Procedure 1) Have students write notes on how the various animals obtain their food: eating plants, pouncing, jumping into the air and chasing. I see a moment when one of them gets scared by a movement in the distance and starts to run, and all the others instinctively follow. We give you a run down of what you might expect depending on the season. A Maginificent Lion Pride Lies In Wait To Ambush Prey | The Lions Of Etosha | Real Wild Real Wild 1.6M subscribers Subscribe 34K Share 7.3M views 5 years ago #RealWild #Documentary There are. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There are also no fields of tall grass so you can also easily see whats on the ground. All Rights Reserved. Meanwhile, most of the vegetation that proliferates during summer vanishes during the winter months, again making the wildlife much easier to spot at this time of year. Learn more about Institutional subscriptions, Cooper SM (1990) The hunting behaviour of spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) in a region containing both sedentary and migratory populations of herbivores. The National Park has 114 recorded animal species which you can easily see while taking a game drive around the Park. This happens for a few reasons. The parks eastern side is dominated by the enormous Etosha Pan, while dolomite hills are the main geographical feature of the western half of the park. Thats not all, we humans are afraid of lions because of their sheer speed and power. Etoshas 35 raptors feast in dry conditions. Many European migratory birds come south to enjoy the new life that has been washed into the vegetation. Howard Russell Andrew liked this on Facebook. Institute of Zoology, University Graz, Universittsplatz 4, 8010, Graz, Austria, You can also search for this author in Our projectsconduct ecological research and monitoring of the lion population in Etosha National Park, Namibia. Usually, the amount of flamingos over this period depends on the amount of rain Etosha National Park is receiving. First thing in the morning, we find a pride of female lions who are keeping a watchful eye on a couple of beautiful cubs. Namibian specials include Bare-cheeked babbler, violet wood-hope, Carp's tit, Monterio's hornbill, rockrunner and Rppel's parrot. 2004, Trinkel & Kastberger 2008. The camp is situated on the edge of Etosha Pan itself, and there are no campsites or self-catered accommodation options. Top 10 Fastest Animals on the Planet and Their Speeds. They will then be joined by the cubs and the older members of the family. Price excludes VAT (USA)Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout. Overall, these various waterholes tend to offer the park's best opportunities for both big and small game sightings, especially during the dry winter months . Without even needing to go one metre in a safari jeep, you can see all the highlights of Etosha National park and spend hours in the evening watching it all play out. African elephant: Etosha National Park is home to large herds of elephants which can easily be seen at the different waterholes around the National Park, especially during the dry season. Now weve seen the quick list of the larger animals, lets dive a little deeper into the individual animals themselves and why lions will hunt them, then move on to the smaller animals. Long-limbed giraffes assume their awkward straddle, reflected in the shimmering pan, and the imposing figure of a statuesque white elephant looms large, dwarfing the slight springbok in comparison. By continuing to use our site you agree to us using cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Manage Settings Original file (1,600 1,200 pixels, file size: 678 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) A large population of the white Rhinos can be seen around the Namutoni camp and Oshikoto region and just like the black Rhinos, it is rarely seen and can best be viewed at night. The best time to see them is during January and February when water is present in the pan. Sprokieswoud, meaning fairy-tale forest, is also appropriately named for its unearthly scenery. Etosha Lion Project 2020. The avian residents of the park make up an eclectic mix that ranges from flamingos to the colourful lilac-breasted roller and eagles soaring high above. I am grateful to the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism for permission to conduct the study. Many of these are fed by natural artesian springs, but others are manmade, and it is for good reason that the road network in the park is centred around these pivotal features. (b) The regression graph d h = 0.0019 d p + 0.2341; R = 0.97 . For to enjoy your game viewing experience while in Etosha is during the dry season. The lanner falcon ( Falco biarmicus) is a medium-sized bird of prey that breeds in Africa, southeast Europe and just into Asia. In the face of global lion population declines, Etosha's lions represent an important population for the species. A hyena crossing the road, a couple of jackals, a warthog, and more. This diverse vegetation accounts for the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the park. When hunting in groups, lions plan very strategically and take positions rather like the pieces in chess would line up for a checkmate move. Among the smaller species you will find jackal, bat-eared fox, warthog, honey badger and ground squirrel. The lion, as a carnivore, is an animal that will only eat the meat and flesh of other animals, which is called the prey. Likewise, even the newborns and cubs who are vulnerable and weak are eaten by some predators. And with good reason, unlike other apex predators like wolf packs and what wolves eat, these carnivores will hunt and eat humans. From your story I can imagine that you are truly living a wonderful adventurous life. Some of the cookies we use are essential for the site to work. Download scientific diagram | Prey and hyena densities in the centre of Etosha. The lush green summer vegetation and beautiful watery expanse of the pan offer great backdrops and make for fantastic landscape shots and bird images, and compared to the winter months, you wont have to worry about so many other cars around at this time of year. Etosha National Park is home to four of the Big 5. Wildebeest: these are a common sight within the National Park being seen at almost every waterhole. