Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article. The best place to spot them is at the water sources and they can be seen with the wildebeests and zebras. Etosha National Park, Namibia Waterholes are a trap. The original human inhabitants of Etosha were the Hai//om Bushmen people, and they have their own legend as to the history of the pan. All Rights Reserved. It means they take hours (literally) to walk the last kilometre or so to the waterhole and finally start to drink. A veterinarian from Etosha Ecological Institute takes a blood sample from a sedated male lion after fittingthe lion with a GPS satellitecollar. Among the smaller species you will find jackal, bat-eared fox, warthog, honey badger and ground squirrel. The area around Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is one of the last remaining strongholds for wild lions in the world. When covered in the white clay soils from around the waterholes, they look like giant grey ghosts, which only adds to their gravitas. Still, its always important to remember to set the camera aside for a brief period, to soak up the atmosphere. Safaris, discussions & donations that make a real difference in Africa. All the opinions expressed are my own I truly believe G Adventures is one of the best tour companies that you can use for a trip to Namibia. Our G Adventures group is camping in the main camp inside the park, called Okaukuejo. The giraffes will walk for a short time then stop still and spend several minutes looking around, surveying the area for movement. Almost 50% of wild lionsdisappeared in the last two decades. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'rangerplanet_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',172,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-leader-4-0');Some also report that lions do this to take control of another territory. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022 Etoshanationalpark.org| All Rights Reserved |. For to enjoy your game viewing experience while in Etosha is during the dry season. Lions will commonly, and patiently wait on the fringes of water holes, for animals to come and theyll closely watch the moves of every animal to plan the best way to hunt. When the rains gather in the pan you can see flamingos and storks wading through the shallow water. The alternating dry and winter months that are experienced in Etosha National Park throughout the year have enabled tourists to view the different animal species that are found in the Park. The warthogs are a common sight as you drive to the National Park on the roadside but surprisingly when you get to the National Park, they are a rare sight. The area and vegetation is very different to the south- eastern and eastern part of the park. They will then be joined by the cubs and the older members of the family. Google Scholar, di Silvestre I, Novelli O, Bogliani G (2000) Feeding habits of the spotted hyaena in the Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal. This site is owned and operated by Michael Chamberlain. 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 . The Fort was constructed in 1897 as a German military outpost to help control the spread of. Elephants and lions are common in the park, while the elusive leopard hides in the densely vegetated areas. 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 won't have to worry . However, even if the hunt is performed as a group, its the male lions who get the chance to feed first, then followed by the lioness and the cubs and older ones as before. There is no missing the elephants the majestic giants of Etosha National Park. This happens for a few reasons. 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. Understanding lion ecology and population threatsis integral to continued conservation efforts. 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. app@africageographic.com There are currently only 4 out of the big five in Etosha with lions and the African elephant being the most commonly seen. You might think so given their frequently shared proximity and shared list of prey. For larger animals, lions often jump on the back of the animal, trying to bring them down to attack. Top 10 Fastest Animals on the Planet and Their Speeds. Yet is the black rhino that truly steals the show in Etosha. Download scientific diagram | Migratory and resident prey density (animals/100 km2) in central and eastern Etosha from publication: Prey selection and prey preferences of spotted hyenas Crocuta . Ethology 88:223235, Henschel JR, Tilson RL (1988) How much does a spotted hyaena eat? Robert Bernatzeder liked this on Facebook. PubMedGoogle Scholar. (a) The three zones (1, 2, 3) in the study area. Afr J Ecol 37:149160, Article The country has a great mix of desert, semi- desert and savannahs. Planning a trip to Etosha but not sure when to visit? Identifying patterns from the past can help inform conservation planning in the future. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'rangerplanet_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-leader-3-0');While thats the case in the wild, in captivity like in Zoos the average amount of food a lion will eat in a day is 8 pounds for a male, (around 3.6 kg), whereas a lioness can eat up to around 6 pounds (around 2.7 kg). Among the smaller species you will find jackal, bat-eared fox, warthog, honey badger and ground squirrel. It is also one of the few countries where animals still roam freely mostly unrestricted by human influence. 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. Hence the name Olifantsrus translates as elephants rest. So do coyotes eat foxes? 2022 Etoshanationalpark.org| All Rights Reserved |. The waterholes that surround the camps ensure that you are never left without something to photograph. 