Logistics can wait!

I intended to write about logistics in this blog, but I got momentarily carried away by the holiday mood and the developments on our property. So, instead, I am prioritizing sharing our latest sightings over logistics.

We are in the early stages of understanding the biodiversity and its cycles at Löwen River Rewilding. The property features different biomes, seasons lead to different dynamics. Löwen River biomes include plains, river beds, plateaus and, of course, several perennial fountains within the canyon. Each geography brings also different soil, vegetation and fauna.

Perennial fountains with their water and green vegetation (trees, bushes) are a permanent hotspot for biodiversity - including famous birds like the Cape Eagle Owl. The soil is mostly sandy with sediments carried by the river flow during rains. The surrounding cliff walls of over 100m provide shade and cool temperatures. Families of baboons leverage those vantage points to scout and warn of any intrusion. 

At the mouth of the canyon upstream from the rocky escarpments, the largest river bed of the property boasts strong water tables and abundant shrubs and bushes. The area attracts springbok, steenbok and other smaller mammals. Experiments with wobblers and intermittent watering have brought greener grass. We also notice that it is shorter than at the drier surroundings, marker of the delicate attention from mammals towards tender shoots. 

Besides the smaller creeks emanating from Löwen River that parse river beds, you find flat lands. Smaller rocks and open areas result from the erosion of the Klein Karasberg mountains. Here, gemsboks (the symbol of wildlife in Namibia) love to roam. A bit higher up, groups of zebras from a few individuals to up to 30 are regular sightings. With a grace and speed that sets them apart from other antilopes, kudus play as 200-kilo ballet artists on the rocky slopes in-between. 

In a scheme that only Mother Nature can orchestrate, all of those species do not directly compete over food or habitat. Some are grazers (grass) others browsers preferring leaves and shoots. Certain antelopes are also omnivore and their diets change with the season. When green foliage is gone, springbok will seek nara melons and naturally spread their seeds. Seasons also impact movements of the fauna.

During the winter (May to September) when temperatures can drop to zero, animals roam further for the latest rains or to find the strongest male(s) to enhance the gene pool and survival rate. In the summer, the heat and need to save energy mean that animals become more resident of an area, especially one that provides sufficient food and water.

In that context, we look to further our understanding of Löwen River’s biodiversity baseline: where do different animals love to stay? what do they eat? what is their migration pattern? does the presence of fences (or not) alter their behaviour? is the hunting season (highest in June-July) urging animals to stay on ‘safe grounds’ (= properties where no hunting takes place)?

Animals naturally tend to hang out around areas with benevolent human activity. Our camera trap by the farm is a hotspot. Can you identify the jackal or the Cape Fox?

Then, you have the extra elusive species either by day or night. Among the tracks we found, we spotted large prints of a leopard by one of the river pools. And droppings from brown hyena by the perennial fountain. So far though, our mascotte will have to be the aardvark, a weird-looking mammal that has its own branch in the Tubulidentata order. Somewhat related to the elephants and manatees.

Anecdotes aside, our goal is to build a thorough knowledge of the Löwen River biodiversity - both with empirical observations as well as with the support of scientists or young researchers. As the effort to create a solid baseline will take years, I will continue to admire our different sightings, on-site and remotely. Count on you to do the same!