Namibian Journal of Environment

16/08/2024

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume9-foyet

Just published.

𝗙𝗼𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗠 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰) 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗖𝗕𝗡𝗥𝗠) 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮: 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀. 𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙀𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝟵 𝗖: 𝟭–𝟭𝟱.

Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) is arguably the most important tool for simultaneously driving rural development and improving community livelihoods and biodiversity conservation in Southern Africa. However, persistent challenges prompt a crucial inquiry: what strategies can ensure CBNRM’s relevance in reconciling the competing demands of development and conservation while guaranteeing fair benefit-sharing among local communities and achieving sustainable conservation outcomes?

If the region is to continue its success story as an African anomaly, it will have to (i) close the gaps in digital access and readiness which threaten to hold it back; (ii) skilfully manage its transition to sustainable local funding mechanisms, alternative biodiversity markets and robust equitable benefit distribution schemes; (iii) adeptly navigate power dynamics and cultural sensitivities on the global stage; and, in its avant-gardist and pioneering spirit, (iv) boldly address critically overlooked mental health aspects within conservation in rural settings. This essay, therefore, explores the evolution, principles, and application of CBNRM across the region, set against a backdrop of historical exploitation and exclusionary practices. By examining the roots of CBNRM in indigenous stewardship, its development through colonial and post-colonial periods, and its contemporary challenges and opportunities, the paper argues for a shift from the traditional dichotomous view of natural resource management to an alternative perspective encompassing the dynamic and complex nature of managing natural resources in a way that is socially equitable, economically viable, and ecologically sustainable.

Drawing on previous studies and recent interviews conducted in Southern Africa, this paper adopts a methodological approach that combines critical discourse analysis with a thorough review of the literature to highlight the connection between CBNRM and formal (state apparatus) and informal (Web 3.0, social media) institutions and their role in shaping modern rural development. The analytical framework of the paper is firmly anchored in the Common Property Resource (CPR) theory. Overall, I contend that the goals of biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, rural development, and sustainable natural resource use are intertwined and mutually reinforcing in the quest to improve community well-being and protect biocultural heritage. Central to the analysis is the hypothesis that communities will actively manage their environment when the benefits outweigh the costs, suggesting that devolving management rights and responsibilities to local communities leads to better conservation outcomes because of their direct interest in the sustainability of resources. The future of CBNRM in southern Africa is presented as promising yet contingent on embracing innovations such as the utilisation of artificial intelligence, and the potential of social media for policy decision-making. To achieve its full potential, CBNRM must be supported by strong legal and policy frameworks, greater community engagement, and international partnerships that foster knowledge exchange and resource mobilisation. Ultimately, findings indicate that, despite its challenges, CBNRM offers a sustainable pathway for reconciling conservation and community development, underscoring the importance of continued exploration, support, and refinement of this model to ensure its success in fostering an equitable and sustainable present and future for southern Africa's socio-economic and ecological landscape.

The Namibian Journal of Environment is a scientific e-journal published by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the Environmental Information Service, Namibia.

17/03/2024

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume9-bryson

Our first paper for 2024 has been published:

Bryson U & Paijmans DM (2024) Lesser Grey Shrike 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 Gmelin 1788 on its non-breeding grounds: comparative biometrics, moult data and criteria to determine age and s*x. Namibian Journal of Environment 9 D: 1–20

In this study we present measurements, moult data and related observations for 356 Lesser Grey Shrikes 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 ringed during their non-breeding season in Namibia. Our research focuses mainly on addressing critical gaps in knowledge about the species' plumage. We describe non-breeding plumage features that have been omitted in the southern African bird books, and thus provide essential information for accurate ageing. It is noteworthy that birds lacking a black forehead (frontal mask) and those with an incompletely black bill are not necessarily juveniles or immatures, as asserted in the literature and identification guides. These same plumage features are signs of moulting adults and can be observed particularly on the non-breeding, but at times already on the breeding-grounds. Additionally, we offer photographic evidence of the head moult, loss of black forehead and changes in bill colour during the non-breeding season. We discuss the timing and progress of primary moult in adults and first-year birds, along with plumage features for age determination. The study also examines the increase of mass, site fidelity, bird numbers responding to rainfall, and short and long-term fluctuations of population numbers. Our findings contribute insights into the ecology and behaviour of Lesser Grey Shrikes in the non-breeding grounds. Finally, we propose potential subjects for further research to enhance conservation and management efforts.

