2019, 2020 and 2021, the number of waterholes was increased to around 26 covering 10 conservancies. Counts were undertaken over a period of 2, 3 or 4 days during which time all animals seen were counted. Game species differ in the frequency with which they need to visit water resources with some able to acquire much of their hydration needs through foraging.
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Waterholes_NW_poster_2021_final.pdf | 513.97 KB |
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Game counts in north_west Namibia_Palmwag and Etendeka Conscessions_May 2021.pdf | 735 KB |
The fundamental purpose of these annual game counts is to inform MEFT of general wildlife trends in the parks. While estimates for some species are provided, these should only be considered as an approximate guide to species abundance.
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Zambezi Game Count_Bwabwata 2021 final.pdf | 656.34 KB |
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Game counts in north_west Namibia_Conservancies south of the veterinary fence_May 2021.pdf | 638.72 KB |
The fundamental purpose of game counts in communal areas is to inform conservancies and MEFT of wildlife trends for the purposes of adaptive management of resources. While estimates for some species are provided, these should only be considered as an approximate guide to species abundance.
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Zambezi Game Count_East 2021 final.pdf | 657.33 KB |
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Game counts in north_west Namibia_Conservancies north of the veterinary fence_May 2021.pdf | 599.88 KB |
The fundamental purpose of game counts in communal areas is to inform conservancies and MEFT of wildlife trends for the purposes of adaptive management of resources. While estimates of species numbers are provided, these should only be considered as an approximate guide to species abundance.
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Kavango poster 2021 final.pdf | 711.16 KB |
Leopards are among the most enchanting big cats in the world. Their beauty, raw power and elusiveness have fascinated humans through the ages. Our fascination with leopards is a double-edged sword for the big cat, however. The value we place on seeing this beautiful big cat draws tourists and provides funding for conservation.
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Counting Cats_An updated national leopard survey for Namibia.pdf | 2.58 MB |
The African Leopard (Panthera pardus pardus) is one of Africa's most distinguishable big cats. As the leopard has such a broad geographical range combined with its cryptic activities there is a limited amount of empirical evidence that exists which in turn can be applied to adaptive management strategies, through practical conservation methods and monitoring across Namibia and Southern Africa.
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The Namibian leopard_National census and sustainable hunting practices.pdf | 4.25 MB |
We counted waterbirds along a fixed route in the panhandle of the Okavango River in Mahango Game Reserve in the dry season during two seven-year periods (1991–1997 and 2000–2006). Palearctic migrants represented by 11 species in 1991–1997 and nine species in 2000–2006 together composed only a small percentage of all birds recorded in both periods. The two most numerous foraging guilds were birds foraging in shallow water and those foraging in deep water. The former guild was more numerous in 2000–2006, while the latter guild was more numerous in 1991–1997.
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Waterbirds in the panhandle of the Okavango Delta_2019.pdf | 3.73 MB |
The waterhole fool-moon game count survey was conducted during the hottest period of the year (October) for a duration of 72 hours (3 days and 3 nights), which ensured that wildlife in the park is solely dependent on artificial water points. The survey was conducted at all the 13 water points (11 artificial and 2 fountains), with each water point having a team of eight people, working in shifts. The counting commenced on 12 October 2019, a day before the full moon and finished on 15 October 2019, a day after the full moon.
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Khaudum National Parks full moon waterhole game count_October 2019.pdf | 1.06 MB |
From 2016 onwards Bamunu (2) was included in counts. In 2018 the two Protected Areas Mudumu (7) and Nkasa Ruparo (8) were not included in counts. It is important to bear this in mind when interpreting tables, charts and a time series of posters.
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Zambezi Game Count_East 2019.pdf | 544.93 KB |
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Summary of the 2018 winter wetland bird counts in Namibia.pdf | 360.78 KB |
Take a close look at the image above. Each black dot is a Cape Cormorant (see below) as seen from a light aircraft. Can you count the cormorants? This aerial view of a colony of Cape Cormorants is a composite of several of the thousands of images taken during a 2017 survey of Ilha dos Tigres, an island off the coast of Angola. The purpose of this survey was to document all visible animals using this island, so every dot counts!
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Angolan island paradise for Cape Cormorants.pdf | 2.75 MB |
Carnivore populations face threats from increasing human populations and rapidly diminishing, suitable habitat. Large carnivores such as African lions (Panthera leo) commonly attack livestock on lands adjacent to protected areas. This can lead to human-wildlife conflict (HWC) events that result in retaliatory lion killings. Conflict is a primary driver of wild lion population declines which are estimated to have decreased by 43% in the last 20 years.
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Etosha National Park Carnivore Monitoring Project_Lion GPS_Satelllite Monitoring.pdf | 2.09 MB |
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Summary of the 2017 winter wetland bird counts in Namibia.pdf | 468.26 KB |
A boat survey conducted on 30 December 2017 along an 8.6 km stretch of the Okavango River revealed 45 adult Rock Pratincoles and 20 young birds. This brings the estimated number of Rock Pratincoles in the Okavango system in Namibia to about 361 birds, and for all river systems in Namibia to about 410 birds. Keywords: Glareola nuchalis, Namibia, Okavango river, Rock Pratincole, status.
