Community conservation and remote sensing of the desert-adapted lions in northwest Namibia

Heydinger, John

doi:10.3389/fevo.2023.1187711

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Based on monitoring and available GPS/satellite collar data, lions range freely within this landscape. Core lion ranges are defined as those areas consistently occupied by lions since the 1990s (GRN, 2017; Heydinger, 2020; Stander, 2007, 2010).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lions' estimated ages were based upon available demographic markers such as manes (for males), tooth wear and colour, facial sacring, jowl slackness and nose pigmentation (Aging the African Lion, 2022; Heydinger, 2023;Miller et al, 2016). Age estimates were derived by examining photos in combination with known lion birth dates.…”

Section: Estimated Agementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Extended visual observation enabled surveyors to assign an overall body condition score to each lion. Body condition scores range from 1 (lowest/critical) to 5 (highest/excellent)(Heydinger, 2023) and are based on a lion's evident muscle tone, whether fur appears healthy and well-groomed, energy level, whether outlines of ribs, backbone and pelvic bones are visible and by reviewing collar movement data where available. These scores are subjective, though they provide a metric for assessing an individual's and pride's overall well-being.Body condition scores were confirmed by researchers and LionRangers based on in situ impressions and photographs.…”

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confidence: 99%

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First systematic population survey of the desert‐adapted lions, Northwest Namibia

Heydinger,

Muzuma,

Packer

2024

Afr J Ecol

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The desert‐adapted lions (Panthera leo) of northwest Namibia inhabit arid and semi‐arid habitats, primarily within communal conservancy lands, which they share with semi‐nomadic pastoralists. Though of considerable conservation interest, no systematic population survey of these lions has previously been attempted. From 6 November 2022 to 6 January 2023, 45 trained surveyors covered approximately 40,000 km2 of conservancy and government‐managed lands, identifying individual lions by vibrissae (whisker‐spot) patterns and other demographic indicators. A systematic whole count, identifying every adult individual, was used to estimate population size. This approach drew upon the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the Lion Rangers, community conservationists responsible for identifying and monitoring lions in their respective communal conservancies, as well as Regional Services staff of Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). The population is estimated between 57 and 60 individual adult lions and 14 cubs; this represents an inferred decrease of 46–60% over the past five years. At 0.11–0.12 lions/100 km2, this is the lowest recorded density for a free‐ranging, self‐sustaining lion population in Africa. Thirty‐six female and 21 male lions were found during the survey, yielding a sex ratio of 1 ♀: 0.58 ♂. While the population is considered stable and self‐sustaining despite recent declines, human‐lion conflict (HLC) remains the primary cause of lion mortality and recent drops in available prey are also concerning. Results serve as a baseline for future surveys, which will be an important part of monitoring this relatively small, widely dispersed population.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Estimated Agementioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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First systematic population survey of the desert‐adapted lions, Northwest Namibia

Heydinger,

Muzuma,

Packer

2024

Afr J Ecol

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Etosha-Kunene Conservation Conversations

Sullivan,

Dieckmann,

Lendelvo

2024

Etosha Pan to the Skeleton Coast

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This introductory chapter describes how the Etosha- Kunene Histories research project, for which this edited volume forms a key contribution, addresses the challenge of conserving biodiversity-rich landscapes in Namibia’s north-central and north-west regions, while reconciling historical contexts of social exclusion and marginalisation. This edited volume, originating from an international workshop held in July 2022, explores the intricate interplay between local and global events shaping the “Etosha Kunene” conservation landscape. The workshop featured diverse participants from Namibian institutions, international universities, and various conservation organisations. Our discussions emphasised the complex histories and contemporary dynamics of conservation policies, highlighting the tension between biodiversity protection and social equity. The volume is organised into five parts: historical policy analysis, post-independence conservation approaches, ecological management issues, the impact of historical contexts on contemporary landscapes and communities, and lion conservation within Community-Based Natural Resource Management frameworks. This work aims to contribute to sustainable and inclusive conservation practices that honour both the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

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18. Lion Rangers’ use of SMART for lion conservation in Kunene

Brassine

2024

Etosha Pan to the Skeleton Coast

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SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) is a set of software and analysis tools used to enable rapid collection and transfer of patrol data, in order to assess Ranger activities in the field and monitor wildlife movements on an ongoing basis. In north-west Namibia, a small population of desert-adapted lions continues to survive alongside livestock farmers and communities living in conservancies, often resulting in human- lion conflict in a context where livelihoods are already strained due to prolonged drought in the region, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognising the urgent need to mitigate this conflict, in 2017 the MEFT drew up a strategy on a way forward in the form of the Human Lion Conflict Management Plan for North West Namibia. The formation of the Lion Rangers Programme is part of this strategy. The SMART system was first implemented into the programme in September 2021. This chapter discusses how the SMART system supports decision-making regarding lion conservation and management at a community-level.

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Community conservation and remote sensing of the desert-adapted lions in northwest Namibia

Cited by 3 publications

References 24 publications

First systematic population survey of the desert‐adapted lions, Northwest Namibia

First systematic population survey of the desert‐adapted lions, Northwest Namibia

Etosha-Kunene Conservation Conversations

18. Lion Rangers’ use of SMART for lion conservation in Kunene

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