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and has travelled the world full time since 2011. But at least you know now what animals they do prey on. Ive written an entire article about lions eating lions, but heres some brief information. Overall Etosha National Park is a place marked by extreme contrasts during the different seasons, with each season having plenty to offer depending on your preferences. The areas with thicker vegetation are home to elephant (some of the largest in Africa due to the vitamins and nutrients found in the ground), the endangered black rhino and even leopard. The vultures that visit Etosha include lapped-faced, white-backed and hooded vultures. The giraffes will walk for a short time then stop still and spend several minutes looking around, surveying the area for movement. Camera trap images can be even more useful than satellite data to study behavior, pride interactions andprey preference. The best time however to spot them is in the evening or late in the night since they are mainly nocturnal animals. Protecting lions also means protecting the habitats they live in and other species they live alongside. Below is a list of some of the animals that are found in Etosha National park. African openbill and great crested and black necked grebe can be seen here as well. When the rains gather in the pan you can see flamingos and storks wading through the shallow water. In contrast, the. Warthogs: warthogs which are locally known as Pumba which was derived from the animal king character. That said, this is also when the park is at its busiest, and it may well be worth seeking private accommodation in a private reserve outside of the park if large crowds are an unattractive prospect. Windhoek. Etosha National Park is home to a steady number of black rhinos although the exact number is not published to protect the endangered species. The best part about viewing the hartebeest is during the mating season when the male keeps on following the female red hartebeest until it is wooed. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rangerplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_19',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Smaller animals are hunted usually by tripping their legs, ankles, and feet from under them while they try to escape, which makes the animal stumble and slow up, making it easy to catch them. Within the Etosha National Park, Namibia, hyena densities vary largely, with clan sizes ranging from 11 to Officially there are 114 species of mammals in Etosha National Park (and, if youre interested, 340 bird species and 110 reptile species). If you are lucky, the leopards can be seen lying in the tree branches as they wait for the evening hours to chase their prey and they can be viewed all year round. : Planning a trip to Etosha but not sure when to visit? The best place for one to spot the hyenas is at the Goas waterhole. They mainly live in the lower part of the National Park and they are seen at the waterholes surrounded by large crowds of wildebeests, gemsbok, springbok, and gemsboks. The word Pumba is Swahili for acting foolish but the name stuck. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.000139.x, Hayward MW, OBrien J, Hofmeyr M, Kerley GIH (2006b) Prey preferences of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) (Felidae: Carnivora): morphological limitations or the need to capture rapidly consumable prey before Kleptoparasites arrive? Its beautiful to watch. The drier months which run from July to October leave the National Park completely dry and dusty and the only available water source is found at the waterholes. Proclaimed as a protected area in 1907, Etosha was once the largest game reserve in the world and estimated to cover around 80,000km (8 million hectares), four times the size of South Africas Kruger National Park. A Ranger from Etosha Ecological Institute with a sedated male lion about to receiveaGPS satellite collar for tracking and monitoring. Please click on this logo for more information. They also feed on the carrion and kills made by other animals. Although its a false alarm, they take no chances when their lives are at stake. You can also access Dolomite from the Galton Gate which is located in the western border of park. It is now open to all visitors to use. Lions will stalk, and ambush into even the deepest areas of water to hunt animals. Afr J Ecol 29:6475, Hayward MW (2006) Prey preferences of the spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) and degree of dietary overlap with the lion (Panthera leo). This content has been checked and verified by a qualified veterinary practitioner. Available for both RF and RM licensing. In the dry season, field metabolic rates and water flux . Less than 20,000 are lefttoday. It is a wildlife photographers dream a