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. You still need animals to spot. Differences in prey selection and preferences were also reflected in differences in hunting group sizes. The backdrop of the vast Etosha Panmakes game viewing in Etosha a unique experience. Many keen photographers visit the park looking to enhance their skills and photo- library. Sprokieswoud, meaning fairy-tale forest, is also appropriately named for its unearthly scenery. Please check out our. Ive mentioned many of the big names already and we saw plenty of them all zebras, giraffes, elephants, rhinos. I am grateful to the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism for permission to conduct the study. The cooler and less humid winter air also means the animals are less lethargic and more active, and so are you. J Zool (Lond) 242:115, Hner OP, Wachter B, East ML, Hofer H (2002) The response of spotted hyaenas to long-term changes in prey populations: functional response and interspecific kleptoparasitism. 2022 Etoshanationalpark.org| All Rights Reserved |. Both a lion and a lioness can eat up to 15% of their own body weight in just one meal thats how much they eat. One can find the Hartmanns Mountain Zebra. The park has four entrance points and is open all year, from sunrise to sunset. Density and distribution of the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta in the Etosha National Park, Namibia. There are currently only 4 out of the big five in Etosha with lions and the African elephant being the most commonly seen. 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. In this situation, the. The elephants are the complete opposite. Bushes along the road turn white as vehicles throw up dust and visitors who leave the park usually have a dusty aura around them! Networking & debating APP subscribers only, TRUSTED CONSERVATION PROJECTS The park is malaria free, accessible in a regular sedan car and the rest camps provide a range of accommodation as well as restaurants, viewing decks, shops and petrol stations. I wonder why the elephants are not predators? The black rhinos are best seen at night since this is the time when they come out of hiding to the waterholes. While physically enormous, their tusks are generally far smaller than other elephants in different parts of Africa, which may be due to genetics or the mineral balance in their diet, or a combination of both. Technical report of scientific services, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Namibia, Kruuk H (1972) The spotted hyena: a study of predation and social behaviour. Tanzania ID: DD1XYY (RM) African Lion (Panthera leo) playing with Burchells Zebra -originally chased but not serious. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'rangerplanet_com-box-4','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-box-4-0');Lions eat a lot! The main prey of Etosha hyenas are migratory herbivores such as springbok, zebra, and wildebeest. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); G Adventures tour through Namibia and South Africa. Howard Russell Andrew liked this on Facebook. Etosha offers that iconic image of Africa: a waterhole surrounded by animals, the very epitome of an oasis teeming with life beneath the merciless sun. Less than 20,000 are lefttoday. Like most animals that hunt, lions generally tend to eat their prey at the same place as they brought the animal down. During this time, lions tend to look for and eat small prey like: Tortoises Lizards Hares Lizards Snakes Mice Birds Although they eat pretty much anything they can prey on, lions mostly hunt down animals that have a mass of 50 to 300 kg. Etosha Climate and Travel Tips Quick Links. As obligate carnivores, this means that around 70% of their diet consists of meat. They also take hours to make the journey but only because they constantly stop to eat, pulling leaves off trees with their trunks. Find the perfect namibia lion prey stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. We give you a run down of what you might expect depending on the season. From your story I can imagine that you are truly living a wonderful adventurous life. Eating a cub from another territory is a way to stake the claim on the territory and the females, or at the very least helping reduce the numbers that may become a large, rival pride of lions. Black Rhinos: the black Rhino is an endangered species that has been practically almost been wiped off the face of the earth due to heavy poaching in various African countries and the same applies to Namibia. But despite this, the tradition continues, and its still the male lion whos the one that gets to dine on the spoils first. By continuing to use our site you agree to us using cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. The word Etosha is said to have originated from the Ndonga word for great white place, an accurate description of the chalky and desolate landscape. Some of the camps even offer floodlit waterholes, where you can spot rhino, elephant and lion drinking from the same waterhole. 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. What do lions predate on? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'rangerplanet_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',162,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-medrectangle-4-0');But lets start with a brief summary answer and a quick list as to the animals that lions eat, then well get into more details, What do lions eat? We believeecosystem-focused, evidence-based strategies are the keyto solving conservation problems. In 2019, Etosha Lion Project was founded to combine efforts to monitor Etosha's lions and to research, understand and address growing threats like climate change . There are six main camps within the park: Outside of the park, there are several private game reserves where visitors can enjoy a range of accommodation from luxury, fully catered lodges to budget self-catering and camping options. Other rare and endangered species include the black-faced impala, which can be seen around Dolomite Camp and the fleet footed cheetah. Animals like cheetahs and hyenas are known for stealing and eating lion cubs if and when the opportunity arises. