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Namibian Wildlife Surveys archive

This archive of reports of wildlife surveys in Namibia aims to:

  • provide easy public access to published information and statistics
  • enable easy stakeholder access to recent and historical data on wildlife populations
  • provide a comprehensive archive of wildlife survey reports in Namibia

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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Displaying results 1 - 44 of 44
Kolberg H 2016. Summary of the 2015 Winter Wetland Bird Counts in Namibia . Lanioturdus 49 (3) 2-5
Kolberg H 2016. Wetland bird counts in Namibia: a summary . Lanioturdus 49 (5) 2-193
Kolberg H 2016. Book Review: Birds of Botswana by Peter Hancock and Ingrid Weiersbye, Princeton University Press . Lanioturdus 49 (1) 28

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.

Attachment Size
Book Review_Birds of Botswana.pdf 346.34 KB
Lyet A, Slabbert R, Versfeld WF, Leslie AJ, Beytell PC, du Preez P 2016. Using a Binomial Mixture Model and Aerial Counts for an Accurate Estimate of Nile Crocodile Abundance and Population Size in the Kunene River, Namibia . Journal of Wildlife Research 46 (2) 71-86

The Nile crocodile,Crocodylus niloticus, is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Namibia, Botswana and Angola. The species was transferred from CITES Appendix I to Appendix II in 2004, although it is recognized as peripherally endangered in Namibia due to diminishing habitat availability primarily from human encroachment. In 2013, a species management plan was approved in Namibia to assess the management of the Namibian Nile crocodile populations. During 2012, an aerial survey was conducted to provide an estimate of Nile crocodile population numbers.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Regional summary, June 2016.

Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Regional Summary, June 2016.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in north-west Namibia, July 2016.

Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia, July 2016.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies north of the veterinary fence, June 2016.

Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies north of the veterinary fence, June 2016.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies south of the veterinary fence, June 2016.

Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies south of the veterinary fence, June 2016.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Palmwag and Etendeka concessions, June 2016.

Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Palmwag and Etendeka concessions, June 2016.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Hobatere concessions area, June 2016.

Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Hobatere concessions area, June 2016.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in southern Namibia, May 2016.

Summary of game counts in southern Namibia, May 2016.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in Hardap Game Park, May 2016.

Summary of game counts in Hardap Game Park, May 2016.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2016. Game counts in Bwabwata NP, Dry season - Live sightings, 2016.

Summary of game counts in Bwabwata NP, Dry season - Live sightings, 2016.

Noack J 2016. The assessment of leopard (Panthera pardus) density and population size via a capture – recapture framework in an island bound conservation area in Namibia. .

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.

Craig GC, Gibson DSC 2016. Aerial survey of elephants and other animals in north western Namibia, September/October 2016.

An aerial survey of elephants and other animals was conducted in North West Namibia from 16th September to 8 th October 2016. A total area of 63431km2 was sampled at an average intensity of 8.19% using both transects (at an average of 6.7% sample intensity) and block counts (9.88% sample intensity). Total counts were conducted additionally by flying 921.5km along six rivers.

Gondwana Collection Namibia 2016. Gondwana Kalahari Park Game Count 2016.
Gondwana Collection Namibia 2016. Gondwana Canyon Park Game Count 2016.
Gondwana Collection Namibia 2016.   Gondwana Kalahari Park game count 2016.
Hauptfleisch M 2016. Greater Sossusvlei Namib Landscape : Tracking ungulate movements. (1)
Hauptfleisch M 2016. Greater Sossusvlei Namib Landscape: Tracking ungulate movements. (1)

Oryx 1770 and Zebra 1771 covered the most distance with 921.62 km and 877.36 km respectively (assuming a straight line between each ping). Mean daily distances have overall increased since the last period, possibly due to isolated rainfall during the period. Zebra 1773 has possibly been killed or the collar fell off, this is currently under investigation. Note: The mean daily distances in the last newsletter were not correct as they were distances between each ping. They should be multiplied by three to get the mean daily distance.

Hauptfleisch M 2016. Greater Sossusvlei-Namib Landscape: Tracking ungulate movements. (1)

Of the animals that had a comparable number of location pings, Oryx 1768 on Keerweder, Hartmann's zebra 1771 on Solitaire and Oryx 1770 on Aandster moved the furthest daily distances with 9.57 km, 7.87 km and 7.35 km respectively. Three animals were collared at the end of July/ beginning of August, including Springbok 132 (after the last one with the same collar id. died in March) and 133, Hartmann's zebra 1775 and 1776. Hartmann's zebra 1776, which is currently ranging on Neuras, moved a considerable mean daily distance of 9.22 km.

