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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 - 50 of 60
Mendelsohn J, Haraes L 2018. Aerial census of Cape Cormorants and Cape Fur Seals at Baía dos Tigres, Angola. Namibian Journal of Environment (2) 1-6

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.

Brown C 2018. Status of the Rock Pratincole in the Kapako area of the Okavango River, Kavango East, Namibia. Namibian Journal of Environment (2) 9-11

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.

Kolberg H 2018. Summary of the 2017 winter wetland bird counts in Namibia. Lanioturdus (51) 34-37
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts in Hardap Game Park, July 2018.
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts: Kavango East.
Attachment Size
Game Count Kavango East 2018.pdf 590.73 KB
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Regional Summary.
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies north of the veterinary fence, June 2018.

Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies north of the veterinary fence, June 2018.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies north of the veterinary fence, June 2018.

Summary of game counts in north-west Namibia: Conservancies north of the veterinary fence, June 2018.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Palmwag and Etendeka, June 2018.
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts in north-west Namibia: Hobatere concession, June 2018.
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts in north-central Namibia: Total Numbers of animals seen: last 5 years.

Summary of game counts in north-central Namibia: Total Numbers of animals seen: last 5 years.

Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. Game counts in southern Namibia, June 2018.
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. North Central Game Count data 2018.
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North Central Game Count data 2018.xlsx 146.33 KB
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018. South Game Count data 2018.
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South Game Count data 2018.xlsx 91.93 KB
Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO) 2018.  North West Game Count data 2018.
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North West Game Count data 2018.xlsx 434.86 KB
Gondwana Collection Namibia 2018. Gondwana Canyon Park Game Count 2018.
Gondwana Collection Namibia 2018. Gondwana Kalahari Park Game Count 2018.
Goelst C, Moeller M, Kilian W 2018. Etosha National Park Carnivore Monitoring Project Update, Unofficial Report Re: Lion GPS-Satellite Monitoring, 2018 Lion Population Call-Up Survey.

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.

Goelst CE 2018. Assessing patterns of spatial occurrence and human-carnivore conflict for African lions (Panthera leo) in and around Etosha National Park, Namibia .

Carnivore populations face threats from increasing human populations and rapidly diminishing, suitable habitat. Large carnivores such as African lions (Panthera leo) commonly range outside of their protected areas and attack livestock on adjacent farmlands. This can lead to human-carnivore conflict (HCC) events often resulting in retaliatory lion killings. HCC retaliation by poisoning the offending animals is highly costly to lions due to the species’ group hunting and feeding habits.

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.

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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
Chase MJ, Schlossberg S, Griffin CR, Bouché PJC, Djene SW, Elkan PW, Ferreira S, Grossman F, Kohi EM, Landen K, Omondi P, Peltier A, Selier SAJ, Sutcliffe R 2016. Continent-wide survey reveals massive decline in African savannah elephants. PeerJ

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.

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

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