08/01/2024

𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐇 𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐌 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐀

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝟖, 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫.

You can download the whole monograph, or individual papers here:
https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/issue/view/8

Editors:
John M Mendelsohn
Brian J Huntley
Pedro Vaz Pinto

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒

Huntley BJ, Mendelsohn JM & Vaz Pinto P Preface to endemism on the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia i–iii

Huntley BJ, Mendelsohn JM & Vaz Pinto P The biological importance of the highlands of Angola and Namibia: Synopsis and conclusions v–xiii

𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Jarvis AM The highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia: orientation maps 1–6

Mendelsohn JM & Huntley BJ Introducing the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 7–22

Miller RM Geology and landscape evolution of the highlands and escarpments of western Angola and Namibia 23–28

Huntley BJ Biomes and ecoregions of the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 29–41

Mendelsohn JM & Gomes AL The human environment in the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 43–51

Vaz Pinto P, Russo V & Veríssimo L The highlands in Angolan conservation areas 53–62

𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐦

Craven P & Kolberg H An overview of plant endemism on the highlands of Namibia 63–76

Goyder DJ, Gomes AL, Gonçalves FMP, Luís JC & Darbyshire I A botanical assessment of Mt Namba, Cuanza-Sul, Angola: an isolated mountain towards the northwestern limits of the Great Escarpment of southern Africa 77–92

Meller P, Lages F, Finckh M, Gomes A & Goyder D Diversity and endemism of geoxylic plants on the Angolan Planalto 93–109

Bruyns PV, Hanáček P & Klak C Diversity and endemism in the species-rich Ceropegieae (Apocynaceae) and 𝐸𝑢𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑎 in the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 111–134

Dexter KG, Swanepoel W, Loiseau O, Darbyshire I, Nanyeni L, Gonçalves FM, Chase F & Manzitto-Tripp EA High endemism of the genus Petalidium (Acanthaceae) in the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 135–147

Weeks A & Swanepoel W 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑎 of the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 149–159

Lautenschläger T, Aime MC, Clausnitzer V, Langer L, Meller P, Müller F, Nuss M, Teutloff N & Ernst R Green gem of the Northern Escarpment: biodiversity and endemism of the Serra do Pingano Forest Ecosystem 161–172

Kipping J, Clausnitzer V & Dijkstra K-DB The highlands and escarpment of Angola as an endemism hotspot for African dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) 173–186

Gunter F, Jürgens N & Henschel JR Observations on the diversity of termites in Angola and Namibia 187–192

Mansell MW The Neuroptera of the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 193–196

Gomez K, Hawkes PG & Fisher BL Ant endemicity in the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) 197–203

Gardiner AJ & Williams MC The endemic butterflies of Angola and Namibia and their evolutionary implications 205–230

Prendini L & Bird TL Endemism of Arachnida (Amblypygi, Scorpiones and Solifugae) in the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia: current knowledge and future directions 231–244

Becker FS, Baptista NL, Vaz Pinto P, Ernst R & Conradie W The amphibians of the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 245–257

Bauer AM, Ceríaco LMP, Marques MP & Becker FS Highland reptiles of Angola and Namibia 259–276

Conradie W, Lobón-Rovira J, Becker FS, Schmitz A & Vaz Pinto P Flat gecko (𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑎) diversity, endemism and speciation in the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 277–281

Skelton PH Fishes of the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 283–292

Mills MSL & Melo M Birds of the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia: ornithological significance, avifaunal patterns and questions requiring further study 293–309

Palmeirim AF, Monadjem A, Vaz Pinto P, Taylor P, Svensson MS & Beja P Mammal endemism in the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 311–322

