Gondwana Kalahari Park and Gondwana Canyon Park have recently completed their annual game counts, a pivotal aspect of their wildlife conservation strategy. The Kalahari Park positioned 30 km northeast of Mariental on the C20, and the Canyon Park, located further south near the Fish River Canyon on the C37, both rely on these counts to achieve multiple objectives.
Firstly, the game counts, quantifies and categorises the wildlife in the parks. Secondly, they highlight Gondwana Collection Namibia’s dedication to sustaining nature parks. Lastly, these efforts enrich guest experiences. Over the past two decades, the data collected has been crucial in maintaining biodiversity by managing the available veld and ensuring animal survival.
Spanning 9,000 hectares, Gondwana Kalahari Park can support over 5,000 animals, making the game counts essential for ecological balance. Rainfall, the primary factor influencing population dynamics, is closely monitored, with the springbok serving as a key indicator species due to its sensitivity to environmental changes.
This year, notable sightings included springbok, blue wildebeest, plains zebra, kori bustard, kudu, and giraffe. However, the data revealed a 52.7% drop in springbok and an 82.5% decrease in blue wildebeest. Conversely, the gemsbok and giraffe populations increased by 13% and 16.7%, respectively. Other species like ostrich, plains zebra, eland, and steenbok also showed slight declines.
Participants in the count included Gondwana employees, lodge guests, MEFT representatives, and locals from neighbouring farms, all contributing to a hands-on conservation effort. The collected data informs management on whether to cap animal numbers or reintroduce certain species.
Quintin Hartung, Group Environmental and Social Impact Manager at Gondwana Collection Namibia, emphasised the importance of the game counts: "The annual game count is vital for us to understand the dynamics of the wildlife populations. It helps us make informed decisions about conservation strategies and ensures that we maintain the delicate balance of this ecosystem."
Gondwana Canyon Park, covering 116,000 hectares, boasts a higher carrying capacity than Kalahari Park and is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Fish River Canyon, the world's second-largest canyon.
The park is home to diverse wildlife such as mountain zebra, oryx, giraffe, springbok, and klipspringer, along with various bird species, reptiles, and smaller mammals, contributing to its rich biodiversity. The annual game count is essential for monitoring these species and protecting their habitats.
Data from Canyon Park revealed significant changes compared to the previous year. Springbok numbers increased by 49%, while mountain zebra and gemsbok populations decreased by 12% and 52%, respectively. Overall, there was a 16% decline in the total animal count. Despite receiving less than 100mm of rainfall, similar game population levels were observed as in 2023.
Gondwana Collection Namibia has implemented several conservation initiatives in Canyon Park, including habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures, promoting sustainable tourism.
These annual counts not only preserve the regions’ unique biodiversity but also offer guests a firsthand experience of conservation in action. These practices ensure the sustainability of the wildlife, securing a thriving natural environment for future generations.
Eva-Rakel Johannes