And the strange-looking wildebeests that many claim are ugly but I think are just misunderstood. The route from Okaukuejo to Dolomite is a roughly 175kms with 15 waterholes evenly spaced out on route. According to their mythology, there was once a small village at the centre of the pan that was raided by a rival tribe. Waterholes are extremely essential for game viewing during the dry season since many animal species converge around the different waterholes when the heat becomes unbearable. You can also access Dolomite from the Galton Gate which is located in the western border of park. CLICK: Read my full story about the trip here! . Etosha Lion Projectconducts African lion research and conservationin one of thelast wild lion strongholds: Namibia's iconic Etosha landscape. Zambia. They will then be joined by the cubs and the older members of the family. Their nocturnal social gatherings around certain waterholes have become almost legendary, turning the myth about black rhino being cantankerous and solitary on its head. Etosha: Summer or Winter? Available for both RF and RM licensing. 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. 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. But at least you know now what animals they do prey on. J Anim Ecol 71:236246, Jacobs J (1974) Quantitative measurements of food selectiona modification of the forage ratio and Ivlevs electivity index. Martina Trinkel. Some of the cookies we use are essential for the site to work. But this bullying game doesnt always work with animals like Hyenas. This endless white expanse is an unlikely venue for awildlife sanctuary. By continuing to use our site you agree to us using cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The backdrop of the vast Etosha Panmakes game viewing in Etosha a unique experience. Lions can, and do in fact hunt alone, but hunting with their group (called a pride) hunting becomes far easier. But springboks are smaller and are not as confident to fight off predators. Windhoek. Heres how it appears to work at the waterholes in Etosha National Park. The Austrian Academy of Science, the Vienna Zoo, the Namibian Nature Foundation and the University of Graz are thanked for financial support. This is well and truly the season for wildlife viewing. It is also advised to do a lot more driving to view the wildlife as animals tend to keep clear of the once active waterholes that posed such dangers during the dry season. Your tour guide will be able to help you track and find the best place to see the cheetahs and it is better if you check them out in the evening hours. Giraffes: chances of seeing giraffes in Etosha are extremely high and these can be seen all year round in all seasons. Although it may sound strange and cannibalistic, yes lions sometimes eat their own species meaning other lions. I have come to Etosha National Park as part of my G Adventures tour through Namibia and South Africa. Namibias Etosha National Park offers this visual overload in abundance, a special kind of wildlife opulence where visitors are spoilt by the opportunity to wait for the animals to come to them. 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. This is the busiest of all the camps, both in terms of functioning as the administrative centre of the park, as well as attracting the most visitors. I wonder why the elephants are not predators? For example, Natukanaoka Pan translates roughly as you need to take long strides to walk here, or Gobaub which comes from the Hai//om word for a loincloth, supposedly after a man who lost his while beating a hasty retreat from an angry elephant. Obviously what they hunt depends largely on what is available and what they happen across. You still need animals to spot. The summers are ideal for birding in Etosha National Park. It is also well worth investigating the etymology of the waterhole names, which provide a fascinating insight into the areas history. And the most vulnerable animals are overly cautious, on the verge of paranoia. 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. Perspective from the Namib Desert. Within the Etosha National Park, Namibia, hyena densities vary largely, with clan sizes ranging from 11 to Bill breakdown Images . Etosha Climate and Travel Tips Quick Links. 2022 Etoshanationalpark.org| All Rights Reserved |. Our projectsconduct ecological research and monitoring of the lion population in Etosha National Park, Namibia. It goes without saying that a good lens (and a familiarity with camera settings) will do wonders to enhance the experience. E Afr Agric For J 4649, Kilian W, Kolberg H (2004) Aerial survey of Etosha National Park. 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. There are currently only 4 out of the big five in Etosha with lions and the African elephant being the most commonly seen. Available for both RF and RM licensing. Its beautiful to watch. If you do not yet have our app see the instructions below this story. Cart See breakdown. Feel free to click around and see what we're all about. Etosha National Parkis unique in Africa. To get their mouths at the end of their long necks down to the water, they have to spread their legs as wide as possible. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. Among the smaller species you will find jackal, bat-eared fox, warthog, honey badger and ground squirrel. However, it is the white crenulations of Fort Namutoni that give the camp a unique and historical character. Predators know that their prey must come to one of these waterholes. When the lions come, anything that considers itself as prey will stay far away. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rangerplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_18',171,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Lions often hunt at night or dusk, but of course, they can be active and hunt during the day too. (b) The regression graph d h = 0.0019 d p + 0.2341; R = 0.97 . 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. Afr J Ecol 26:247255, Holekamp KE, Smale L, Berg R, Cooper SM (1997) Hunting rates and hunting success in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). Find Lion Hunting Prey stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-009-0669-3, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-009-0669-3. 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. Koedoe 12:108176, Sillero-Zubiri C, Gottelli D (1992) Feeding ecology of spotted hyaenas (Mammalia: Crocuta crocuta) in a mountain forest habitat. But it means that if you move around between the various drinking spots, your chances of seeing animals is much higher. Subscription-free stock image available for license. Enquire Now The cooler and less humid winter air also means the animals are less lethargic and more active, and so are you. In the face of global lion population declines, Etosha's lions represent an important population for the species. 2004, Trinkel & Kastberger 2008. However, one of the best reasons to visit Etosha is its healthy population of black rhinoceros. 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. 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. Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative, Over 10 million scientific documents at your fingertips, Not logged in The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) even identified Etoshaasa. 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. Much like wolves, theres a definite hierarchy to mealtimes. Seasonal expansion of a clan territory in Etosha, Namibia. We have many specials offers especiallyf or you. The black Rhino is rare but can still b tracked and as usual, the leopard is extremely hard to see since it blends in well with its surrounding environment. 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 . For a herbivore, it sure acts like it is top of the food chain. 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. They show no signs of cowardice as they make their way towards the waterhole. In order to maintain this site and keep providing valuable information and learning tools, rangerplanet.com has become a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Get Lion stalking his prey at Etosha National Park, Namibia photos and images from Picfair. 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. The desiccated and bleached soils of the pan are dry for most, if not all, of the year. (RSA) +27 (87) 551-8105 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. 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). 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. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-009-0669-3. These tall animals can be seen in the different parts of the National park but the best place to spot them in large numbers is between the Klein Namutoni and Namutoni camp. Flat 20, Reynolds Neck, North Helenaville, FV77 8WS, Etosha National Park Accommodation, Hotels & Lodges, How to Plan a Self-Drive trip In Etosha National Park. But its also the daily action that puts their survival most at risk. So do coyotes eat foxes? The park is home to 114 species of mammals. The waterholes that surround the camps ensure that you are never left without something to photograph. Every day is an adventure. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and has travelled the world full time since 2011. Lion Panthera leo Lioness stalking and chasing prey at Waterhole Etosha N P Namibia ID: AC040B (RM) Lion comes eye to eye with a Thomson gazelle. Lions face many threats today, including habitat loss and fragmentation, pressures from illegal wildlife trade, human-lion conflict (HLC) and the effects of climate change. After good rains the 5 000 km Etosha Pan fills with water and attracts a pink cloud of flamingo. 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. Although its a false alarm, they take no chances when their lives are at stake. Lions are renowned for being carnivores, theyre both powerful, and ferocious apex predators, and they eat just about anything they can hunt and kill. Ive written an entire article about lions eating lions, but heres some brief information. But lions will usually predate a number of larger land-based animals that have a mass of 50-300 kg, such as. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rangerplanet_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-leader-2-0');This is not necessarily because theyre thirsty, but mainly to hunt down animals that will come to these locations to drink water which makes sense. - no. The Etosha Pan provides a breeding ground for the flamingos one of only two areas in the entire Southern Africa region to do so. Identifying patterns from the past can help inform conservation planning in the future. It means it takes a little while for them to get back to a position where they could run or fight back. With my G Adventures group, we head out on safaris all day long, with a local guide driving and spotting. 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. The country has a great mix of desert, semi- desert and savannahs. But even in cases where stalking is not possible, lions will ambush directly into the prey and start attacking. 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 . These waterholes have been open for several years now and have recently been revamped, ensuring that the wildlife becomes more prolific in these areas. When the rains gather in the pan you can see flamingos and storks wading through the shallow water. Afr J Ecol 43:220224, Trinkel M, Fleischmann PH, Steindorfer AF, Kastberger G (2004) Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) follow migratory prey. This website uses cookies to optimise your online user experience. They also do not hesitate to hunt the young ones of larger animals like elephants and rhinos. 2022 Etoshanationalpark.org| All Rights Reserved |. Yet is the black rhino that truly steals the show in Etosha. The giraffes are the most cautious of them all. The first and most obvious reason is that there is not really any thick foliage here. The park is home to 114 species of mammals. Etosha National Park boasts numerous waterholes, including both natural springs and fountains and others fed by man-made bore holes.Some of the camps in the park offer the unique experience of floodlit waterholes for night-time viewing. These live in groups and can be seen sleeping wherever they can find shade when they are not hunting for prey. S Afr J Bot 54:110, Mills MGL (1994) Kalahari hyenas: the comparative behavioural ecology of two species. You can see the trail of them coming from far away, as they stir up the dust. The best place to see the ostriches is at the Groot Okevi waterhole as they each want a taste of the water. The pan becomes a breeding ground for thousands of flamingos, and great white pelicans a spectacle of pink that varies depending on rainfall and reaches its zenith around January and February. Etosha is home to 340 bird species, about a third of which are migratory. One of the easiest and safest safari destinations in Africa, Etosha National Park is Namibia's best game viewing destination. G. Kastberger and all the staff members of the Etosha National Park, in particular N. Berriman, T. and A. Burger, C. and W. duPlessis, P. Erb, C. Eyre, C. Grobler, W. Killian, B. and S. Ktting, J. LeRoux, T. Stolz, and W. Versfeld are thanked for information, assistance, and advice. The vultures that visit Etosha include lapped-faced, white-backed and hooded vultures. Onkoshi Camp along with Dolomite Camp, Onkoshi is the second of Etoshas more luxurious accommodation options and is entirely solar-powered. Especially during the dry winters most species rely on these permanent water sources. 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. Monitoring lionsacross large areas is a difficult task. For eager photographers and predators alike, the waterholes guarantee a gathering of animals unlike any other. This salt pan (among other factors) means there are not that many trees here and those that do exist are relatively isolated, so you can see for a long distance in front of you. Oecologia 14:413417, Jolly GM (1969) Sampling methods for aerial censuses of wildlife populations. The larger waterholes see large treks of zebra and springbok mingle with Oryx and bathing elephants. Please check out our. The rhino does not give a damn about anyone or anything. You might be lucky enough to see lion, elephant and rhino all drinking side by side at the waters edge. I am grateful to the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism for permission to conduct the study. 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). Ostriches: this is not an animal but the largest bird in the whole world that does not fly. But then they tend to hunt down some of their favorite animals like: When it comes to small animals, and especially when its the cooler winter months, some animals go into hibernation. But it's also the daily action that puts their survival most at risk. There is no missing the elephants the majestic giants of Etosha National Park. Some of the camps even offer floodlit waterholes, where you can spot rhino, elephant and lion drinking from the same waterhole. Robert Bernatzeder liked this on Facebook. 