Despite being near extinction in the early ’90s, and thanks to the pioneering work by the conservationist, Philip (Flip) Stander, the desert lions on the Skeleton Coast and in northwest Namibia are now not only surviving, but also breeding and thriving. 

Numbers have increased from just 20 lions in 1992 to around 100 today and, while the lions may pose a threat to livestock farmers and nearby local communities, it is possible – through effective and fast communication – to protect everyone and every animal.

A major challenge exists during the popular annual Torra Bay fishing season in December and January, when thousands of anglers descend on the area. 

Because of the potential conflict, Stander spent 25 days in December and January camping out in the area to observe the lions and alert humans of any impending danger, using flashing strobe lights. 

Technology and communication provided by network supplier Paratus Namibia allowed Stander to send his reports and alerts timeously.

“The concern is that if the lions’ kills are interrupted or the environment is disturbed, there could be potential human-lion conflict and upset the pattern of survival for many of these lions. By observing one lioness in particular, we saw that while there were many interested ‘tourists’, we were able to dissuade them from approaching the lioness. What was really astounding was how the lioness adapted very quickly to the large number of vehicles now in the area. She dragged her fur seal catch over 4km inland, for example, and generally spent less time on the beach, which was now busy with anglers,” Stander said,

In adapting to their harsh environment, desert lions uniquely hunt seals and cormorants on the Skeleton Coast.

Lions do not venture inland for livestock kills

The Desert Lion Conservation Trust (DLCT) reports that these lions do not venture further inland to kill domestic livestock, when their natural prey animals are scarce.

“Our research shows that this is not only unique behaviour among any African lions, but it also reveals that these beach lions can survive on their marine catches alone and derive all they need from what they hunt on the beach,” Stander added.  

The DLTC has established a research station at Mowe Bay in the Skeleton Coast National Park where all the data is collected, analysed and stored, and where the alert messages are generated.

“It’s very important that these lions are protected. It’s equally important that they are monitored and that, through understanding their behaviour, their survival needs and their movements, we can alert communities to the fact that lions are in their vicinity. They, in turn, can protect their livestock and themselves. Without communication about the daily activities of these lions, the work could not be successful, the alerts would not be issued, and we’d all be working ‘in the dark’ with dire consequences,” Stander concluded.