6th January 2005
The Kunene lion project operates in difficult terrain and in an isolated area and requires a central and secure base-camp from which to operate. The base forms the lifeline of the study, by providing safe storage and accessibility to research equipment, operational supplies (e.g. petrol, Avgas, spares), water, and food. The study area is covered systematically with excursions to locate and observe lions. These excursions last anything from 2-7 days, supplemented by occasional visits to the base-camp to restock on supplies. The base-camp also acts as a field “laboratory” where data are processed, and where blood and genetic samples can be frozen.
The current base-camp, the Kunene Lion Camp, has served the project well for over four years, but the extreme weather has taken its toll. The camp is in need of extensive renovations. However, its’ location has become unsuitable, due to the growth and expansion of the lion population during the past two years. It is therefore planned that a new base-camp will be built.
A new location has been identified which is central to the current lion distribution and the predicted expansion. The security at the Kunene Lion Camp has also come into question, after it was burgled in 2004. Large quantities of supplies and most of the research equipment was stolen. The new base will provide better security.
In December 2004 a proposal was submitted to PCT in the UK for the funds to build the new base camp. The proposal included costs for the following:-
The total funding required was just over £6000 (over 11,000 US Dollars)
The Trustees of PCT in the UK were happy to be able to approve the grant application and to fund the entire amount. This means we are able to make our largest single grant to date. We would like to thank all our supporters for their generosity which has made this possible.
You can also view a video about the camp.
During field trips in January and March, the study area was surveyed for a suitable location for the new base camp. Wereldsend was identified as being the ideal location. Meetings were held with the local communities, the directors of IRDNC (long term occupants of Wereldsend) and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, to seek support and approval for this development. Once the necessary support and approval was obtained, a site visit followed in March/April 2005. With the help of IRDNC staff members, the location and details of the new Kunene Lion Camp were established.
During April 2005 the equipment and supplies for the camp were ordered and purchased in Windhoek. On 27th April, a large truck (courtesy of IRDNC) and two vehicles were used to transport the supplies to Werelsend.
Construction of the camp was subject to approval of IRDNC staff which caused some delays due to their busy work schedules. The base camp was finally completed on 17th June 2005. It consists of a rudimentary building constructed with local basalt rocks, reeds, wood and shade netting. The building has three subdivisions - an office/laboratory, a kitchen/workshop, and a store room. There is a separate shower and a toilet built with reeds. Solar panels were erected and the camp was wired to supply 12 volt DC lights and two 220v AC power points via an inverter. The office/laboratory is equipped with a refrigerator and other equipment for blood sample processing.
A shade net hangar was erected for the aircraft, and this also serves to store fuel and equipment. Finally, a small airstrip was made next to the base camp. The airstrip is 180 metres long, and all the work was done by hand.
Building the new base camp was a bigger task than initially expected. As a result the research intensity and monitoring of marked lions was reduced during this period.
Some photos from the construction of the new base camp...
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