Angola Kick-Off Trip Report 22 – 30 September 2018

Home , African palm swift, Iona National Park, Kaokoveld, Skeleton Coast

SCIONA: Angola kick-off trip report 22 – 30 September 2018

Rio Cunene/Kunene river near Otjinhungwa (Photo: R. Revermann)

Contents 1. Introduction - Introdução ...... 3 Introdução ...... 4 2. Programme and itinerary ...... 6 3. List of participants ...... 8 4. Kick-off workshop ...... 9 5. Logistics ...... 10 5.1 Travelling to Angola ...... 10 5.2 Logistics in Iona National Park ...... 11 6. Meetings with communities in Iona ...... 13 7. Iona National Park ...... 15 7.1 Weather ...... 15 7.2 Geology and soils ...... 15 7.3. Rivers and Water ...... 16 7.4 Vegetation ...... 18 7.5 Mammals ...... 23 7.6 Birds ...... 24 7.7 Reptiles ...... 26 7.8 Insects ...... 28 8. Recommendations for future activities and research ...... 29 8.1 EpiCollect ...... 29 8.2 Research ...... 29 8.3 Other ...... 30 9. Logistical recommendations ...... 30 10. Conclusions ...... 31 11. References...... 32 12. Errata ...... 32

1. Introduction - Introdução SCIONA or “Co-designing conservation technologies for Iona - Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Conservation Area (Angola - Namibia)” is a project funded by the European Union (EuropeAid/ 156423/DD/ACT/Multi) that started in February 2018 and will last three years. The lead institute is the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the main implementing partner the Instituto Superior de Ciências de Educação da Huíla (ISCED); the Higher Institute of Education Sciences of Huíla, Angola. The SCIONA project aims to strengthen cross-border ecosystem management and wildlife protection in the Iona – Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) through co- designing and implementing conservation monitoring technology with the park authorities and surrounding communities.

The Iona - Skeleton Coast TFCA was officially established in May 2018 and is one of the larger transboundary conservation areas in southern Africa. It connects the Namib Desert ecosystem’s northern extent in Namibia and southern Angola, providing unique eco-tourism opportunities with its marine and terrestrial wildlife, impressive mountains, sand dunes, and indigenous Himba communities. The Namibian Skeleton Coast National Park and Angolan Iona National Park share several unique species, some found nowhere else on earth, including black-faced impala, desert dwelling elephants, black rhinos and the remarkable Welwitschia mirabilis plant. The two countries and parks are separated by the Kunene/Cunene River, which provides an oasis in this arid ecosystem. The Kunene River mouth which flows into the Atlantic Ocean is the second most species-rich coastal wetland of Namibia (Simmons et al., 1993).

Compared to other TFCA’s in the region, the area has little viable agricultural land, lacks industrial development and has a low population density. Surrounding communities, including the Himba, have seen little benefit from their proximity to the TFCA and cross-border management of the conservation area has been limited. The area is remote and inaccessible due to rugged mountainous terrain as well as large sand dune dominated areas. The TFCA mainly relies on basic institutional structures that are insufficient and result in poor ecosystem management and inadequate wildlife law enforcement. This is reflected by overfishing, poaching - including organised commercial rhino poaching, habitat destruction, illegal mining, flooding, animal out-migration and local species extinction, threatening the sustainable future of the transboundary park.

Under stable political conditions within an enabling policy environment, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast National Park and the adjacent conservancies have seen a positive growth of wildlife populations over the past 40 years (Nuulimba and Taylor, 2015; Owen-Smith, 2010). As the Namibian communities heavily rely on subsistence cattle and goat farming, they are particularly vulnerable to conflicts with predators such as lion, hyena, leopard, cheetah and crocodile. In contrast, Iona National Park in Angola has reduced wildlife populations and has seen the encroachment of human populations into its sensitive habitats because of the recent civil war and subsequent lack of institutional and financial support. Increased human-wildlife conflict incidents are expected in Iona once biodiversity recovers and wildlife migration takes place from the Skeleton Coast National Park and surrounding communal conservancies.

The SCIONA project builds on the Namibian experiences with community involvement in ecotourism and conservation. Namibia has been at the forefront of devolving natural resource management

authority to the local communities through the legally mandated Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme.

