Walking For Lions Annual Lion density survey 2013

Walking For Lions Annual Lion density survey 2013 Nxai Pan National Park And Makgadikgadi National park In collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks June August

Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction (Aims and Objectives) 3. Lion Population 4. Nxai Pan National Park 4.1 Individual Identification in Nxai Pan National Park (NPN) 4.2 Lion Identification Images 4.3 Notes 4.4 Recommendations for future possible reserve management 5. Makgadikgadi National Park 5.1 Lion Identification in Makgadikgadi National Park 5.2 Home Ranges and Notes on Section A and B 5.3 Recommendations 5.4 Potential Solutions 6. Xirixara Notes 7. Conclusion 8. References

1. Executive summary Walking for Lions was privileged to join forces with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in their annual predator survey of the National parks of Botswana. Various countries in Africa have started looking at ways they can improve their own conservation efforts as multiple mammal species have continued to decline, due to known or unknown factors. An area that requires drastic attention and steps/action is the large decline of wild Lion populations across their current ranges of Africa. Recently the African Lion was classified as Endangered within western Africa by the IUCN and trends in Lion populations across southern, eastern and western Africa have shown significant declines in territory sizes, home ranges and population densities. The rapid decline of Lion populations can be a result of several different factors ranging from humanwildlife conflict to poaching. Therefore each country, region and/or national park should conduct research separately to determine causes of decline and potential actions to conserve Lions for the present and future. In order to meet this need, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) and Walking for Lions (WFL) joined forces to establish a rough estimate of Lions within the National parks of Botswana. Through conducting a pilot study of Lions during the winter season in the national parks we aim to determine rough estimations of current Lion population figures. Furthermore we aim to identify some key issues of managing these apex predators and propose possible actions to aid in the conservations of Lions for future generations. A pilot survey within the Nxai and Makgadikgadi National park was conducted over a 2 months time frame where various methods were used to determine lion population densities and reserve management recommendations that could assist these specific areas in increasing wildlife numbers. It is important to note that this survey (time frame) was conducted over an extreme short period and all figures produced are rough estimates. Generally speaking when a Lion Survey is conducted within winter (dry) months, Lion territory can either increase or decrease in size where they generally speaking tend to stay within a radius of 15 square km s from a water source. If prey species are available at specific water sources there is generally no need for them to enlarge a specific territory or home range if prey density decreases the further one moves from water. During this report the following issues will be discussed from: Lion population size estimates, survey methods, and recommendations for wildlife and park reserve management 2

2. INTRODUCTION Various scientists, wildlife researchers, Lion ecologists and conservationists have different opinions regarding Lion population densities within Africa. To find the line between fact and fiction is a difficult task but most would agree that Lion numbers have declined rapidly over the last 2 decades. Some estimate that Africa has less than 30 000 Lions left in the wild, while others estimate numbers below 15 000. A drop from 30 000 to 15 000 is an extremely large difference and before the correct authorities can take proper action towards Lion numbers, each area of a country has to be set aside to determine rough population sizes of lions. To establish the correct number of Lions is impossible without a long-term intensive survey but by conducting a pilot survey, we are able to determine rough densities and thus rough estimates of population size for certain areas. As stated in the executive summary, the pilot Lion density survey conducted in the Nxai Pan National Park and Makgadikgadi National park was over a 2 months time frame. Each Area was divided into Transections where a specific allocated time frame was spent (depending on the necessity) in each Zone. Some Zones took longer to complete than others, this was mainly due to terrain difficulties, water availability, Lion densities and behaviour of these Lions (as some were extremely vehicle shy) If one looks at the basic needs of lions one would find that all lions have a few things in common whether a survey is being done in Tanzania, Kenya or Botswana. These similarities are food and water. Territory sizes, pride densities and structures will differ according to each specific area but when food is available, water is available (as most prey species are water dependant) methods used to determine lion densities varied as not all methods had to be used to determine numbers in each section. In the Nxai pan National Park there is only one main water source available besides the overflow of water tanks close to ranger s accommodation. The Nxai pan Lions were on average at least once every 24 hours at this water point. They were used to vehicles and the topography is grasslands (making game viewing extremely easy) So no baiting, Major Calling Stations where needed within 10 Km Radius of this water source as the same Lions were spending a lot of time there. 3