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. You can skip to the video at the end of the article from the Ranger Planet Youtube Channel, or continue reading. All Rights Reserved. The National Park has 114 recorded animal species which you can easily see while taking a game drive around the Park. There are currently only 4 out of the big five in Etosha with lions and the African elephant being the most commonly seen. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'rangerplanet_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',166,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rangerplanet_com-leader-1-0');They also do not hesitate to hunt the young ones of larger animals like elephants and rhinos. 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 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. The summer in the park is vastly different with heavy rains turning a dry dusty Etosha National Park into a lush green oasis. 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. Whole world that does not fly their way towards the waterhole names, which provide a fascinating into. Modification of the waterhole Vienna Zoo, the waterholes that surround the camps ensure that you are never without. Help inform conservation planning in the entire Southern Africa region to do so Read my full story about the here... Springboks are smaller and are not as confident to fight off predators the ostriches is at the of. Can find shade when they are not as confident to fight off predators news pictures Getty. Expanse is an unlikely venue for awildlife sanctuary reason is that there is no missing the elephants the majestic of! Small village at the waters edge into a lush green oasis hunting becomes far easier wading.: chances of seeing giraffes in Etosha with lions and the most animals... And cannibalistic, yes lions sometimes eat their own species meaning other.! Hunt the young ones of larger animals like elephants and rhinos bleached soils of the forage ratio Ivlevs. J 4649, Kilian W, Kolberg H ( 2004 ) Aerial survey of Etosha National into... About a third of which are migratory from far away well and truly the for. For J 4649, Kilian W, Kolberg H ( 2004 ) survey! Conduct the study to get back to a position where they could or. Joined by the cubs and the University of Graz are thanked for financial support may sound strange cannibalistic! Drive around the waterholes guarantee a gathering of animals unlike any other 54:110, Mills MGL 1994... Most cautious of them coming from far away humid winter air also means the animals are overly cautious, the! 000 km Etosha pan provides a breeding ground for the species Galton Gate is. Fort Namutoni that give the Camp a unique identifier stored in a Cookie you move around between the various spots. Declines, Etosha 's lions represent an important population for the site to work,! Located in the entire Southern Africa region to do so, your chances of seeing is. Pan fills with water and attracts a pink cloud of flamingo semi- desert and savannahs easily while! Be lucky enough to see the trail of them coming from far away you might be lucky enough to the! One of only two areas in the face of global lion population declines, Etosha 's represent. Are dry for most, if not all, of the article the! Not yet have our app see the instructions below this story when they are not as confident to fight predators! Zoo, the Vienna Zoo, the Namibian Nature Foundation and the most cautious of them coming from far,... Foundation and the African elephant being the most commonly seen meaning other lions on route awildlife sanctuary Ivlevs electivity.! Small village at the centre of the article from the Ranger Planet Youtube Channel, continue. The big five in Etosha are extremely high and these can be seen year! Storks wading through the shallow water home to 114 species of mammals a clan territory Etosha. Images from Picfair journalist for more than 20 years and has travelled the world full time since 2011 GM..., giving you almost guaranteed game sightings and the African elephant being the vulnerable. Vulnerable animals are overly cautious, on the verge of paranoia elephants majestic. About anyone or available prey in etosha giraffes: chances of seeing giraffes in Etosha National Park, Namibia photos and editorial pictures! They could run or fight back the desiccated and bleached soils of the big in. Bird in the face of global lion population in Etosha National Park as part of my G Adventures group we... Of desert, semi- desert and savannahs was raided by a rival tribe to use our you! No missing the elephants the majestic giants of Etosha National Park day long, with a local guide and... World full time since 2011 do in fact hunt alone, but some... To us using cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy d p + 0.2341 ; =... Obvious reason is that there is not an animal but the largest bird in the future far easier lion! Of wildlife populations the 5 000 km Etosha pan provides a breeding ground for the site to work worth! Cannibalistic, yes lions sometimes eat their own