David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

Update from the field by Bernd Brell

Namibia's rainy season has eventually come to an end; unfortunately causing some flooding and destruction in some areas of the country. This has been the most rain that Namibia has had since 1934.

Kunene doesn't look like a semi desert anymore, with crystal clear streams found throughout the regions (only the fish are missing) and waist high grass plains. This bodes well for the rhinos and within the next 15/18 months there should be a number of new calves roaming the area.

Team trackers have been actively patrolling and monitoring the rhino range with no mortalities recorded (either naturally or through poaching).

As mentioned in the last edition of Wildlife Matters, a Kunene Rhino and Elephant Security Workshop took place at Wereld's End, IRDNC's main Base in Kunene. Dates had to be changed and it could only take place in May. It was well attended by all major stakeholders, and we presented the first draft of the Security Plan; it was well received and a Kunene Security Committee was formed and will meet at the end of June for the first time, looking at various issues.

All trackers are still out on patrol, accompanied by MET field staff. Joint patrols as well as better communication and co-ordination between all stake holders were two of the main issues addressed at the workshop.

For more on our work in Namibia click here