3. Lion Population Each Lion or Pride will be discussed separately but below is a summary of lion numbers within the 2 National Parks that were either seen by WFL, DWNP, Tour Guides, Self-drive Tourists or word of mouth. Figure 3 Represents a basic scan of Lions found during survey 2013 in and around the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi National Park. Circles with Grey colour indicate confirmed (physically seeing) Lions. Yellow circles are Camera Traps and Red circles are by word of mouth from DWNP rangers. Nxai pan National Park 2 Adult Male 3 Adult Female 3 Sub Adult Note: No Sub Adults were seen with any females during 3 week, presumed deceased as tourists reported viewing 1 sub adult with 3 females. Makgadikgadi National Park Khumaga Region Xirixara gate 2 Adult Male Lions 2 Adult Males (coalition) 2 Adult Females 1 Adult Male 3 Juvenile 2 Males, 1 Female 1 Adult Female 2 Juveniles (sex unknown) Tsoi Gate and South of Tsoi gate 1 Adult Male 2 or 3 Adult Females (more confirmation needed) 1 Sub Adult Male 4

4. Methods 4.1 Individual Identification in Nxai Pan National Park Each Lion received an Identification card with facial recognition based on unique facial markers including: whisker patterns, nose Marking or other permanent facial scars. A 600 Fixed, 200 400 Zoom photographic lenses was used to photograph each lions individual facial markings. Once Identification was determined, pencil drawings were made to create an individual identification card (figure 4.1.1) for re-identifying an individual or determining a new individual (lion). This process provided a catalogue of lion ID s that allowed a quick reference for re-identifying catalogued lions and made sure no lions ID was duplicated. Figure 4.1.1 Example of field identification of each Lion found. Each Lion was marked on Left and Right side with spot patterns. Once Lion is Identified the booklet is used to page through once a Lion is found to determine if it has been identified or not. Lion Estimate Population size within accessible area of NPN Lions referred to as (Nxai Pan Adult) 2 Adult Male Lions NPAM1 NPAM2 3 Adult Female Lions NPAF1 NPAF2 NPAF3 NPAF4 (Please note that no record of this female as of date and a space was allocated for her due to the fact that there has been a female viewed with Juveniles and could possibly be a missing female) 5

4.2 Lion Identification Figure 4.2.1Indicates Identification markings of NPAM1 left and right Figure 4.2.1Indicates Identification markings of NPAM2 Left and Right 6

Figure 4.2.3Indicates Identification markings of NPAF 1 Left and Right Figure 4.2.4Indicates Identification markings of NPAF 2 Left and Right Figure 4.2.5Indicates Identification marking of NPAF 3 Left and Right 7

Home range during survey Figure 4.2.6 In a total of11 Days out of 21 days, Lions were seen physically. Not all blue pins indicate that the pride was constantly together as some days only the males/ a male or females were seen. Also take into consideration that off-roading was allowed so made game viewing easier and proper ID shots possible. Out of 7 allocated camera traps set out for no longer than 5 days at a time, no Lions were captured. Images of Nxai pan Lions on Camera traps are courtesy of Elephants for Africa. 4.3 Notes A total of 3 weeks was spent in the Nxai Pan National Park (NPN). Each Section that was set aside was driven on a daily basis and on average; over 70 100 km s was driven AM and PM to insure no new spoor was missed. 2 Large Dominant male Lions were found consistently with 3 Adult females. There were reports and visual evidence (camera traps from Elephants for Africa captured 3 young juveniles on the 2013/05/03) the position of their Camera Trap is in an area that was frequently patrolled by us but 8