Attachment Size
GSNLNewsletter_1_3.pdf 1.43 MB
Kolberg H 2012. Report on the Winter 2011 Wetland Bird Counts in Namibia . Lanioturdus 45 (1) 31-40

The winter wetland bird counts were conducted during July and August 2011 at 32 sites throughout Namibia. The abnormal rainy season experienced in most parts of the country had resulted in plenty of water still being in the field and this was evident in the counts. Lower numbers than usual were recorded at most sites and the Walvis Bay count was the lowest since regular counts were started. The low numbers are due to an almost complete absence of flamingos, lower than usual numbers of geese and ducks and the absence of certain waders e.g.

Kolberg H 2012. Trends in Namibian Waterbird Populations 6: Spoonbill, Hamerkop, Flamingos and Cranes . Lanioturdus 45 (1) 17-21

The sixth article in the series on trends in Namibian waterbird populations summarises count data for African Spoonbill, Hamerkop, Greater and Lesser Flamingo and Wattled Crane for the period 1977 to December 2008. For each species the Red Data Book (RDB) status, both global and Namibian, is given, the population trend as per Wetlands International, the number of times the species was counted, the number of times it has passed the 1% population criterion, the maximum count and the sites where it has passed the 1% population criterion.

Kolberg H 2012. Trends in Namibian Waterbird Populations 7: Ducks and Geese (1) . Lanioturdus 45 (2) 17-22

This article continues the series on trends in Namibian waterbird populations and summarizes count data for ducks and geese for the period 1977 to December 2008. For each species the Red Data Book (RDB) status, both global and Namibian, is given, the population trend as per Wetlands International, the number of times the species was counted, the number of times it has passed the 1% population criterion, the maximum count and the sites where it has passed the 1% population criterion.

Kolberg H 2012. Trends in Namibian Waterbird Populations 7: Ducks and Geese (2) . Lanioturdus 45 (3) 15-19

This article continues the series on trends in Namibian waterbird populations and summarizes count data for ducks and geese for the period 1977 to December 2008. For each species the Red Data Book (RDB) status, both global and Namibian, is given, the population trend as per Wetlands International, the number of times the species was counted, the number of times it has passed the 1% population criterion, the maximum count and the sites where it has passed the 1% population criterion.

Kolberg H 2012. Summary of the 2012 Summer Wetland Bird Counts in Namibia . Lanioturdus 45 (4) 21

Wetland bird counts were once again conducted throughout Namibia during the months of January and February 2012. A total of 33 sites were covered resulting in 262 833 birds of 112 species. For the first time since 2007 counts were also conducted in the Caprivi, on the Okavango and the Kwando Rivers. The effects of the good rainy seasons over the past few years are still very evident with low numbers of especially flamingos and ducks recorded at the coast.

Kolberg H 2012. Trends in Namibian waterbird populations: Rails, Gallinules, Coot and Jacana . Lanioturdus 45 (4) 13-17

The eighth article in the series on trends in Namibian waterbird populations summarizes count data for six species for the period 1977 to December 2008. For each species the Red Data Book (RDB) status, both global and Namibian, is given, the population trend as per Wetlands International, the number of times the species was counted, the number of times it has passed the 1% population criterion, the maximum count and the sites where it has passed the 1% population criterion.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2012. Game counts in southern Namibia, May 2012 .

Poster summarising the results of the 2012 south game count.

Attachment Size
South_game_count_poster_2012.pdf 252.2 KB
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2012. Game counts in north-west Namibia, June 2012 .

Poster summarising the results of the 2012 north west game count.

Attachment Size
NW_game_count_poster_2012.pdf 738.1 KB
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2012. Game counts in north-central Namibia, July .

Poster summarising the results of the 2012 north central game count.

Attachment Size
NC_Game count poster 2012.pdf 1.07 MB
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2012. Game counts in Hardap Game Park, May 2012 .

Poster summarising the results of the 2012 Hardap game count.

Attachment Size
Hardap_game_count_poster_2012.pdf 494.97 KB
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2012. Game counts in Caprivi Communal Conservancies: Dry Season 2012 .

