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.

Date: June 2018 – January 2019