During the first year of the project, an assessment of the current situation and needs in the TFCA is being performed and an integrative ecosystem plan is being developed in cooperation with the stakeholders. Baseline information required for natural resources management is collected and community surveys are performed. This includes multiple field trips into the study area. Two scoping and several field trips have been performed in the Namibian part of the study area in the period May to September 2018.

A kick-off trip to Angola was undertaken from 22 to 30 September 2018 and included a workshop in Namibe and a scoping trip to Iona National Park. It concerned an explorative trip with as main objectives:

 to introduce the project to regional authorities and institutions,  to meet and introduce the project to local communities living in Iona National Park  to asses terrain conditions in Iona National Park,  to validate available geospatial data, especially tracks,  to asses potential ecological indicators for the study area,  to test and discuss data collection methods and available technology,  to reinforce collaboration with the Angolan partners,  to initiate transdisciplinary academic research.

This report gives an overview of the Angolan kick-off trip, including a summary of community meetings and biodiversity observations, and is based on contributions from participants in the field trip. A selection of photos will be published on the gallery of the SCIONA website: sciona.nust.na .

The NUST / ISCED team would like to express its thanks to the Angolan Ministry of Environment, especially the director of INBAC Mr Aristófanes Pontes, for making this trip possible. Thanks to Prof Carmen Santos for offering facilities at the Academy for the workshop. We also thank all participants for their contribution to a successful kick-off trip, especially Dr Bruce Bennett and Prof Norbert Jürgens who volunteered their time and expertise during the trip.

Introdução O SCIONA ou “Concepção de tecnologias de conservação para a Área de Conservação Transfronteiriça Iona - Costa dos Esqueletos” é um projecto financiado pela União Europeia (EuropeAid/ 156423/DD/ACT/Multi), iniciado em Fevereiro de 2018, com a duração de três anos, liderado pela Universidade de Ciência e Tecnologia da Nmíbia (NUST) em parceria com o Instituto Superior de Ciências de Educação da Huíla (ISCED-Huíla). Tem como objectivo fortalecer a gestão dos ecossistemas e proteger a vida selvagem na Área de Conservação Transfronteira (ACTF), por meio da concepção e aplicação de tecnologias de monitorização do estado de conservação da área, envolvendo as autoridades dos parques e as comunidades existentes. A ACTF, estabelecida em Maio de 2018, representa uma das maiores áreas de conservação transfronteira da África Austral. Conecta os ecossistemas do deserto entre o Norte da Namíbia e o Sul de Angola, oferecendo uma oportunidade

única de eco-turismo adequado à sua diversidade de vida selvagem marinha e terreste, assim como às imponentes montanhas, dunas e à envolvente comunidade Himba. As comunidades desta região, como os Himba por exemplo, pouco beneficiam da proximidade da ACTF e a gestão de conservação ambiental entre fronteiras tem sido muito limitada. Por outro lado, é uma área remota e de difícil acesso, com montanhas escarpadas e dunas infindáveis. A ACTF depende de estruturas básicas institucionais e de leis adquadas de protecção da vida selvagem, que actualmente são insuficientes e resultam numa gestão pobre do ecossistema. Esta situação tem consequências tanto na pesca massiva, caça furtiva, destruição do habitat, extracção ilegal de minérios, cheias, migração de animais e extinção de espécies, pondo em risco a sustentabilidade futura deste parque transfronteiriço. O primeiro ano do projeto destina-se a fazer a avaliação da situação atual e das necessidades da ACTF, com vista à preparação de um plano integrado, o que inclui várias viagens de campo para a área de estudo. Na semana de 22 a 30 de setembro de 2018 o projecto foi lançado em Angola, com um workshop no Namibe e uma viagem ao Parque Nacional de Iona, com objetivos principais:  apresentar o projecto a autoridades e instituições regionais,  conhecer e apresentar o projeto às comunidades locais que vivem no Parque Nacional do Iona  avaliar as condições do terreno no Parque,  validar dados geoespaciais disponíveis, especialmente caminhos ou trilhas,  avaliar os indicadores ecológicos potenciais para a área de estudo,  testar e discutir métodos de colheita de dados e tecnologia disponível,  reforçar a colaboração com os parceiros angolanos  iniciar pesquisa académica transdisciplinar. Este relatório dá uma visão geral da viagem, incluindo um resumo das reuniões da comunidade e observações da biodiversidade, e baseia-se nas contribuições dos participantes na viagem de campo. Uma seleção de fotos será publicada na galeria do site da SCIONA: sciona.nust.na . A equipa da NUST / ISCED gostaria de expressar os seus agradecimentos ao Ministério do Ambiente de Angola, em especial ao director do INBAC, Aristófanes Pontes, por tornar esta viagem possível. Agradecemos à Prof. Carmen Santos por disponibilizar as instalações da Academia para a realização do workshop. Agradecemos também a todos os participantes por sua contribuição para uma viagem de início bem-sucedida, especialmente ao Dr Bruce Bennett e ao Prof Norbert Jürgens, que ofereceram seu tempo e experiência durante a viagem.