neither tracks nor signs were found. Guests reported on morning that they found a juvenile Lion with 3 Adult females 20 min before we approached the sighting. No Juvenile was seen by us to confirm. In total 5 Lions were viewed on a constant basis as they did not move to far away from the water source. If the females or males were not seen for a day, it was almost guaranteed they would return the following day (unless a kill was made) Figure 4.3.1 an image captured by the cameras of Elephants for Africa indicating 3 Juvenile Lions estimated age of 9 12 Months. This image was taken on 2013/05/03. Males were constantly seen with a female lioness tagged as NPF1 (Nxai Pan Female 1) as she was mating with both males over an 8 week time frame. The other 2 Females Tagged as NPF2 and NPF3 were travelling together majority of the time and when the (sub adult) was spotted by tourists, all tagged females were seen together and documented by WFL. Juveniles were not incorporated into the total amount of lions seen or found within the Nxai pan due to the uncertainty of their numbers. Private self-safari tourist did report young ones seen but the total number is unsure as it ranges between 3 and 1. 4.4 Recommendations for future possible reserve management Included below are brief explanations and images of findings and recommendations for the management of Nxai Pan National Park. It is important to remember that these are only recommendations that could potentially assist the Department of Wildlife and National Parks with the future Management of this reserve and more in depth studies of various internal and external factors need to be conducted to determine proper reserve management actions before large-scale changes are made.. 9

A) Tourism During the time frame of the survey there was high tourism turnover from various tourism industries including, private lodging, and independent safari tour operators. Note the survey was conducted during the school holidays in South Africa so tourism density could potentially decrease after this time period. Off road driving by private (self-cater) tourists seemed uncontrolled even though they are aware of the rules and regulations. On various occasions tourists were found conducting behaviour where ethics and rules of National Parks were non-existent. Due to a high concentration of tourism it was found that the tourist occupies the only viable water source during most times of the day, potentially negatively influencing the wildlife s normal behaviour patterns and/or preventing wildlife from approaching the waterhole. To address tourism issues consider the following points: By providing a few more options to choose from, the constant pressure on wildlife within surrounding water area will decrease. Promoting picnic areas such as Kgama Kgama could draw tourists towards an underutilised area of the park and relieve tourism pressure on wildlife at waterholes. By potentially supplying game with one more Artificial water source a distance spaced away from current water, it can potentially draw tourist to a different side of the National park therefore creating less traffic during the peak tourism seasons, less vegetation damage and decrease pressure on resident wildlife. WFL estimated that only 60 70 % of the National park is actually utilised by tourist as most tourist do not visit the far eastern corner. (This information was determined by personal communication between WFL and tourist) B) Water and distribution of water The nearest water source in direct line from the Nxai Pan National parks, within National Park boundaries is the Boteti River front which is approximately 60 Km s direct. Water is one of the main influencing factors of wildlife species, affecting species range, population size and density. As most know is a seasonal (winter) limiting factor in the Nxai Pan. When water is at a low availability, water dependant wildlife must adjust their distribution to match that of their resource (water) rich area or to reduce their current range close to a permanent winter water source. This often leads to high competition for a limited resource and decreased population densities. For water dependant or associated species steps could be taken to improve game densities during the winter seasons, through the introduction of seasonal artificial waterholes. 10

Before any artificial water source is implemented within a natural system a proper environmental impact assessment study (EIA) and vegetation assessment must be conducted to ensure that the areas current environment can sustain the increase in pressure. Below is an indication of how some game species react to artificial water sources. Evidence and support for artificial waterhole development Animal Water requirements in litres per day* Preferred drinking time Preferred watering point Eland 23 Day or Night Natural Gemsbok 9 Day Natural Impala 2.5 Day Natural Kudu 9 Day or Night Natural Springbok 1.5 Day Natural Warthog 3.5 Day or Night Artificial Blue Wildebeest 9 Day Natural Burchell s Zebra 12 Day Natural Note: * Calculated at 4 % of the body weight of an adult animal. Figure 4.4.1 Water Use characteristics of various wild animals J.G. Du Toit Game Ranch Management These species were taken out from the rest due to the Nxai Pan National park being the Preferred habitat for them. Prey species viewed predominantly at current water source during the entire day were Springbok, Ostrich, Zebra, Wildebeest and Impala. Further east where vegetation increases dramatically to favour the more browsing species, it was determined that they drink mostly at night or any at all. To accommodate all the different species with regards to feeding patterns, drinking patterns and preferred drinking area, we made a few suggestions that could help with the spreading of the high game density at current water source, prevent more intra and interspecific competitions and allow vegetation in other areas to also be utilised more effectively. 11