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-009-0669-3, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-009-0669-3. Correspondence to Goshawks sit in the branches and eight species of owl can be spotted after sunset. Collaring every lion in every pride would be highly costly and logistically impossible. This website uses cookies to optimise your online user experience. For eager photographers and predators alike, the waterholes guarantee a gathering of animals unlike any other. Afr J Ecol 43:220224, Trinkel M, Fleischmann PH, Steindorfer AF, Kastberger G (2004) Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) follow migratory prey. 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. The article has been reviewed by our editorial board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our editorial policy. Driving during the rainy season can get a lot trickier as roads can be flooded and having an equipped vehicle will make the journey a lot more enjoyable. Usually, lions stalk their prey to observe the movement and figure out how best to attack. If a cheetah is after you-both prey and pray. 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. As a result, remarkable sightings at the waters edge are inevitable. By continuing to use our site you agree to us using cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'rangerplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_13',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');But when the hyena clan is fewer in numbers, nothing can match the power of lions, which is another reason why its called The king of the jungle. Some might say that lions eat vegetation, in cases where food is scarce, this may be true. Their nocturnal social gatherings around certain waterholes have become almost legendary, turning the myth about black rhino being cantankerous and solitary on its head. It means that each species that comes down for a drink has its own defence measures to reduce the chance of becoming dinner for the lions. As you travel further north in Namibia towards Etosha National Park, you will find a place that offers visitors a complete contrast of wide open grasslands, a massive pan that covers 4731km and large camel thorn trees mixed with Mopani trees. The Etoshalandscapecovers 22,000 square kilometersof protected area inside Etosha NationalPark (shown in green )and almost 18,000 square kilometersof surrounding farmland and conservation areas(shown in yellow). Original file (1,600 1,200 pixels, file size: 678 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Abstract The responses of animals to seasonal food shortages can have important consequences for population dynamics and the structure and function of food webs. J Afr Ecol 30:292300, Smithers RHN (1983) The mammals of the southern African sub-region. Cheetahs: cheetahs just like the leopards are rarely seen but if you want to try your luck, the best place to see them is in the western part of the National Park. In the dry season, field metabolic rates and water flux . Some of the cookies we use are essential for the site to work. After good rains the salt pan fills with water attracting a cloud of flamingos. Oryx: these can occasionally be seen in the National Park and their distinctive feature from the other antelope species is their long thin horns and black faces. Oecologia 14:413417, Jolly GM (1969) Sampling methods for aerial censuses of wildlife populations. I dont have any particular expectations of what to see but if I did, they would have been exceeded. See how to DOWNLOAD OUR APP below. The three main camps ( Okaukuejo , Halali and Namutoni) offer various types of accommodation from camping to chalets overlooking floodlit waterholes. And as you sit there relaxing (perhaps with a drink in the evening, if you like), you can watch as the animals all come in for their own drink. This website uses cookies to optimise your online user experience. CLICK: Find out more about the Namibia tour, CLICK: See full itinerary of my tour here. It is now open to all visitors to use. Every day, the animals here on the dry savannah of Namibia have to make the journey to a waterhole in order to survive. If a female's body size is approximately 130kg, she must consume 13,500 kcal per day to survive and succeed in the environment. They are each in their own league, and are both worthy of their own title, as we are sure anyone lucky enough to have experienced both seasons in the park would be inclined to agree. It bullies its way into the best position at the waterhole, aggressively chasing away other animals that get too close. Temperatures though, can get pretty hot and sticky. Still, mammal life has bounced back over the last century. Cart See breakdown. Usually, the amount of flamingos over this period depends on the amount of rain Etosha National Park is receiving. And this is what makes them so vulnerable. The Etosha National Park is located in the north of Namibia. Martina Trinkel. Etoshas 35 raptors feast in dry conditions. And I see so many right here rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and hundreds of other animals. Zambia. Almost 50% of wild lionsdisappeared in the last two decades. These live in groups and can be seen sleeping wherever they can find shade when they are not hunting for prey. They can depend on a number of factors, such as wind speed, or maneuvering while at speed. But when they hunt near water, theyll often drag their prey away from the main watering hole area to eat it. But nothing comes to attack and everyone gets a chance to drink and then leave in peace, satisfied and happy for another day. You might be lucky enough to see lion, elephant and rhino all drinking side by side at the waters edge. More than 340 species of bird can be found at the national park, both local and migratory. The zebras take the safety in numbers approach to their defences. No camping is allowed. The route from Okaukuejo to Dolomite is a roughly 175kms with 15 waterholes evenly spaced out on route. Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. In contrast, the prey species preferred by hyenas in eastern Etosha was kudu. Find Lion Hunting Prey stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. They show no signs of cowardice as they make their way towards the waterhole. White dust and clay which makes up the Etosha Pan turns to a reddish brown soil during this time which may lead you to believe you have entered an entirely new park when you visit. Discounts at Africas best lodges and on our hand-made packages subscribers only, STORIES & DISCUSSIONS We investigated how an ambush foraging snake, the northern death adder Acanthophis praelongus, responds to seasonal fluctuations in prey availability in its tropical environment. The elephant information centre bears testament to its history as an elephant abattoir during the 1980s, when elephants were culled by managers concerned about the destruction of biodiversity. Animal speeds are often hard to capture and calculate. in which they might get hampered, or trapped. These black rhinos are officially classified as critically endangered but, to them, there is not a fear in the world that they should worry about. Damara Dik-Dik: this is the smallest antelope measuring about 15 inches. Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade. By the late 19th century, the regions large mammal species, including elephant, rhino and lion had been all but exterminated. Pretoria: University of Pretoria, South Africa, Trinkel M (2003) Population ecology of the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta in the Etosha National Park, Namibia. So they are nervous as they drink, constantly looking around. 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. Olifantsrus Camp a dedicated campsite without chalet accommodation, Olifantsrus is the newest of all Etoshas camps and located in the north-western section of the park. This is done because of the need for a lot of food, and their eagerness to ensure they have sufficient quantities when it comes to their daily requirements. A large falcon, it preys on birds and bats. The looming figures of the elephants at the waterholes look enormous, and this is not just due to a trick of perspective Etosha is home to some of the largest elephants in the world. The best time however to spot them is in the evening or late in the night since they are mainly nocturnal animals. Institute of Zoology, University Graz, Universittsplatz 4, 8010, Graz, Austria, You can also search for this author in This is well and truly the season for wildlife viewing. (RSA) +27 (87) 551-8105 For the animals of Namibias Etosha National Park, theres a hierarchy to the waterhole that can mean the difference between life and death. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rangerplanet_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_21',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-narrow-sky-2-0');Take a look at these similar articles: Heres the video outlining the above article from our Ranger Planet youtube channel. 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. 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. Aside from the Etosha Pan itself, many of the parks waterholes and smaller pans are also full to the brim with water and teeming with birdlife at this time of year, and are all good places to sit with binoculars and long lens at the ready. African openbill and great crested and black necked grebe can be seen here as well. This is exactly what makes them carnivores. Despite being apex predators lions sometimes do end up being prey to other animals. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and has travelled the world full time since 2011. One of the best birding spots is Fishers Pan. Namibia is a very diverse country with an array of habitats and vegetation. J Zool 264:125133. You can also access Dolomite from the Galton Gate which is located in the western border of park. Please click on this logo for more information. The Etosha National Park experience is unlike any other safari experience in the world nothing quite compares to the vast abundance of animals of every shape and size, gathered together in one place at one time. 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. Carefully selected conservation projects one-stop, seamless, transparent donations APP subscribers only. Chances of seeing the springbok are high and these are considered to be fast animals running at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour. But it also has its own large waterhole, right on the edge of the camp, on the other side of a fence (that protects us useless vulnerable humans). The floodlit waterhole is the central feature of the camp. And if they cant finish the meal, theyll often look to hide it to finish it later when they feel hungry. Although it may sound strange and cannibalistic, yes lions sometimes eat their own species meaning other lions. Record breaking species are the ostrich as the worlds largest bird and the kori bustard, which is the heaviest flying bird. Subscription-free stock image available for license. Lions can, and do in fact hunt alone, but hunting with their group (called a pride) hunting becomes far easier. 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. Can J Zool 87:928935, Trinkel M, Kastberger G (2005) Competitive interactions between spotted hyenas and lions in the Etosha National Park, Namibia. Hi Michael, 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). Camera trap images can be even more useful than satellite data to study behavior, pride interactions andprey preference. Thousands of hooves of every shape and size scrabble over the rocky ground as their owners seek out the life-giving water, while opportunistic predators eye the crowds in anticipation. The large mammals in Etosha National Park include lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, kudu, gemsbok and eland. Its here that I see the dynamics of the waterhole playing out to its full extent and I see the animals looking around so carefully for predators. The park is home to 114 species of mammals.