De Matos D, Zastrow J, Val A & Mendelsohn JM Caves and their fauna in the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia 323–330

31/10/2023

Published yesterday:

𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐚

Abstract:
A large proportion of households in northern Namibia rely on agriculture for livelihoods, yet the area is highly susceptible to drought shocks. Therefore, these households must employ strategies to adapt and mitigate the consequences of drought. This study aimed to identify factors affecting smallholder subsistence farmers’ vulnerability and adaptation to drought in Oshipya District, Etayi Constituency, Omusati Region in northern-central Namibia (NCN). Data on drought ex-ante and ex-post coping mechanisms and sociodemographic characteristics were collected from 80 randomly selected smallholder farmers using a structured questionnaire. Levels of drought resilience and vulnerability were estimated using a Rasch model. Farmers were categorised according to asset ownership using a multivariate cluster analysis technique, while a principal component analysis was used to estimate wealth scales. Furthermore, a general linear model was employed to assess factors affecting variability in household vulnerability and resilience to drought shocks. Gender of household head, marital status, membership of a farming organisation, household size, type of farming activities and farm size significantly affected farmers’ drought resilience levels. Combined crop-livestock farmers were more resilient than livestock or crop farmers while the level of drought adaptability increased with the size of the farm, years of farming experience and membership of a farming organisation. On the other hand, household size significantly affected vulnerability levels, with large households being more susceptible to the effects of drought. We encourage farmers to diversify their farming activities, diversify sources of livelihoods and join farming organisations to gain knowledge on drought mitigation. Furthermore, smallholder farmers should be better prepared for drought through infrastructure development, training, and provision of support services to make them self-reliant and hence reduce government expenditure on drought relief programmes.

The Namibian Journal of Environment is a scientific e-journal published by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the Environmental Information Service, Namibia.

31/10/2023

Published on 17th October:

𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-weber

Abstract:
Distribution maps are generally based on documented records rather than true occurrence patterns. This may be problematic for cryptic, under-reported species that occur in areas poorly covered by observers. Species distribution models may help overcome this challenge. Here, all available records of the migratory 𝐴𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠 (tree pipit) and resident 𝐴𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑢𝑠 𝑛𝑦𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑒 (wood pipit) for southern Africa and adjacent areas were assembled to train generalised linear models, random forest and gradient boosting machine species distribution models. Sampling pseudo-absences from a common species’ similarly biased records helped to account for the spatial sampling bias present in the data. The model outputs suggest that 𝐴. 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠 and 𝐴. 𝑛𝑦𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑒 display a latitudinal habitat suitability gradient in the area of interest, opposing a latitudinal reporting gradient. The migratory behaviour of 𝐴. 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠 may blur its ecological niche. More and more reliable field observations are needed to confirm these findings. This study provides a clear framework to assist distribution delimitations from citizen science data by counteracting observer and sampling biases.

08/09/2023

Published this week:

The importance of large pans and surrounding bushveld for black rhino (𝐷𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠 𝑏𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑠 ssp. 𝑏𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑠) habitat use in the Kalahari: implications for reintroduction and range expansion

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-sterk

In the Kalahari region of southern Africa, recurrent droughts can affect local livestock production and even lead to the loss of traditional farmland. As a result, the wildlife economy has grown in importance as a profitable approach to the sustainable use of native game species adapted to these challenging climatic conditions. This has led to restoration efforts in the region that have brought back wildlife including the critically endangered black rhino (𝐷𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠 𝑏𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑠). To understand the interrelationship between a reintroduced black rhino population and a rural Kalahari wildlife reserve, this research project aimed to decode the key drivers of black rhino habitat use based on a multiscalar approach of combined aerial and ground information on ecogeographical variables (vegetation and artificial habitat components) together with spatial rhino location and individual movement data. On average, black rhino home ranges were found to be 67 ± 20 km2, with core areas of 24 ± 11 km2. These are predominantly covered by the landscape types of bushveld and calcareous pans. Analysis of the different landscape factors present in the reserve showed that vegetation heterogeneity, vegetation density, vegetation damage, browse availability and waterhole density were significantly higher in the pooled core areas of the total population compared to less frequented areas. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression model predicted that browse availability and vegetation heterogeneity of medium to large woody species to be the most significant effect on black rhino habitat use. The model also showed a negative correlation with Acacia spp. saplings, which can be explained by the decline or absence of saplings in the core areas due to the continuous feeding pressure of black rhinos and other herbivores. Evaluation of black rhino habitat use and spatial distribution indicates a strong preference for the mosaic of microhabitats around calcareous pans and surrounding lunette dunes covered by bushveld. Together with the year-round availability of water (rain-fed lakes and artificial waterholes), these focal points are of high ecological importance and provide suitable habitat conditions that may highlight the potential for further black rhino reintroduction and range expansion, as well as general rewilding efforts in the region.