Figure 4.4.2 Indicates current water point of the whole Nxai Pan National Park Figure 4.4.3 Indicates possible new water holes that could be constructed at either A,B or C. Vegetation changes dramatically from permanent water source to newly potential places where one will attract different species such as Leopard, Kudu and less congestion of vehicles at one place. 12

Figure 4.4.3 Indicates re opening previous water hole which was situated roughly 19 Km s South of permanent water source. Reasons for removal were due to theft of equipment supplying water. It is of vital importance to always keep in mind that; A) rain patterns are changing faster and faster annually, B) different species prefer areas and feel more comfortable in preferred areas instead of being forced to one specific section due to water availability C) when one or two more water holes are opened it will give them more options, potentially make their home ranges smaller and take pressure of the current water source. As stated in Figure 4.4.3, there used to be a seasonal water source provided for game in Bains Boabab area but equipment was removed due to theft. It is of upmost importance to potentially look at re opening this as the game species have dispersed. By providing them with water (as Gemsbok prefer this area due to tall grass for feeding) home ranges will become smaller and potential new (Lion Territories) could be accommodated due to a supply of food and water. Notes: Apex predator decrease Once Apex predator numbers decreases or increases within reserves, the effects will only be noticed after a few years. With an apex predator such as lions decreasing, one would find other predator numbers will naturally increase due to lack of pressure and competition. During the survey, it was noticed that a high density of Black backed jackals occur in the Nxai pan region. Black back jackals population sizes are normally self-regulated, with population size responding to environmental pressures such as food availability and predation levels. Meaning, if food availability increases, so do the numbers of jackals and if predation on jackals decreases, jackal numbers will increase. Black backed jackals are considered a pest due to their high numbers. One of the main reasons for this increase is due to farmers shooting apex predators off their farms as they fear these species are threatening their Livestock numbers. By killing off apex predators they are not solving the issues of livestock predation but instead creating an opening for other smaller predators to flourish. A high density of Black backed jackals found within the NPN could (please refer to this as a possibility as further more in depth research has to be conducted to take future steps) indicate a lack of apex predator pressure. In the long term it can have a dramatic effect on smaller prey species numbers due to high predation on their young. It was mentioned that the DWNP was concerned at the large decline of Springbok in various areas of Botswana, and if one looks at the Nxai Pan National park on a small scale, the lack/decline of Springbok in this area, could potentially be because of a high jackal population size. Springbok offspring will be a main target for jackals and if there is a large off take of Springbok fawns the population size could decrease or possibly remain stable. 13

Water and Predatory-Prey Interactions A recent study in the Hwange National Park Zimbabwe found this information: Studies on water use by lions have shown that water holes are a key factor in lion habitat selection in arid and semi-arid savanna habitats (Valeix et al. 2010). Lions preferentially select for areas within 2km of waterholes, where prey encounter rates are higher (Valeix et al. 2010) due to herbivores selecting areas with available surface water (Redfern et al. 2003). Through increasing the number of waterholes, resident prey abundance may increase due to a decrease in competition for water. Maintaining high resident prey abundance has been shown to increase lion density, pride size and importantly decrease territory size (Ogutu and Dublin 2002). Furthermore Valeix et al. (2012) showed that distance between water holes and density of prey surrounding waterholes is important in determining the maximum lion group size and that lions prefer to use multiple water holes possibly to decrease prey predicting hunting patterns. Therefore increasing the number of waterholes within an area can potentially decrease herbivore competition, increase resident prey abundance and increase lion density. Figure 4.4.4 a diagrammatic illustration of likely dry season density and distribution of game species in a theoretical system with a single permanent water point situated in the centre. Study conducted by Roger Collinson Pilansberg National Park, South Africa 14