Dr Vera De Cauwer Prof Fernanda Lages Editor Editor SCIONA PI SCIONA PI Angola NUST ISCED-Huíla

2. Programme and itinerary The trip to Angola included a visit to Moçâmedes where the kick-off workshop was held, and a reconnaissance trip to Iona National Park. The total route covered approximately 2,850 km and is outlined in table 1. The route within Iona National Park is displayed in figure 1.

Table 1 – Kick off trip to Angola: daily destinations and accommodation

Date Route Distance Travel Activities Accommodation (km) time (h) Saturday 22-Sep Windhoek - Otjiwarango - 744 9 Driving till border with Angola, join MET Ruacana Eha Lodge, Tel 1 Kamanjab - Ruacana team 065271500 Sunday 23-Sep Ruacana - Omahenene - 608 12 Driving in Angola, join ISCED team in Fisheries and Marine Science Xangongo - Lubango - Lubango, join Hamburg team in Academy (Academia de pescas 2 Moçâmedes Moçâmedes e ciências do mar do Namibe) Monday 24-Sep Moçâmedes 0 0 Kick off workshop, visit Academy, plan for Fisheries and Marine Science 3 Iona trip Academy Tuesday 25-Sep Moçâmedes - Espinheira 249 9 Departure for Iona NP, visit giant Espinheira, Iona NP 4 Welwitschia and Welwischia plain Wednesday 26-Sep Espinheira - Otjinhungwe 91 7 Visit planes/dunes south-east of Otjinhungwe community camp at Kunene river (opposite Esphinheira, drive through mountain area site, Iona NP 5 Marienfluss) and visit communities south of Espinheira Thursday 27-Sep Otjinhungwe - Iona - 96 5 Visit area and communities near Iona and Cambêno community camp 6 Cambêno Cambêno site, Iona NP Friday 28-Sep Cambêno - Helola - 121 9 Drive east of Iona, visit mopane area and Camping near Oncócua 7 Oncócua Helola, drive out of NP at east side Saturday 29-Sep Oncócua - Ruacana 160 9 Drive to border, cross border into Namibia Ruacana Guesthouse, Tel 8 065270104, Cell 0812434030 9 Sunday 30-Sep Ruacana - Windhoek 780 9 Drive back

Convoy on its way to the Giant Welwitschia (day 4) (Photo: R. Revermann)

Figure 1 – Route of reconnaissance trip through Iona National Park. Phytogeographic zones in Iona according to Barbosa (1970) (Map: V. De Cauwer)

3. List of participants Next to the NUST team, teams of the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and of the University of Hamburg travelled to Angola. We were joined by the ISCED team in Lubango and the Angolan Ministry of Environment team, Dr Bruce Bennett and Mr Nelson Ned Gomes in Moçâmedes.

The participants that took part in the reconnaissance trip to Iona included:

