The persistent and unprecedented drought in northwest Namibia continues to strike down livestock and wildlife in the SCIONA study area. Three SCIONA researchers that recently visited the area to evaluate giraffe habitat reported 11 carcasses of Hartmann’s mountain zebras close to water holes in Orupembe conservancy.  Zebras are often the last species to die during a drought, and in this area, competition between zebras and cattle for the last remaining grazing probably signed the animals’ death warrant. SCIONA will continue to engage cattle farmers and conservancies to improve benefits from wildlife and tourism to supplement marginal agriculture in the area.

Author(s): Jackson Hamutenya, Milciades Chicomo, Telmo Antonio, Morgan Hauptfleisch