Date Species Total Male Female Juvenille Cubs Area Additional Comments 06/12/2013 Lion 3 2 1 N/E North Camp Sleeping 06/03/2013 Lion 3 3 South Camp Walking 07/02/2013 Lion 2 1 1 South Camp Mating 07/03/2013 Lion 4 3 1 South Camp, Waterhole Mating 07/04/2013 Lion 5 1 4 South Camp, Waterhole Mating 07/05/2013 Lion 1 1 Waterhole Sleeping 07/06/2013 Lion 1 1 Waterhole Roaring 07/05/2013 Lion 1 1 Waterhole Lying Down, Roaring 07/07/2013 Lion 2 1 1 Waterhole Lying Down, Roaring 07/07/2013 Lion 5 1 3 1 Waterhole Drinking Water 07/07/2013 Lion 5 1 3 1 Waterhole Drinking Water 07/11/2013 Lion 3 1 2 South Camp Walking 08/04/2013 Lion 5 2 2 1 Waterhole Drinking Water 08/04/2013 Lion 2 1 1 South Camp Relaxing 08/03/2013 Lion 1 1 South Camp Relaxing 08/04/2013 Lion 5 2 2 1 Waterhole Resting 08/06/2013 Lion 2 1 1 Waterhole Sleeping 08/10/2013 Lion 2 2 Waterhole Walking 15/08/2013 Lion 3 3 Waterhole Sleeping, Resting 17/08/2013 Lion 4 2 2 Waterhole Mating 19/08/2013 Cheetah 1 1 Nxai Pan Sitting 20/08/2013 Lion 2 1 1 South Gate Waterhole Sitting 20/08/2013 Lion 2 1 1 South Camp Resting 21/08/2013 Lion 2 1 1 South Camp Resting Figure 4.4.5 guest monitoring booklet was left at the main entrance of the Nxai Pan National park. The aim was to get guests involved in up to date sightings and also assist us with sightings for when we were conducting the survey in the Makgadikgadi National Park. This seemed very accurate and only confirms sightings which were seen during survey by WFL. Note that Young were seen and on one occasion a 4 th Female was seen. 5. Makgadikgadi National Park Makgadikgadi National Park was divided in 3 main sections. Section A was our main area of focus due to a high accessibility from road network density, Zebra and Wildebeest migration was present and it was easy to have a base camp to move around various sections of the Makgadikgadi National park. The duration of survey was just over 26 days; where on average 100 150 km s were driven daily. Roads in Section A were driven up to 4 times daily to ensure no new or possible new movement of Lions occurred. Due to a high density of tourism, lodges operating in this area and migration of Zebra and Wildebeest traversing over small road networks, a more constant duplication of road driving was necessary to ensure all tracks were found. 15

Section B was divided into 2 separate sections and referred to as (1) Tsoi Gate and South of (2) Tsoi Gate. To locate the lions within this area physically was difficult most times due to their movement patterns thus camera traps were used on road sections where they frequently moved on. No positive number of lions within these 2 areas can be determined as of yet, but a rough estimate will be given due to the evidence provided by camera traps. With a very poor road network here, our methods were calling stations, physically tracking spoor and camera traps. Through using these 3 methods, it was determined that a few females occupy this area with a large dominant male and young nomadic male. Information given to WFL by Elephants for Africa also showed very little movement of lions and with their evidence at hand, the evidence found by WFL was collaborated and analysed to determine if the same lions still occupy the area and if there were any new developments found. Section C turned out to be a small challenge due to various factors. By communicating with the Botswana Defence Force team operating within this area, local guides operating under Unchartered Africa camps and spoor identification, a rough estimate number of lions were determined. Due to complications, no physical images were taken by WFL but guides from Unchartered Africa were kind enough to share information and images with WFL to establish the count. Figure 5 Illustrates main focus areas due to limited road network and main spoor found of Lions. Other areas within the Makgadikgadi National Park were driven on several occasions but no evidence suggested that there are signs of lion occupying these areas on a permanent basis. SECTION A Total lions found 7 Adult Males 2 Sub Adult Males 2 Adult Females 2 Sub Adult Females 1 16

5.1 Lion Identification Figure 5.1.1 Indicates identification markings of Male KAM 1 (Khumaga Adult Male) Left and Right Figure 5.1.2 Indicates identification markings of KAM2 Left and Right Figure 5.1.3 Indicates identification Markings of KAF 1 (Khumaga Adult Female) Left and right. Note: She is also the mother of the 3 Juvenile Lions shown below. 17