Title Name Affiliation Ms Amélia Masseca Ministry of Environment (Ministerio do Ambiente), National Biodiversity Directorate, Responsible TFCA's, Angola Mr Aristófanes Pontes Ministry of Environment (Ministerio do Ambiente), Instituto Nacional da Biodiversidade e Áreas de Conservação (INBAC), Angola Dr Bruce Bennett Independent, Angola Mr David Xavier Ministry of Environment (Ministerio do Ambiente), Angola Ms Felicitas Gunter Institute for Plant Science and Microbiology, Department Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution of Plants, University of Hamburg, Germany Dr Félix Narciso Instituto Superior de Ciências de Educação da Huíla (ISCED), Angola Prof. Fernanda Lages Instituto Superior de Ciências de Educação da Huíla (ISCED), Angola Prof. Heike Winschiers-Theophilus Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Namibia Ms Imke Oncken Institute for Plant Science and Microbiology, Department Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution of Plants, University of Hamburg, Germany Ms Josephine Naambo Iipinge Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks, Namibia Dr Manfred Finckh University of Hamburg/ISCED/NUST Mr Manuel Sebastiao Alfonso Ministry of Environment (Ministerio do Ambiente), Iona National Park, Angola Ms Martha Alexandre Zumbo Ministry of Environment (Ministerio do Ambiente), Department of Conservation Areas, Angola Dr Meed Mbidzo NUST, Faculty of Natural Resources and Spatial Sciences, Namibia Mr Munuela Christopher Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks, Namibia Mr Nelson Ned Gomes Yona Safaris Prof. Norbert Jürgens Institute for Plant Science and Microbiology, Department Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution of Plants, University of Hamburg, Germany Ms Paulina Zigelski Institute for Plant Science and Microbiology, Department Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution of Plants, University of Hamburg, Germany Mr Paulus Chris Muashekele NUST, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Namibia Dr Rasmus Revermann University of Hamburg/ISCED/NUST Mr Richard Kamukuenjandje NUST, Faculty of Natural Resources and Spatial Sciences, Namibia Dr Vera De Cauwer NUST, Faculty of Natural Resources and Spatial Sciences, Namibia

4. Kick-off workshop Contributions: Chris Muashekele, Rasmus Revermann, Vera De Cauwer

The Angolan SCIONA kick off workshop was hosted at the Fisheries and Marine Science Academy (Academia de pescas e ciências do mar do Namibe) (Figure 2). The Vice-Director of the Academy, Dr Jerónimo Sanches Evaristo, the Director of the Higher Institute of Education Sciences of Huíla (ISCED; Instituto Superior de Ciências de Educação da Huíla) Professor Jose Luís Mateus Alexandre, and the Angolan PI Professor Fernanda Lages welcomed the SCIONA team and stakeholders. Ms Naambo Josephine Iipinge of the Directorate of Wildlife and National Parks, MET, introduced the Iona - Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) and explained that the signing of the TFCA Treaty between Namibia and Angola has initiated the implementation for the TFCA. Ms Rossana Oliveira made sure all English presentations were directly translated into Portuguese.

Figure 2. (a) Fisheries and Marine Science Academy in Moçâmedes (b) SCIONA kick-off workshop (Photos: C. Muashekele)

Dr Vera De Cauwer of NUST introduced the SCIONA project. Professor Heike Winschiers-Theophilus and Paulus Chris Muashekele presented on ‘Co-designing with communities’ (Figure 3). Chris displayed some of the technology currently used to monitor wildlife, especially the camera trap and the Epicollect application. Dr Meed Mbidzo focused on ‘Strengthening the communities’ role in management of the TFCA’. She discussed matters pertaining Human Wildlife Conflict and livelihood. Professor Norbert Jürgens spoke about the vegetation of Iona. He presented the preliminary results of the first vegetation classification and highlighted new findings on fairy circles. Within the TFCA two types of Fairy Circles exist: the Baba Fairy Circles north and the Psammotermes Fairy Circles south of Rio Oncocua. After the presentations, the team was invited to lunch and shown the facilities of the Academy (Figure 3).

Figure 3. (a) Prof Heike Winschiers-Theophilus and Mr Chris Muashekele presenting with Ms Rossana Oliveira translating (Photo: V. De Cauwer) (b) Team visiting facilities of Fisheries and Marine Science Academy, with Professor Jose Luís Mateus Alexandre, director of ISCED, on the first row (third from left)

5. Logistics Contributions: Chris Muashekele, Rasmus Revermann, Vera De Cauwer

5.1 Travelling to Angola Several of the team members need visas for Angola. Professors Alexandre and Lages organised the invitation letter, which is necessary for the visa application. The team members who applied in Germany got a 30-day visa, however the team members who applied in Namibia got only a 7-day visa.

Crossing the border at Omahenene / Calueque on day 1 was a smooth process, which took about an hour. At the border, the SCIONA cars were issued with temporary import permits, which were required to enter Angola and allow a stay of up to 30 days. The team was able to exchange Namibian dollars for Angolan Kwanza to pay for the permit. Travelling on the gravel road from Calueque to Xangongo, in deep sand, is however slow and takes about 3.5 hours. For future trips to Lubango, it may be faster using the big border post in Santa Clara / Oshikango and connecting with the new tar sealed road. Crossing the border at Ruacana on day 8 was even quicker than on day 1.

