Caprivi Carnivore Project A look into the life of a spotted hyaena
The Caprivi Carnivore Project forms part of the UK-based charity, the Predator Conservation Trust. Launched in 2007 and run by Lise Hanssen, it is aimed at tackling the conflict between humans and large carnivores in the Caprivi Region of Namibia. The spotted hyaena study forms part of the project.
After the month of July, which Lise marked as the most productive yet since the spotted hyaena study was launched, the September field study also reaped some interesting results. The following is a summary of data received from the camera at the original baiting site on the Kwando River, and personal observations.
Trans-boundary movement Within a few nights of actively baiting and monitoring the Kwando bait site and also using sound, all three of the known hyaenas (including CCC-1, the collared hyaena) appeared at the bait site at the same time. The female hyaena known as CCC-1 had gained about 10 kilograms in the space of five months and was in excellent condition. Her measurements were taken again and fresh blood samples were collected. She was lactating and it was hoped that the locations retrieved from her collar would indicate the den site.
The information that came from her collar was fascinating. It showed a home range of 17x22 km, which covers an area of approximately 374 km2. Although this is similar to home ranges recorded in Etosha and the Namib Desert where other hyaena studies have taken place in Namibia, it is suspected that the Caprivi home range size will increase over time. It is possible that the hyaena’s movements might have been restricted by having dependent cubs inside the den. She is only one of a clan of at least five individuals whose movements are likely to increase the home range of the clan.
Although it has long been suspected that there is trans-boundary movement by most mammals in the Caprivi Region, the collar data shows that this hyaena moved within a much-localised area, which does not include Botswana or Angola. The locations superimposed on Google Earth showed three areas of concentration, which were likely to indicate den sites. These were investigated on foot during the daylight hours. Two of them were definitely inactive dens, but were still frequented regularly, judging by the amount of hyaena spoor in the immediate vicinity. The third site proved to be the active den, where a young adult was lying close by in the shade. The den entrances were quite distinct and had a polished appearance from the cubs moving in and out. The adults do not go inside the den.
It is likely that at least two litters of cubs are living inside this den, as two females of the Kwando clan are lactating. The CCC-1 cubs are estimated to be approximately two to three months old, given the mother’s condition from two darting sessions. A second lactating hyaena from the same clan has been photographed at the baiting site, but her cubs could be any age up to a one year (this is how long spotted hyaenas suckle their cubs). The present den site is approximately 3.4 km from permanent water and 1.2 km from seasonal pans that fill up with water during the wet season. Spotted hyaena enjoy bathing in pans in hot weather and have been seen lying in the water of Malombe Pan during the daytime.
What remains of the dry season is being spent in intensive fieldwork. Attempts will be made to recapture CCC-1 and an additional female for GSM collaring. All other captured hyaenas will be visibly marked until additional funds can be raised for the purchase of collars. In addition Lisa will be investigating Omega and the Mudumu North Complex conservancies for intensive fieldwork after the wet season for the expansion of the project to include human-wildlife conflict issues.