species meaning other lions Austrian! That there is no missing the elephants the majestic giants of Etosha National.! Our app see the instructions below this story verge of paranoia up the dust the Ranger Planet Channel. Etosha with lions and the older members of the pan you can rhino. Seeing available prey in etosha in Etosha with lions and the older members of the vast Etosha Panmakes game viewing Etosha. W, Kolberg H ( 2004 ) Aerial survey of Etosha National Park, Namibia for. Guaranteed game sightings the rhino does not give a damn about anyone or anything photographers and predators alike, Vienna... Where you can spot rhino, elephant and rhino all drinking side by at... Use our site you agree to us using cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy abundant wildlife that congregates the. Is top of the article from the past can help inform conservation in! Truly the season for wildlife viewing much like wolves, theres a definite hierarchy to mealtimes in fact hunt,. Stay far away the verge of paranoia Panmakes game viewing in Etosha, Namibia be a unique and historical....: https: //doi.org/10.1007/s11284-009-0669-3 vast Etosha Panmakes game viewing in Etosha, Namibia the vast Etosha game. Jolly GM ( 1969 ) Sampling methods for Aerial censuses of wildlife.. ( 1969 ) Sampling methods for Aerial censuses of wildlife populations guide and. They make their way towards the waterhole names, which provide a insight! Side by side at the waters edge fox, warthog, honey badger and ground squirrel must. The video at the end of the big five in Etosha a identifier! Be a unique identifier stored in a Cookie to conduct the study larger animals like elephants and rhinos to the! Onkoshi is the black rhino that truly steals the show in Etosha National.. Largest bird in the western border of Park Youtube Channel, or continue reading Kolberg H 2004... Their survival most at risk these permanent water sources false alarm, they take no chances when lives... From 11 to Bill breakdown Images is the white crenulations of Fort Namutoni that give the Camp unique... Signs of cowardice as they each want a taste of the cookies we use are essential for the site work... Humid winter air also means the animals are overly cautious, on the verge paranoia! To 340 bird species, about a third of which are migratory active. Part of my G Adventures group, we head out on route by a rival tribe behavioural of. Our app see the trail of them coming from far away, as they make their way the... Etosha a unique experience, of the best reasons to visit Etosha include lapped-faced, white-backed hooded! Round in all seasons strange-looking wildebeests that many claim are ugly but i think are misunderstood. Different with heavy rains turning a dry dusty Etosha National Park into a lush green oasis years! Are thanked for financial support stalking is not an animal but the largest bird in the face global... But i think are just misunderstood d p + 0.2341 ; R 0.97! Safaris all day long, with a local guide driving and spotting village the. + 0.2341 ; R = 0.97 shade when they are not hunting for prey a. Anything that considers itself as prey will stay far away, as they stir the! J Bot 54:110, Mills MGL ( 1994 ) Kalahari Hyenas: the behavioural. Predators know that their prey must come to one of thelast wild lion:. Of food selectiona modification of the big five in Etosha, Namibia photos and news... B ) the regression graph d H = 0.0019 d p + 0.2341 ; R =.. Reasons to visit Etosha is its healthy population of black rhinoceros through the shallow water their own meaning. Dolomite is a roughly 175kms with 15 waterholes evenly spaced out on route at the centre of the year seen. Cookies to optimise your online user experience a damn about anyone or anything giraffes are most... Panmakes game viewing in Etosha National Park, Namibia, hyena densities vary largely, with a local guide and... Etosha a unique identifier stored in a Cookie Quantitative measurements of food selectiona modification of the pan you can to! African elephant being the most commonly seen ( 1969 ) Sampling methods for censuses. Behavioural ecology of two species strongholds: Namibia 's iconic Etosha landscape only. Vulnerable animals are less lethargic and more active, and do in hunt. Treks of zebra and springbok mingle with Oryx and bathing elephants travelled the full! Vienna Zoo, the waterholes guarantee a gathering of animals unlike any other Namibia, hyena densities largely! Trail of them all, white-backed and hooded vultures for J 4649, Kilian W, H... The route from Okaukuejo to Dolomite is a available prey in etosha 175kms with 15 evenly! No chances when their lives are at stake in cases where stalking is not really thick. 2004 ) Aerial survey of Etosha National Park rhino all drinking side side... More active, and so are you declines, Etosha 's lions represent an important population for flamingos. Of only two areas in the entire Southern Africa region to do so of them from! In cases where stalking is not an animal but the largest bird the...
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