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Status of the Rock Pratincole in the Kapako area of the Okavango River_2018_Brown.pdf | 1.03 MB |
A total of 250,786 Cape Cormorants, of which 16,038 were individuals on nests in 349 colonies, and 15,831 Cape Fur Seals were counted during a complete aerial photographic census of the island of Tigres and part of the adjacent coast in Angola in March 2017. Such a concentration of birds and seals and the large number of breeding Cape Cormorants highlights the need to protect Tigres and its rich surrounding waters. Keywords: aerial census, Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus, Baía dos Tigres, Cape cormorant, Cape fur seal, Phalacrocorax capensis.
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Aerial census of Cape Cormorants and Cape Fur Seals at Baia dos Tigres.pdf | 3.54 MB |
Summary of game counts in north-central Namibia: Total Numbers of animals seen: last 5 years.
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Game counts in north_central Namibia_Total Numbers of animals seen_last 5 years_2018.pdf | 850.88 KB |
Assessing the numbers and distribution of threatened species is a central challenge in conservation, often made difficult because the species of concern are rare and elusive. For some predators, this may be compounded by their being sparsely distributed over large areas. Such is the case with the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus. The IUCN Red List process solicits comments, is democratic, transparent, widely-used, and has recently assessed the species.
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The distribution and numbers of cheetah in southern Africa_2017.pdf | 6.63 MB |
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Aerial count of the roan antelope and other wildlife species in Khaudum National Park_2016.pdf | 2.56 MB |
Vultures provide essential ecological services, yet are amongst the world's most threatened species with populations having declined by more than 95% within ten years in some places. The biggest factor causing this decline is the use of poison, either intentionally or unintentionally. Other factors causing declines are collision with and electrocution by powerlines, illegal harvesting for traditional medicines, habitat loss and drowning in reservoirs.
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Status assessment of Namibias vultures.pdf | 1.52 MB |
Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Hobatere concessions area, June 2017.
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Game counts in north_west Namibia_Hobatere concessions area_June 2017.pdf | 1.06 MB |
After the initial and in-depth assessment of the leopard population in the Okonjima Nature Reserve via the use of remote camera traps that provided a detailed insight of their demography as well as temporal and spatial distribution patterns, a long-term monitoring program has been introduced. This aims to observe and monitor fluctuations in the composition of the population, as well as shifts and overlaps of home ranges and territories.
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The assessment of leopard density and population size via a capture.pdf | 1.45 MB |
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Wetland bird counts in Namibia_a summary_2016.pdf | 8.86 MB |
Summary of game counts in Bwabwata NP, Dry season - Live sightings, 2016.
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Game counts in Bwabwata NP_dry season_Live sightings_2016.pdf | 1.04 MB |
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Summary of the 2015 Winter Wetland Bird Counts in Namibia.pdf | 3.06 MB |
Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies south of the veterinary fence, June 2016.
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Game counts in north_west Namibia_Conservancies south of the veterinary fence_June 2016.pdf | 893.65 KB |
The species accounts are very detailed, doubtlessly benefitting from Peter's intimate and long-term knowledge of Botswana's birds. The range maps give one an immediate indication of where the bird occurs and the breeding bars give one an idea of when to expect the bird and when it breeds. These will prove handy when identifying e.g. migratory birds. The excellent illustrations show the birds in their local race and where sexes and ages differ, these are also illustrated. Perhaps one shortcoming of the illustrations is, that diagnostic features e.g.
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Book Review_Birds of Botswana.pdf | 346.34 KB |
Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia, July 2016.
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Game counts in north_west Namibia_July 2016.pdf | 988.19 KB |
Summary of the 2015 Summer Wetland Bird Counts in Namibia.
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Summary of the 2015 Summer Wetland Bird Counts in Namibia.pdf | 5.15 MB |
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Game counts in eastern Zambezi_Dry season_live sightings_2015.pdf | 692.79 KB |
Many long-distance migrating shorebird (i.e., sandpipers, plovers, flamingos, oystercatchers) populations are declining. Although regular shorebird monitoring programs exist worldwide, most estimates of shorebird population trends and sizes are poor or nonexistent. We built a state-space model to estimate shorebird population trends. Compared with more commonly used methods of trend estimation, state-space models are more mechanistic, allow for the separation of observation and state process, and can easily accommodate multivariate time series and nonlinear trends.
Summary of the 2014 Summer Wetland Bird counts in Namibia.
Game counts in Bwabwata and Zambezi (Caprivi); dry season, live sightings. showing Numbers seen by conservation area, habitat, compared to 2013, population estimates and trends.
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Zambezi_game_count_poster_2014.pdf | 770.48 KB |
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Summary of the 2013 Winter Wetland Bird Counts in Namibia.pdf | 476.72 KB |