21/08/2023

Published last month:

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-bryson3

Bryson U, Paijmans DM, Boorman M (2023) Tractrac Chat 𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐: comparative biometrics, moult data and criteria for the determination of age and s*x. 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 7 D: 41–56

Data on the Tractrac Chat (𝐸𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐) (Wilkes), 1817 are scarce and widely scattered in the literature. We present measurement and moult data from 97 Tractrac Chats of the subspecies E. t. albicans ringed in Namibia over 20 years. We gathered published data of nesting, breeding and moulting, and compare our observations of the moult process and our records of active brood patches with breeding records compiled by Brown 𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑙. (2017). On the basis of photographs, we describe the nestling of the ssp. E. t. albicans and its development to immature and then adult. We compare young and adult plumage and other features which help to distinguish these age groups. We also document several cases of irregular primary moult. We add observations on site fidelity; on changes in habitat and subsequent changes in numbers of territories; on the development of overall numbers of the species in our research area; on behaviour and on parasites and injuries. We also point out errata in the literature from Levaillant that remain in use, as well as discuss the elevation of the distribution range.

21/08/2023

Published last month:

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-bryson2

Bryson U & Paijmans DM (2023) Mountain Wheatear 𝑀𝑦𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑙𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑎: comparative biometrics, moult and breeding data, and criteria for the determination of age and s*x. 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 7 D: 20–40

In this article we present measurement and moult data from over 160 Mountain Wheatear (𝑀𝑦𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑙𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑎) of the subspecies 𝑎𝑡𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑖 (Tristram, 1869) ringed in Namibia, as well as two individuals of the adjacent northerly subspecies M. m. albipileata (Bocage, 1867) from Angola, and discuss our findings from these subspecies. We gathered nesting, breeding and moulting records for Namibia from published literature and photographic records, and compared our observations of the moult process and our records of active brood patches with breeding records, gathered by Brown 𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑙. (2017), to gain insight into the timeline of physical processes. On the basis of photographs, we describe the nestling and compare juvenile and immature plumage and other features which help to distinguish these age groups. We add notes on the overall numbers observed in the last fifteen years and notes on recaptures, site fidelity and parasites. We discuss the white covert-patch as an indicator of age and document undescribed plumage details such as signs of a second-year plumage, spots on the coverts of first-year birds, white supercilium in grey males, the occurrence of grey or black greater coverts in grey males and features from both s*xes in one plumage. This article is intended to supplement published data and encourage further research and discussion.

04/07/2023

A popular article based on the paper published in NJE in May 2023: https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-stander

Desert lions have returned to the Skeleton Coast, causing conflict with sea fishermen.

05/06/2023

Just published:

Red-backed Shrike (𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘰) Linnaeus, 1758 on its non-breeding grounds: comparative biometrics, moult data and criteria to determine age and s*x

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-bryson

Much is still unknown or unpublished in the Afrotropical literature concerning the complexity of the plumage features of the Red-backed Shrike (𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘰). We present measurements, moult data and related observations for about 300 Red-backed Shrikes collected while ringing them in their non-breeding range in southern Africa. We discuss our findings on timing and progress of primary moult in adults and birds in their first year of life. We describe in detail plumage features for the determination of age and s*x, and discuss colour and plumage variations in both s*xes, especially females, and the occurrence of white wing patches in males. We give photographic evidence of the change of the bill colour during the non-breeding season and add notes on age and s*x ratio, retraps and site fidelity. We also discuss the long-standing claims of Red-backed Shrike breeding in the southern hemisphere. Our field excursions between 2002 and 2022 were based mainly in Namibia during the Austral summer months, from November to April. We have included supplementary records of this species from Botswana and Zambia.