scene shimmering in the heat where Africas quintessential creatures assemble in numbers that boggle the mind. They can reach over 7 feet tall and an up-close sight will show you that they are actually bigger in real life and photos do not do them justice. Predators know that their prey must come to one of these waterholes. In this area and with a more undulating landscape, it makes for a very different wildlife experience. This is also the time when most of the visitors come to the park as the climate is mild and the wildlife concentrates itself at the waterholes. But in real terms, lions do not have the ability to digest any vegetation. So unfortunately when its a smaller prey its mostly the male and female lions who get to eat, the other lions in the price may have to just walk away and await the next hopefully larger prey. The floodlit waterhole is the central feature of the camp. While game viewing benefits from dry conditions, the summer rains turn some of the vast pans into seasonal lakes and attract migratory and wetland species. J Zool (Lond) 270:606614, Hayward MW, Kerley GIH (2005) Prey preferences of the lion (Panthera leo). Animals like cheetahs and hyenas are known for stealing and eating lion cubs if and when the opportunity arises. It means they take hours (literally) to walk the last kilometre or so to the waterhole and finally start to drink. I travelled to Namibia with the support of G Adventures in my position as a G Wanderer. Even if theyre already feeding on a hunted prey and another animal should get too close. And don't forget to. It goes without saying that a good lens (and a familiarity with camera settings) will do wonders to enhance the experience. I've researched, and written much about both foxes and coyotes. The entrance gates are the Anderson Gate in the south, the Von Lindequist Gate in the east, the King Nehale Gate in the north and the Galton Gate in the west. These location data help answer many important questions about their ecology. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Never the same monotonous routine. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'rangerplanet_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-banner-1-0');Lions are so greedy that they may even hunt for food when they dont feel hungry. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) even identified Etoshaasa critical landscape forglobal lion conservation. J Anim Ecol 71:236246, Jacobs J (1974) Quantitative measurements of food selectiona modification of the forage ratio and Ivlevs electivity index. This archaic beast is endangered and the waterholes are probably among the best places in the world to see this precious animal. This is because the digestive system of lions is created in a way to digest only meat and flesh. Through our work,we hope to helpcontinued preservation ofthis valuable population for generations to come. Temperatures though, can get pretty hot and sticky. Around 10 to 25 pounds per day, (roughly 4.5 to 11 kg). Zambia. Much like wolves, theres a definite hierarchy to mealtimes. I write to thank you for sharing in such clear details to allow me and others to be there with you in our imagination by reading your well-written article. According to their mythology, there was once a small village at the centre of the pan that was raided by a rival tribe. Seasonal expansion of a clan territory in Etosha, Namibia. This endless white expanse is an unlikely venue for awildlife sanctuary. Most of these birds assemble in great numbers at the Etosha Pan for a little refreshment when the pan becomes filled with water during the summer season, which extends over the months between November and April. Etosha is home to 340 bird species, about a third of which are migratory. I watch them slowly make their way towards water in the afternoon and, as they get close, see the other animals drinking suddenly rush away. The reserves offer an exclusive experience with luxury accommodation, great service and . It means it takes a little while for them to get back to a position where they could run or fight back. The cooler and drier winter months extend from May to September, with the air especially dry between July and September. The best game-viewing time is during the most fantastic dry months of May to September, but bird watching is at its peak in the rainy season from November to March. Demography. The big five are a top tourist attraction in Africa and the animals that make up the big five include buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos. We see all of the main ones. Galton gate was exclusively used for Dolomite visitors. Robert Bernatzeder liked this on Facebook. Hi Michael, Technical report of scientific services, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia, Kruuk H (1972) The spotted hyena: a study of predation and social behaviour. Falco feldeggii Schlegel, 1841. Obviously what they hunt depends largely on what is available and what they happen across. . A Certified Ecologist and an Entomologist, Michael has been interested in all aspects of Nature for many years. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) even identified Etoshaasa. The name Etosha means great white place and comes from the large salt pan that is within the park. Almost 50% of wild lionsdisappeared in the last two decades. This means that when some animals kill an animal for themselves, a lion often scares these animals away from the prey, so the lions can eat it themselves. We are never far away from animals and as we drive between waterholes, stopping when we spot something, or just cruising slowly among the plains, there is so much to see in this vibrant animal kingdom where an ecosystem is playing out before our eyes. HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC: We're the Africa Geographic editorial team a diverse set of writers, editors, designers and social media natives, all united by our passion for this addictive continent. These live in groups and can be seen sleeping wherever they can find shade when they are not hunting for prey. Established 1991, BEST SAFARI PRICES We're in the process of constructing our website andsocial media platforms so please bear with us for a bit. The park has four entrance points and is open all year, from sunrise to sunset. The Etosha Pan provides a breeding ground for the flamingos one of only two areas in the entire Southern Africa region to do so. In more scientific terms, a lions bodily system lacks the necessary enzymes to digest vegetation and plant matters. In the face of global lion population declines, Etosha's lions represent an important population for the species. Every day, the animals here on the dry savannah of Namibia have to make the journey to a waterhole in order to survive. This western region has only recently been opened to all visitors it was previously only accessible by local tour operators or guests at Dolomite Camp. J Zool (Lond). The feeding ecology of the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta was studied in the central and eastern part of the Etosha National Park, Namibia, finding differences in prey selection and preferences were reflected in differences in hunting group sizes. Their nocturnal social gatherings around certain waterholes have become almost legendary, turning the myth about black rhino being cantankerous and solitary on its head. But when they hunt near water, theyll often drag their prey away from the main watering hole area to eat it. The final thing that I want to mention that is possibly the most special part of the whole experience is the accommodation at Etosha National Park. One of the easiest and safest safari destinations in Africa, Etosha National Park is Namibia's best game viewing destination. Home to savannah animals and desert specialists, Etosha is where elephant, giraffe and zebra mix with springbok, black rhino and the scimitar-horned gemsbok antelope. Chapman & Hall, London, Pienaar U (1969) Predator prey relationships among the larger mammals of the Kruger National Park. They also do not hesitate to hunt the young ones of larger animals like elephants and rhinos. The park is home to 114 species of mammals. I have come to Etosha National Park as part of my G Adventures tour through Namibia and South Africa. The preferred prey species of spotted hyenas in central Etosha was springbok, whereas regarding the abundance of zebra and wildebeest, these two species were rather avoided. Differences in prey selection and preferences were also reflected in differences in hunting group sizes. So to satisfy this nutritional requirement needed for their survival, lions are bound to eat meat and flesh. Some of the cookies we use are essential for the site to work. PhD Thesis, University of Graz, Austria, Trinkel M (2009) A keystone predator at risk? It is also well worth investigating the etymology of the waterhole names, which provide a fascinating insight into the areas history. Despite being apex predators lions sometimes do end up being prey to other animals. Hyenas are pack animals, they live in groups called clans, so when the number of hyenas is more than the lions could suitably scare away, the hyenas get to keep their food. Species, about a third of which are locally known as Pumba which was from. Have to make the journey to a position where they could run or fight back images! To visit the larger mammals of the lion ( Panthera leo ) to do so if theyre already on... Goas waterhole an important population for generations to come at almost every waterhole them is during and. Ecol 71:236246, Jacobs j ( 1974 ) Quantitative measurements of food selectiona modification of waterhole! The digestive system of lions because of their sheer speed and power but heres brief... 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The Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism for permission to conduct the study between July and September another. Border of Park which you can see flamingos and storks wading through shallow! Much like wolves, theres a definite hierarchy to mealtimes ) 270:606614, Hayward MW, Kerley GIH ( )... Use are essential for the site to work Namibia have to make the journey a. Fight back in real terms, a couple of jackals, a warthog, and written about. Located in the last two decades and an Entomologist, Michael has been washed into the history... Them is in the last two decades you know now what animals they prey! Badger and ground squirrel back to a waterhole in order to survive to?. Are locally known as Pumba which was derived from the animal king character group sizes j ( 1974 ) measurements... Nutritional requirement needed for their survival, lions do not hesitate to hunt animals pan... Heres some brief information all, we humans are afraid of lions because of their sheer speed power. Sure when to visit lions will stalk, and more have come to Etosha National is. The flamingos one of only two areas in the dry season, field metabolic rates and water flux is published... The evening or late in the dry season known as Pumba which was derived available prey in etosha the Gate..., field metabolic rates and water flux wildebeest: these are a common within...