Figure 5.1.4 Indicates identification Marking of KAF2 Left and Right Figure 5.1.5 Indicates identification Markings of KJM1 (Khumaga Juvenile Male) Left and Right Figure 5.1.6 Indicates identification Markings of KJM2 left and Right 18

Figure 5.1.7 Indicates identification Markings of KJF 1 left and right 5.2 Home ranges and notes on Section A & B Figure 5.2.1 Indicates general movement from the Khumaga pride during survey. Note that these areas selected were the only areas where constant lion movement was found and thus main focus was spent within above mentioned Sections. 19

In duration of over 3 weeks spent in Section A and B various methods were used to determine rough lion density within these areas. The main methods in Section A used were spoor identification, camera traps and calling stations. Calling stations were used in the beginning phases of Section A. Once dominant males were physically found, it was found not necessary to put the lions in this area under more pressure to find females. Once the general movement of the lions were established, it was found that they moved within a 15 square kilometre radius and thus there was no further need to use calling stations within this area. Females with juveniles were found eventually through tracking. Section B deemed a bit more challenging as road network are almost non-existent, and the distance to travel from Khumaga Main to study area was difficult due to large scale fence damage on the road. It was decided to first determine the movement of the lions by using camera traps situated in specific corridors before further investigation continues. Preferred movement illustrated early mornings to and from the water. By combining spoor identification with camera trap images, it was determined that a few females are found in this area with one dominant male aged estimate 8 9 years as well. Figure 5.2.2 indicates previous records of lions captured via camera traps by Elephants for Africa 20

Section B Tsoi gate and South of Tsoi Gate (EFA) EFA (Elephants for Africa) Figures 5.2.3 Illustrates the movement and Map (indicating lions found on camera trap by EFA) of 3 adult female lionesses captured by Elephants for Africa in the area knows as South of Tsoi gate. Note the time allocated for Camera Traps and how long they were left out. So far the allocated GPS coordinates are identical to the areas where WFL have found lions during the 3 week survey. Camera station 11 indicates area known as South of Tsoi gate. * We would like to say many thanks to Elephants for Africa for sharing their information with us and assisting us with some of the results found in and around Khumaga. 21

Tsoi Gate Information captured is from WFL Figure 5.2.4 indicates an adult male lion in the area of Tsoi Gate. Spoor found by WFL suggests that this male is constantly in this area and more evidence shows that female lionesses are present. These lions could be *satellite lions from the area, South of Tsoi gate. More evidence is needed to be certain. *satellite lions are lions that generally speaking move away from their pride for various reasons whether it is due to pregnancy or the pride breaks into smaller groups due to food shortage etc. South of Tsoi Gate Figures 5.2.5 all indicate constant movement of lions in the area known as South of Tsoi gate. No clear identification of these lions could be made during the survey as many challenges and obstacles were faced so a rough estimate of 5 Adult females are estimated due to close examination of each lionesses captured on camera traps by WFL and EFA. 22

5.3 Recommendations It is important to remember that when conducting a survey it is always essential to communicate effectively with park authorities and local communities regarding information on lion movements and possible issues that needs to be addressed such as human/wildlife conflict. One of the main points that will be discussed here is the fence that was erected several years back to avoid various diseases such as foot and mouth to cross over. The Boteti River is a major natural water source that is used by humans, livestock and wildlife. When the fence was erected the river was dry, but presently changed over the last few years where the water level has stayed relatively constant with a depth in some areas of more than 2 meters. Both sides of the rivers vegetation is extremely over utilised by wildlife and livestock leading to even more conflict between humans and wildlife, as well as negatively affecting prey and predator dynamics.. Below a few images will indicate various issues with regards to the fencing and over utilising of vegetation with some solutions. Figure 5.3.1 Image was taken of the internet to show the Boteti River with current water. 23