29/05/2023

Published today:
https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-kopij

Results of a simplified territory mapping method employed to study the distribution and numbers of all birds breeding in the Ogongo Game Park.

19/05/2023

Just published:

An evaluation of the simultaneous utilisation of the northern Namib coastline by desert-adapted lions (𝑃𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑎 𝑙𝑒𝑜) and recreational shore anglers, during the 2022/2023 Torra Bay Campsite season, in the Skeleton Coast National Park

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-stander

26/01/2023

Our first paper for 2023:

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume7-robertson

Measured rainfall data from 33 ground-based rainfall stations were compared with rainfall estimates from CHIRPS (Climate Hazards Infrared Precipitation with Stations) across a rainfall gradient in central Namibia. There was close agreement between the two datasets across the interior of the country from the escarpment eastwards. However west of the escarpment the two datasets diverged. In this zone all CHIRPS estimates were higher than measured values and the seasonal variability of CHIRPS estimates declined towards the coast whereas measured rainfall variability rose. Quality assessments of CHIRPS in the literature have suggested there is a tendency for the model to overestimate the frequency of rainfall events, and to record low rainfall rather than zero rainfall in low rainfall areas. These effects may be exacerbated in Namibia by the prevalence of coastal fog. Increasing the number of reliable ground-based stations across the coastal zone may go some way to addressing the discrepancy in Namibia between CHIRPS estimates and ground measurements.

Measured rainfall data from 33 ground-based rainfall stations were compared with rainfall estimates from CHIRPS (Climate Hazards Infrared Precipitation with Stations) across a rainfall gradient in central Namibia. There was close agreement between the two datasets across the interior of the country....

21/11/2022

Published today:
MJ Wenborn 𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑙. 2022. Analysis of records from community game guards of human-elephant conflict in Orupupa Conservancy, northwest Namibia. 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 6 A: 92-100.

Competition between local people and elephants (Loxodonta africana) for water and vegetation is an increasing concern in many conservancies in northwest Namibia. Many livestock were lost during droughts in 2018-2019, and there are risks of more severe droughts in the future because of climate change...

10/10/2022

Consider submitting your manuscripts to the Namibian Journal of Environment!

We are interested in broad environmental areas of ecology, agriculture, forestry, agro-forestry, social science, economics, water and energy, climate change, planning, land use, pollution, strategic and environmental assessments and related fields, as they pertain to Namibia. This journal addresses the sustainable development agenda of the country in its broadest context.

The Namibian Journal of Environment is a scientific e-journal published by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the Environmental Information Service, Namibia.

09/09/2022

Hot off the press!
"At home or passing through? Leopard population and spatial ecology on a private game reserve" by Périquet, S., Crawford, S., Naholo, S., Stratford, S., & Stratford, K.
Access the full text here: http://www.nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume6-periquet

07/09/2022

Just published! Our first Research Report (Section B):
"A preliminary comparison of brown hyaena activity patterns at den sites located within a protected reserve and a commercial farmland" from Fischer, H., Portas, R. & Edwards,S.
Read the full text here: http://www.nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume6-fischer

07/09/2022

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume6-swanepoel

The presence in Namibia along the Kunene River and border of Angola of the 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘺𝘪 subspecies of 𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘴 (Lesser Masked Weaver) is reported for the first time. Observations suggested that 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘺𝘪 probably grades into birds of the cabanisii subspecies from Epupa Falls and further upstream along the Kunene River, while typical 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘪 occurs south of the Kunene River.