The tar road from Lubango to Namibe has to be driven with caution as it crosses a mountainous area and has many potholes.

5.2 Logistics in Iona National Park Road conditions in Iona National Park are rough, especially in the mountainous areas where one has to drive at speeds between 10 and 40 km per hour. The roads do not allow the use of a trailer and even a tow bar is a hindrance in the dips. Local people walk or catch a lift on a car for transport, although many motorcycle tracks could be spotted as well.

Tracking data were collected with GPS’s during the trip (Figure 1), as well as occurrences for species sightings (Table 2) and infrastructure, such as Himba settlements and water points. Existing track data were obtained from previous visitors to the park, but were not complete.

There is no cell phone reception in the park. Espinheira, headquarters of the staff working in Iona National Park, has rangers’ accommodation units with electricity, water and WIFI (Figure 4). The government administration is based in the Municipality of Iona (Figure 4). There is a satellite phone at the administration office. Iona has a school, clinic and shop. The team introduced themselves to the administrator and was welcomed in turn. The administrator informed us that there are about 250 cars visiting Iona National Park per year.

Figure 4. (a) Espinheira station (b) Group picture with administrator (Photos: V. De Cauwer)

Several community camps were recently constructed by the National Biodiversity Project for the Conservation of Iona National Park (2013 – 2018), a project of the Angolan Ministry of Environment that was co-financed by the EU, GEF, and UNDP. The new entrance gate in Iona was also funded by this project, however does not seem to be used by the park staff (Figure 5). We stayed at two of the camps: Otjinhungwa and Cambêno (Figure 6). They have ablution blocks without water. There is no uniform policy in place with regard to camp fees or garbage. In Otjinhungwa, the campsite administrator – who is also the Chief’s daughter – informed us to pay N$ 10 (Kz 200) per person per night. The community asked to leave garbage bags behind so they could check for items to recycle. In Cambêno, we were asked to contribute a camping fee as we saw fit.

Figure 5. (a) New entrance gate for Iona National park (b) Funding plaque at Otjinhungwa Community Camp (Photos: V. De Cauwer)

Figure 6. (a) Community camp at Otjinhungwa (Photo: V. De Cauwer) (b) Community camp at Cambêno (Photo: C. Muashekele)

Logistical problems encountered during the field trip included:

 The MET car had a flat tyre in Iona. The new SCIONA car jack, supplied with the vehicle, broke while changing the tyre.

 The number plates at the back of the SCIONA vehicles fell off in Iona National Park.

 There is no petrol/diesel available in Iona National Park. To make sure the Namibian cars could make it safely back to Namibia, INBAC assisted with filling extra jerry cans that were sent to Moçâmedes and brought to Cambêno.

6. Meetings with communities in Iona Contributions: Chris Muashekele, Meed Mbidzo, Bruce Bennett, Rasmus Revermann, Vera De Cauwer

According to Dr Bruce Bennett, there are 3,300 people, 15,000 goats and 15,000 cattle in the park. There are several ethnic tribes, including Himba. It was possible to speak in Herero with them, which facilitates the work of the SCIONA team. The team had several meetings and encounters with the local communities:

 Road from Espinheira to Otjinhungwa: the team passed through three larger villages and a few smaller ones. The team stopped in two villages and talked to a man on his way to a clinic in Iona;  Otjinhungwa: several meetings with the local community managing the campsite;  Cambêno: one meeting with the local community managing the campsite (Figure 7);  Helola village (about 600 inhabitants).

Figure 7. Community engagement in Cambeno (Photo: A. Pontes)

A range of information was collected through the meetings and discussions. The local communities travel within the communal areas of the park depending on grazing availability and on the water level in the rivers. Iona is partitioned into communal and non-communal areas to ensure sustained use of the park’s resources. Towards the south of the park, there are many Himba and most have family links with the Namibian Himba. They are open to cooperation with the Namibian Himba’s and other stakeholders.

One of the aims of the SCIONA project is to find livelihood strengthening activities based on natural resources. As hunting is not allowed within the park, the main option will be tourism, especially tourism focusing on vegetation and landscapes, as there is very little wildlife in the areas of the park where the communities live. Potential activities for tourism include ethnobotanical walks and selling of crafts. Finding alternative sources of income for the local communities is very relevant as grazing for their livestock is limited in the park and dependent on rainfall availability. Crops are grown near the Cunene River in Otjinhungwa (Figure 6) from approximately April until November, and include maize, watermelons, beans and pumpkins. Currently, communities reported that they do not get many benefits from living in the park with regard to their livelihood.