Figure 5.3.2 indicates the current fence structure erected from the main road (Nata to Maun) to Park Boundary. Red indicates where the fence is on the National Park side, where yellow indicates where the fence moves across the river to the community side. Yellow also indicates the only area where wildlife was originally allowed to have access to the river. Figure 5.3.3 GPS coordinates were taken alongside the fence heading south from Khumage to Tsoi Gate (inside the National park) to illustrate fence breaks. Fence breaks were determined by fence being down on the ground as it was pushed by Elephants to access the river. All blue dots indicates fence breaks and distance from Khumage to Tsoi gate is approximately 20 km s direct line from the first recorded break to last. 24

Below are a few recommendations or ideas that could be implemented in the current system to minimize Human/Wildlife conflict. Note: These are only ideas and a much further study needs to be conducted to insure that proper systems is put in places to insure the long term survival of wildlife bordering the river and communities. Figure 5.3.4 GPS coordinates were taken from all Elephant corridors that move across the broken fence on a regular basis towards the river. A basic sketch indicates an idea where the fence is moved across the river towards the community side to prevent future constant breakage of fence line. If the fence is moved on these specific coordinates, the fence could potentially be maintained much more effectively. If it is felt necessary that water needs to be provided to the low density communities around the new fence line, bore holes or water pipes could be looked at to supply the communities and their livestock. Figure 5.3.5 the basic idea of give wildlife more access to permanent water could prevent future damage to fence. As shown in figure 5.3 ii the current fence line has very little allocated access to the river for wildlife. By potentially reconstructing the fence at areas where there is a low density of humans, it will allow came more access to the river and could potentially assist with better management of the current resident species of wildlife. Note: Where the line is indicated in yellow is the current access points where wildebeest and Zebra prefer to use. Not all yellow area has easy access to the river so one will find a high game traffic in certain areas which is damaging to the vegetation found in this area. 25

Figure 5.3.6 illustrates vegetation damage and high game paths all congesting forwards one area that is preferred for drinking. This area is in the yellow allocated zone in figure 5.3 V, but as stated previously, not all areas are easy accessible for game to utilise. There are current artificial water holes constructed with the National park but since the waters return in the Boteti, they have been closed. A potential solution could also be to reopen them as seasonal water holes during the dry winter months. This will not only assist with the dispersal of game which will lead to less pressure on one specific area, but could lead to less Human/Wildlife conflict as the buffer zone between the wildlife and communities are further away from each other. Figure 5.3.7 indicates the current fence line that moves across the flowing river. As one can see, debris has accumulated over the whole section which makes the fence in turn heavier and easier to break plus allow electricity shortages 26

5.4 Potential solutions Various concerns were raised as to how the fence can move across the river whilst still keeping the electricity voltage high enough to deter wildlife. Below is a basis sketch that was designed by WFL where one could potentially look at for future reference. Note that this is just an idea and further more in depth designs would be considered to apply in the field. Figure 5.4.1 a basic sketch illustrating how electricity can be taken over the water and still allowing natural water to flow through with very little impact. Fence poles will be moved into the water by few meters to allow space for water levels that drops. The main channel of river stays open with buoy system in place. Note if water level drops below a certain level the fence will still stay erected as the weights not only serves as stabilisers but if constructed with a large enough base, the 200 l drums could still stand erect if no water is present. The only negative side to this would be the distance from the first isolator to the ground level, so thus solution is best for flowing water system. 27

Figure 5.4.2 illustrates a closer look at the buoy system. 200 litre recycled drums are used to float. Recycled plastic is burnt over drums to assist with rust damage. 3 metal rods are welded to the bottom of the drums where they are connected to a weight that will assist with stabilising the buoy. On top of the drums a metal rod is welded with 3 isolators to carry the electricity line across. 2 options could be used. Sample A is the basic method where Sample B is the Coil Electricity cable that allows more movement if the buoys move between each other so not so constricted (also dependant on the speed of the water flow with wind kept in consideration) 6. Xirixara Notes The eastern section of the Makgadikagi National Park known as Xirixara was briefly covered by WFL. Collecting accurate data and Identification of lions in this area had a few difficulties. With a very limited road network, no base camp availabilities and other internal factors the rough estimate of lions found in this area was determined by communicating with field guides bordering the eastern side and rangers from the National Parks. Estimated number of lions was: 2 Adult Males (Coalition) 1 Adult Male (Old male) 1 Adult Female 2 juveniles (Sexes unknown) 2 female lions were shot on a cattle post based close to the border during the time were working around the Makgadikgadi National Park, and by communicating with the guides it was understood that the incident occurred relatively close to Xirixara Gate. 28

