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Annual counts were extended to include Ai-Ais Hot Springs in 2022. Three transects were counted representing an area of around 407 km² . More years of data are required before any trends or estimates can be generated.

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.

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 an approximate guide to species abundance.

The dramatic spike in the proportion of gemsbok seen in Hobatere relative to the rest of the north-west reflects the decline in animal numbers in communal conservancies. In 2021, Palmwag, Etendeka and Hobatere concessions (only 9% of the total area) accounted for 60% of all gemsbok seen in the north-west. Due to the higher number of animals seen in Orupembe conservancy in 2022 this ratio dropped to 31%.

Game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies north of the veterinary fence - May 2022.

The Palmwag and Etendeka concession areas are important refuges for at least five of the main game species. The contrast in trends between kudu and gemsbok is noteworthy. While gemsbok numbers have declined dramatically throughout the entire north-west region, the contribution of the concessions has spiked in recent years. With kudu the contribution of concessions to numbers has dropped dramatically in the same period suggesting a different causal mechanism for the decline in numbers of the two species.

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.

Game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies south of the veterinary fence - May 2022.

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.

Nyae Nyae and N#a-Jaqna Conservancies - Full moon water counts 2022.

Game counts in southern Namibia: June 2022.

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.

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.

Game counts in Bwabwata N.P. - August 2022.

Since 2021 a boat transect has been undertaken along the Kwando river from the Angola border to the southern boundary of Mudumu National Park. The total transect length is 152 km. For each species, animals on each side of the river (and in the case of hippo, in the river,) are counted.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary of game counts in southern Namibia, May 2016.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are imperiled by poaching and habitat loss. Despite global attention to the plight of elephants, their population sizes and trends are uncertain or unknown over much of Africa. To conserve this iconic species, conservationists need timely, accurate data on elephant populations. Here, we report the results of the Great Elephant Census (GEC), the first continent-wide, standardized survey of African savannah elephants. We also provide the first quantitative model of elephant population trends across Africa.

2nd total aerial census of Etosha National Park using a helicopter and fixed wing aircraft.