The African Wild Dog Conservancy is a registered community-based conservation area in the Otjozondjupa Region of Namibia, covering 3,824 km2 (1,476 sq mi), with an approximate human population of 4,713 people. It was established through a governmental declaration in 2005. As one of many communal wildlife conservancies in Namibia, it forms part of the country's conservation programme.[1][2]
| Formation | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Type | Conservation organization |
| Location | |
Board Chair | Abuid Kandinda |
| Website | https://www.nacso.org.na/conservancies/african-wild-dog |
The geographic area is characterised by thornveld savanna and a sandy, rocky landscape that receives 350–400 mm (14–16 in) of annual rainfall. Notable geographical features include holy monument sites at Ozonguti and Okozonduzu, underground water resources near the surface in parts of the Okonodjatu pans, and the Ngunib omuramba. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild dogs, kudu, warthogs, ostriches, gemsbok, eland, cheetahs, leopards, and vultures. Local enterprises include the harvesting of Devil's Claw.[3][4]
History
editThe African Wild Dog Conservancy was established through an official declaration in the Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia No. 3501 in 2005, following the procedures outlined for the establishment of communal wildlife conservancies in Namibia in the country's Nature Conservation Ordinance.[4][5]
According to the annual audit carried out in 2023, the African Wild Dog Conservancy had 4,370 inhabitants and 1,200 registered conservancy members. It employs a total of 11 staff, who are tasked with resource monitoring and wildlife protection. An elected committee conducts annual general meetings, approves budgets and work plans, as well as regular conservancy reports.[6]
In 2018, the area received the additional status as Community Forest, as defined in Namibia's Forest Act.[7]
Geography
edit
The African Wild Dog Conservancy is located in Otjozondjupa Region, east of the town Okakarara. It covers an area of 3,824 km2 (1,476 sq mi). Notable settlements in the conservation area include Okondjatu, Otjamukuru, Otjinyeka, Ehungiro, and Turauhane.[3] The area features transitional vegetation between the xeric southern Kalahari and the northern Kalahari woodlands. This implies generally nutrient poor soils and a susceptibility to desertification.[8] The local savanna grassland is characterised by extensive woody plant encroachment.[9]
Local wildlife includes wild dogs, kudu, warthogs, ostriches, gemsbok, eland, cheetahs, leopards, and vultures.[3]
Conservation activities
editSupported by the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia and Cheetah Conservation Fund, measures for the conservation of the African Wild Dog are implemented in the conservancy.[10] The introduction of adapted livestock guarding dogs is an experimental measure aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflicts.[11]
The conservancy was part of trials to enhance biodiversity through the targeted reduction of woody plant encroachment. Woody plants were harvested to restore a more balanced bush to grass ratio, while the resulting woody biomass was used to produce animal fodder.[12][13][14]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Namibia. "Conservancies". MEFT Namibia. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "Who's Who". Community Conservation Namibia. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
- ^ a b c "Registered communal conservancies". Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations. NACSO. April 30, 2005. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Government of the Republic of Namibia (2005), Government Gazette No. 3501, Windhoek
- ^ Tjaronda, Wezi (23 November 2005). "Namibia: Conservancies Come to Life in Otjozondjupa". All Africa. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ African Wild Dog Conservancy - Annual Audit 2023
- ^ Government of the Republic of Namibia (2005), Government Gazette No. 6743, Windhoek
- ^ Strohbach, Ben J. (2014-02-25). "Vegetation of the eastern communal conservancies in Namibia: I. Phytosociological descriptions". Koedoe. 56 (1). doi:10.4102/koedoe.v56i1.1116. ISSN 2071-0771.
- ^ "Beating the bush". Global Environment Facility. 2017-09-05. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
- ^ "A Collaborative Effort in Otjozondjupa Landscape". Community Conservation Fund of Namibia. 9 July 2024.
- ^ Marker, Laurie (2005). Conservation of the Cheetah in Namibia - Progress Report. Cheetah Conservation Fund.
- ^ Angombe, Simon; Togarepi, Cecil; Mupangwa, John; Ndinomuwa, Hikevali (2023-11-09), "Enhancing community adaptation through climate-resilient agriculture", University Engagement with Farming Communities in Africa, London: Routledge, pp. 236–251, doi:10.4324/9781003387497-20, ISBN 978-1-003-38749-7, retrieved 2024-08-30
- ^ Matthys, Donald (30 November 2018). "Manual on how to produce animal feed from local encroached bush launched". Namibia Economist. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "Namibian farmers use encroacher bush to make animal feed | WATTAgNet". WATTPoultry.com. 2018-12-06. Retrieved 2024-08-30.