Figure 6 illustrates the buffer zone between humans and wildlife on the eastern side of the Makgadikgadi National park. Note the zoomed in area and the distance to the park boundary. Main water sources available to the lions are found at the over flow from the Xirixara gate s water tanks and then a small amount at Camp Kalahari known as CT11. In total 5 days were spent by WFL in this area and livestock were found in and around boundary and sometimes even a few kilometres inside the National park. The female lioness with 2 youngsters killed 3 cattle in one evening and on another occasion she killed 2, both times on the boundary. Drastic actions needs to be taken to ensure the survival of these last remaining desert lions before they are lost due to conflict. A low density of wildlife prey such as Oryx or Springbok was seen, so these lions do not have any other choice but to move into community lands to hunt and look for a water source. 29

9. Conclusion In conclusion a much more in depth research study needs to be performed to determine proper facts and statistics. What is known though is that the general lion densities that are still found in countries are decreasing rapidly. South Africa has created a market for lions to be hunted in nonethical manners (canned lion hunting) years ago and has since developed into a new niche. Not many people are however aware of the new niche that has developed from canned lion hunting known as lion bone trade. In the past lions were bred in captivity to be hunted where trophies were exported to various destinations. Since 2009 a new niche has developed as state known as lion bone trade. This trade has increased dramatically where estimates of over 200 % annually increase was determined. With this new market developing to supply the demand in Laos and Vietnam, the captive lion industry cannot keep up with the demand and so illegal lion hunting has not developed in National parks. The demand has also showed a need for bones that is derived directly from the wild populations, as it is believed that the bones of these lions are much stronger than those in captivity. This has since escalated into more poaching in various areas of Southern Africa. With a lion population already declining rapidly due to human/wildlife conflict it is inevitable that numbers will decrease at a much larger rate in the next several years unless drastic action are put in place to avoid these pressures that lions are faced with daily. Small population densities are found in areas mentioned above and although one might look at this and estimate that the figures are still fine, one needs to consider the following: Is there space for these lions to move between population pockets Is there efficient prey in each area Is there efficient enough water availability for them Can these species manage to increase in protected areas How is new DNA (genetics) entering these areas when so many human occupied land is surrounding these parks If lion are trans located or relocated, is there an efficient after care monitoring program installed for each case to ensure survival How are problem animals handled Is there a fast enough respond time to human/wildlife conflict issues Is poaching on lions increasing in Botswana These are questions that need a closer look as lions don t just deal with their own internal conflict issues, but also deals with these various topics mentioned above. One suggestion that will be made by WFL is to potentially look at the possibility of starting a one year to possibly 2 year project regarding human/wildlife conflict issues in the Makgadikgadi National Park by WFL. Stages has to be set up accurately to ensure the best 30

steps are taken to assist the Department of Wildlife and National Parks with accurate figures, accurate solutions and most importantly, to help the local communities with these problem species. 10. References Game Ranch Management, Fourth Edition J. du P. Bothma Ogutu, J.O. and Dublin H.T. 2002. Demography of lions in relation to prey and habitat in the Massai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. African Journal of Ecology 40: 120-129. Redfern JV, Grant R, Biggs H et al (2003) Surface-water constraints on herbivore foraging in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Ecology 84:2092 2107 Valeix, Marion, A.J. Loveridge, Z Davidson, H. Madzikanda, H. Fritz and D. W. Macdonald. 2010. How key habitat features influence large terrestrial carnivore movements: waterholes and African lions in a semi-arid savanna of north-western Zimbabwe. Landscape Ecology 25:337 351 Valeix, Marion, A.J. Lovebridge and D.W. Macdonald. 2012. Influence of prey dispersion on territory and group size of African Lions: a test o the resource dispersion hypothesis. Ecology 93(11): 2490-2496. 31