Human-wildlife conflicts were reported for Otjinhungwa, mainly crocodiles attacking cattle and humans, but apparently also leopards that sometimes kill goats. In Cambêno, it was reported that brown hyena kills many goats and calves, while there are many zebra snakebites.

According to Ms Naambo Iipinge, it is possible within a TFCA for the local community members to cross the country boundary (the Kunene/Cunene River) and travel to within 60 km from the border without any passport control. It is advisable that we use this opportunity to encourage interaction between the communities of each side of the border and for the Namibian researchers to have quicker access to the Angolan communities.

7. Iona National Park 7.1 Weather At the start of day 5, the team stopped at the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate and Land Management (SASSCAL) weather station in Espinheira (Figure 8). Professor Norbert Jürgens discussed the type of data that is collected through the station and what it is used for. The weather data is directly available online and can be checked at (this link is also added to the SCIONA website sciona.nust.na): http://www.sasscalweathernet.org/ weatherstat_infosheet_we.php ?loggerid_crit=0000361100).

Figure 8. Weather station at Espinheira (Photo: R. Revermann)

7.2 Geology and soils Contributions: Marina Coetzee, Rasmus Revermann, Vera De Cauwer

According to Dr Bruce Bennett, there is a mine near the Cunene River in the neighbourhood of Serra Cafema.

Interesting rock formations can be observed in the Commiphora area north of Espinheira. This is a type of schist that is eroded in a way typical for arid area and is also present in many other areas of the park (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Eroded schists north of Espinheira (Photos: V. De Cauwer)

East of Iona Park, there is a continuation of the Zebra Mountains that occur at the Namibian side between Epupa and Swartbooisdrif. They form part of the Kunene Intrusive Complex, some of the oldest rocks in Namibia. ‘Zebra Mountains’ is a local term derived from the alternating belts of scree and vegetation on the slopes of massive east-west oriented anorthosite ridges (Gleissner, 2011).

Most soils encountered along our route were shallow as we drove mainly through rocky areas. Sandy soils were observed along the route just north of Salondjamba and south of Espinheira about half way to Otjinungwa.

7.3. Rivers and Water Contributions: Fernanda Lages

The hydrographic network of the park consists mainly of dry riverbeds and temporary rivers, among which the Curoca River (Figure 10) that feeds some of the lakes in the area (Njambasana, Pediva) which retain water during the dry season, providing favourable conditions for agriculture. The main source of permanent water is the Rio Cunene, which defines the border with the north of Namibia (Figure 1).

Dispersed through the park are springs, wells and water pumps, although only a part of them have a permanent water flow (Figure 11). If these water supplies are near human settlements, the viability of populations of water-dependent wild species such as Burchell's zebra, oryx, kudu etc., can be affected. Moreover, they may represent ambush sites for poachers.

Figure 10. Crossing the Curoca River at Salondjamba to enter the park (day 4) (Photo: R. Revermann)

Figure 11. Water points and riverbeds in Iona National Park (Source: Bruce Bennet)

7.4 Vegetation Contributions: Wessel Swanepoel, Fernanda Lages, Rasmus Revermann, Vera De Cauwer

Before entering the park, the team visited the giant Welwitschia approximately 30 km south of Moçâmedes (Figures 1 and 12) and the Welwitschia plain. Professor Norbert Jürgens gave an update of ongoing research on Welwitschia mirabilis, including biogeographical and genetic studies of the different populations in Angola and Namibia, studies on age determination and on adaptions of the plant to arid areas (e.g. depth of the root).

Figure 12. (a) Visit to the giant Welwitschia (Photo: V. De Cauwer) (b) Commiphora vegetation along road north of Espinheira (Photo: R. Revermann)

The park received late rains – in April 2018 – and grasslands were in a good condition north of the park and in the west of the park. This is also the area where fairy circles can be observed. However, there was very little grazing left in the neighbourhood of Iona village.