Game counts in communal conservancies in Caprivi; dry season, live sightings. showing Numbers seen by conservation area, habitat, compared to 2011, population estimates and trends.

Attachment Size
Caprivi game count conservancies only.pdf 207.91 KB
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2012. Game counts in Bwabwata and Caprivi: Dry Season 2012 .

Game counts in Bwabwata and Caprivi; dry season, live sightings. showing Numbers seen by conservation area, habitat, compared to 2011, population estimates and trends.

Attachment Size
Caprivi game count poster 2012.pdf 230.33 KB
Stein AB, Aschenborn O, Kastern M, Andreas A, Thompson S 2012. Namibia Large Carnivore Atlas.

In 2011, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism conducted a questionnaire to various stakeholders to determine relative abundance of large carnivores throughout Namibia. The results of this questionnaire were quantified and mapped to establish the current range and relative abundance of the six Namibian large carnivores. Recent population estimates for leopards are used here, however, the remaining species we used estimates from the previous Atlas as our best estimates to date.

Attachment Size
Namibia Large Carnivore Atlas_2012.pdf 3.87 MB
Kolberg H 2012. Report on an Aerial Survey of Etosha National Park, 6 to 17 August 2012.

Conducting aerial surveys is one of the core functions of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The surveys are essential management tools, allowing for informed decision making. Aerial surveys have been conducted in Etosha National Park since 1968. Apart from a series of elephant surveys, these surveys were strictly speaking not comparable as they were undertaken at irregular intervals with different sampling intensities and area cover. The first comprehensive multi-species sample count was conducted in 1995, and repeated in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2010.

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2012 Etosha NP_Aerial census 2012.pdf 656.25 KB
Gondwana Collection Namibia 2012. Gondwana Canon Park game count 2012.

Springbok numbers were down during 2012 due to dispersal into broken hilly country to the west of the park. Where they were present, they were only found in small groups which could have resulted in under counting.

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Gondwana Canon Park game count 2012.pdf 680.93 KB
Gondwana Collection Namibia 2012. Gondwana Kalahari Park game count 2012.
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Gondwana Kalahari Park game count 2012.pdf 950.46 KB
Scott A 2012. Results of the annual game count for the NamibRand Nature Reserve and Pro-Namib Conservancy 2 June 2012.

This report provides feedback and results of the annual game count held on NamibRand Nature Reserve and the Pro-Namib Conservancy on 2 June 2012 - for the eighth consecutive year since the counts were initiated in 2005. As usual, this event was combined with the Reserve’s annual general meeting, which makes it an ideal opportunity to hold a game count with community participation. In June 2009 a new area was added to the existing eight zones (Zone 9), in order to incorporate the Pro-Namib Conservancy.

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NRNR game count June 2012.pdf 1.34 MB
2012. NamibRand Nature Reserve species checklist - Mammals (66 species: 5 December 2012).
Attachment Size
NRNR species list mammals.pdf 57.29 KB
Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) 2012. Countrywide survey of elephants in Namibia 2011.

The objective of this survey was to obtain a national estimate for elephants in Namibia. Fieldwork took place between  29 July and 11 August 2011 (Etosha and Tsumkwe),  9 to 11 September 2011 (Caprivi) and 19 to 25 November 2011 (Northwest Namibia). Areas covered are shown in Figs 1-3. The survey was a sample count at a variety of sampling intensities, depending on assumed elephant densities, in order to obtain a reasonably precise estimate with minimal effort.

Berry HH 1980. First approximation on the role of predators and scavangers on Etosha's grasslands.
de Villiers PA, MacDonald AR 1980. Lugsensus te Boesmanland 9-17 Junie 1980.

Aerial Survey of Bushmanland 9-17 June 1980.

Thackeray JF 1980. New approaches in interpreting archaeological faunal assemblages with examples from southern Africa. South African Journal of Science 76 (5) 216-223

Modern faunal communities in South West Africa/Namibia - A census of mammals in 16 districts in South West Africa/Namibia was undertaken by Joubert and Mostert. These were distributed in northern, central, and southern S.W.A., and varied in area from approximately 20 000 to 60 000 km². Despite the uncertainties and limitations of this census, the data provide useful information on distribution patterns, relative abundances and species diversity.

1980. Department Landbou en Natuurbewaring Jaarverslag 1980.

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