Many people picture Africa as a poor developing nation with starving children, disease, and little water. This is a stereotype. There are communities that live in shacks in Namibia, and there are children that run around in torn clothing. Aids and HIV are prevalent in Namibia, but these things do not represent nor define this country. Namibia is a rich nation with diverse landscapes and communities. Home to many endemic species, geological features, and many cultures. It is a free, open country that can take your breath away when you embrace it. And it’s the feeling I get at N/a’an ku se.
I arrived at N/a ‘an ku se on January 16th. I was amazed how wild the land was just 42km outside Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. The yellow-orange land I was so familiar with is now a blanket of green. The rainy season has brought the veld alive with seasonal abundances of insects, birds, terrapins and frogs. It’s a wonderful time to observe nature in action. N/a’an ku se is a conservation organization developed by Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren, which aims at improving the lives of the San bushman, wildlife, and in turn Namibia’s community (both human and wildlife). The name N/a'an ku se comes from the Bushman language meaning "God will protect us".
My first encounter at N/a’an ku se was neither man nor beast, but a hippie-Scotsman named Stu. When I learned of his fascination with reptiles I knew we would get on well. This was good considering I would be rooming with the man for the next 2 months. Things here are pretty simple. I’m staying in a room of cement and cinder block with a false roof. I have a bed, dresser, and a stump I use as my nightstand. Outside the strip of rooms there are chicken pens, rabbits, geese, turkeys, peacocks, horses, and baboon enclosures. I wake up to the rooster’s call each morning. It’s a little farm here at camp. Other than hot water, internet access, and the small pool by the dining area, luxuries are few and far between.
Day to day schedule:
My responsibility at N/a’an ku se is to assist the head researcher Florian. My mornings usually begin with enclosure patrols. There are captive predators at N/a’an ku se and it’s important to ensure everything is in check, for both our safety and the captive animals. Some will stay resident animals for the rest of their lives while other animals are worked on being released. In the future I hope to assist more with the reintroduction of captive animals into the wild. Other tasks I’ve assisted with are carnivore feeding, baboon walks, farm maintenance, game counts, data compilation, animal capture and translocation, and reading up on published work related to the research conducted at N/a’an ku se. I’ve also worked with volunteers and Namibian students teaching tracking and survey methods using spore (animal tracks), radio telemetry, and camera traps. Each day is different and I look forward to gaining more experience during my stay at N/a‘an ku se.
Outside of work the staff and volunteers know how to have a good time. It’s like an extended family here, with everyone bringing something different to the table. Sundowners and braai’s (bbqs) are popular events. And the bushman really know how to play a great game of soccer!
During my first two weeks at N/a’an ku se I’ve already had the privilege of assisting with the release of two animals. The first involved darting a leopard named Tyson in an enclosure at N/a'an ku se to release him at a nearby reserve. I took notes on measurements, behavior, and condition while Rudie and Flo worked to fit a GPS collar on the anesthetized leopard. N/a‘an ku se’s own Dana and Lynsey documented the entire procedure for National Geographic!
Brown Hyaena release:
Our second release came about after a cattle farmer reported having numerous calves bitten on his farm. After capturing a brown hyaena in a welded box-trap, N/a’an ku se received a call to deal with the suspect. Though there was no evidence this particular animal had been injuring calves, the farmer agreed to let N/a’an ku se collar the brown hyaena and translocate it onto N/a’an ku se property. This was a unique opportunity to witness an animal seldom seen. Brown hyaenas are primarily nocturnal animals. They are opportunistic predators, scavenging or taking down weak or injured prey. Their smaller stature, thick brown shaggy fur, and striped legs separate them from the common spotted hyaena you are probably familiar with.
Prior to release, the brown hyaena was darted and fitted with a GPS collar. The GPS collar allows us the chance to monitor the brown hyanea over time to see where the animal moves. In turn this provides us with knowledge on distances traveled, how long the animal occupies a particular area, habitat preferences, and territory and home range size. This knowledge helps aid in the decision making of conservation and management schemes. Will this animal return to his previous territory? Will this animal predate on livestock? Only time will tell!
Thanks for following my first blog entry! Join me in a months time for my next entry! And feedback is always appreciated!!!
I also want to send a special thanks to all my family, friends, and peers that helped me achieve this experience and continue to help fuel my dreams! And a shoutout to all the volunteers and staff who have made and continue to make N/a'an ku se a wonderful place to be!
Photos taken by Lynsey Gedman
Wishing you all the best,
Matthew Solberg
I love that the leopard is wearing sleepy-time eye covers :)
ReplyDeleteWow Matt, gorgeous pictures, beautiful animals. It's a lot more fun than deck refinishing, isn't it?
ReplyDelete-Bob Carlson