05/09/2022

Are you writing a manuscript relevant to Namibia on environmental topic such as ecology, agriculture, forestry, agro-forestry, social science, economics, water and energy, climate change, planning, land use, pollution, strategic and environmental assessments? Consider submitting your manuscripts to the Namibian Journal of Environment!

The Namibian Journal of Environment is a scientific e-journal published by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the Environmental Information Service, Namibia.

26/08/2022

Just published in Section A:

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume6-mbeha

Functional diversity is a component of biodiversity that includes the range of roles that organisms perform in communities and can explain and predict the impact of organisms on ecosystems. Mudumu National Park is an important ecosystem that acts as a wildlife corridor for migratory fauna moving bet...

20/07/2022

Our latest article is just out.

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume6-shimhanda

Climate change is among the global issues that have permeated the media agenda, yet studies on climate crises have mostly focused on Western media. Less in-depth analysis has been conducted in developing countries that are extremely subject to climate change and where awareness and adaptation will b...

18/07/2022

Just published:

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume6-hamutenya

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞 (𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒂 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒔) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐚

Wildlife introductions are often preceded by habitat suitability studies, although to date the possible impact of human communities’ attitudes towards reintroductions of species have seldom been assessed in any detail. Iona National Park (NP) in Angola is inhabited by people, predominantly on the eastern fringes, and as such any reintroduction would benefit from the buy-in of these communities. Therefore, understanding community attitudes is essential for successfully reintroducing the Angolan giraffe (𝐺𝑖𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑎 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑠) in Iona NP where the species has been locally extinct since before the 1980s due to indiscriminate poaching during the Angolan civil war. We undertook structured interviews of individuals (n = 82) from the Iona community living inside the park to: a) investigate their attitudes toward an Angolan giraffe reintroduction, b) understand people’s willingness to co-exist with giraffe, and c) assess the risk of poaching. Our analyses revealed that whilst most people in the study area had never seen a live giraffe, they remained positive towards reintroducing them into the park. Only the minority Mungambwe and Mucubal ethnic groups, who are traditional agro-pastoral farmers, showed a neutral or negative attitude towards the reintroduction and were concerned about possible poaching of giraffe. The observed support by the majority of local communities for the potential reintroduction will be an advantage for conservation planners and managers moving this valuable conservation initiative forward.

18/04/2022

Our latest paper, just published:

https://nje.org.na/index.php/nje/article/view/volume6-walters

Within the last twenty years, Namibia has developed a leading alternative model of biodiversity conservation, largely due to its Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme and its allocation of large areas of land towards biodiversity conservation. The CBNRM model is based on the rights of communal conservancies to benefit from the wildlife that is present on their land; one such right is to receive meat and revenue from trophy hunting. However, the marketability of desirable trophy animals is dependent on the consistent presence of quality trophy individuals within local wildlife populations, which can, through over-hunting, lead to an unsustainable operation. This study considered trends in numbers, locations and sizes of trophies hunted over a five-year period. Three sought-after high-value species, namely buffalo (Syncerus caffer), roan (Hippotragus equinus), and sable (Hippotragus niger), along with the iconic and frequently hunted trophy species kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), were considered in this study. Buffalo and roan trophy sizes showed signs of a non-significant increase over time. Sable trophy measurements indicated a non-significant negative size trend, while kudu trophy measurements significantly declined across Namibia over the 5 years. It is speculated that large kudu bulls have become less common, possibly due to a combination of overhunting and the impact of rabies. Most roan, sable and kudu were hunted on freehold farms, while buffalo were exclusively hunted in national parks and communal conservancies in the north-east. Despite commercial game farmers breeding roan and sable selectively, there were no significant positive trends in trophy size on freehold farms. This study paves the way for further research into the effect of environmental and socio-economic variables that could be factored into determining the influence on trophy measurement trends, and for more effective monitoring and management of popular hunting wildlife species.

Within the last twenty years, Namibia has developed a leading alternative model of biodiversity conservation, largely due to its Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme and its allocation of large areas of land towards biodiversity conservation. The CBNRM model is based on the....