The woody trees and shrubs observed during the trip are listed in table 2. Riparian vegetation refers to both vegetation along the Cunene River and the non-perennial rivers. One invasive alien species was spotted near the Cunene (Ricinus communis). Mimosa pigra was also spotted along the Cunene, but its native range and hence its status as an invasive alien species in southern Africa is unclear (B. Curtis, 2018, personal communication, 26 November). Some of the occurrence data of trees and shrubs were collected with GPS and with the app Epicollect. Unfortunately, it was not possible to identify all tree species, especially Commiphora spp., as they were not carrying any leaves, fruits or flowers. Commiphora species could be seen on most rocky outcrops, e.g. north of Espinheira with amongst others Commiphora wildii (Omumbiri) (Figure 12), north of and near Otjinhungwa, and near Cambêno. We probably also saw C. kuneneana, a recently described species for the Kaokoveld (Swanepoel, 2007). Sesamothamnus spp. also had no leaves yet, so it is not sure that it concerns S. benguellensis.

Table 2 – Shrubs and trees encountered along the road between Tômbua and Ruacana, including Iona National Park. Vegetation units are from Barbosa (1970) (Figure 1). Crosses indicate observations and numbers are occurrences with geographical coordinates (Observers: Rasmus Revermann, Fernanda Lages, Vera De Cauwer).

Iona National Park Outside park Commiphora Commiphora Mopane Desert Riparian - Mopane - Mopane Savanne flats / Spring Species Savanne Savanne (east) Acacia mellifera 3 2 1 Acacia tortilis 1 Adansonia digitata x 5 Aloe sp. 1 x 1 Balanites angolensis 3 1 1 Berchemia discolor x Boscia albitrunca x Boscia foetida 1 Boscia microphylla 4 Boscia (tomentosa) 1 1 Calicorema capitata x Catophractes alexandri 2 x 5 Ceraria longipedunculata 1 x Colophospermum mopane 3 6 1 8 Combretum apiculatum x Combretum imberbe 1 Commiphora (kuneneana) x Commiphora wildii x Cordia sinensis x Croton gratissimus 1 Cyphostemma (uter) 1 2 Dichrostachys cinerea 1 Euclea pseudebenus 2 Euclea undulata x 1 2 Euphorbia (berotica) x 1 Euphorbia virosa x Faidherbia albida x 2 Ficus sycomorus x 1 Gardenia volkensii x Hyphaene petersiana 1 x 6 Maerua schinzii x 1 Mimosa pigra x Mundulea sericea 2 Pachypodium lealii 3 1 Philenoptera nelsii x Ricinus communis 1 Salvadora persica 1 1 x 1 Sesamothamnus (benguellensis) 1 5 Sterculia africana 1 4 Strophantus amboensis x Tamarix usneoides 2 1 1 Terminalia prunioides 3 1 1 5 Terminalia sericea x Welwitschia mirabilis x 1 Ximenia caffra x x 1 Total number of species 19 18 9 16 20

Iconic species encountered included Welwitschia mirabilis (onyanga, Figure 12), the bottle tree or ohwanga (Pachypodium lealii) (Figure 13), the baobab or omuzu (Adansonia digitata), as well as a Cyphostemma sp. Most probably, it concerns Cyphostemma uter, the Kaoko kobas, however this needs confirmation because the leaves were only starting to sprout (Figure 13). The latter three species only occurred at the east side of the park where mopane (Colophospermum mopane) dominates. The Kaoko kobas is an endemic species of the Kaokoveld, the mountainous areas between Namibe (Angola) and the Hoanib River in northern Kunene (Namibia) (Craven, 2002), as are the hairy shepherds-tree (Boscia tomentosa) (Figure 14), the slender-leaved shepherds-tree (Boscia microphylla) and the Kaoko ceraria or omumbondororwa (Ceraria longipedunculata) (Figure 13). B. tomentosa will need to be confirmed as it is a species that has not been described for Angola. It could also be B. polyantha (mupembate), an endemic tree of Angola that also occurs in Benguela and that can be found in the ISCED herbarium. We probably also saw the Angolan endemic Euphorbia berotica, although this needs further confirmation. E. berotica is closest related to E. mauritanica, but is a smaller shrub with more slender branches (Leach, 1975). Iona national park is an area with a large amount of plant (and other) endemic species and forms part of the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism (Craven and Vorster, 2006; Simmons et al., 1998).

Figure 13. Left: Kaoko kobas (Cyphostemma uter) with bottle tree (Pachypodium lealii) behind it (Photo: V. De Cauwer). Right: Kaoko ceraria (Ceraria longipedunculata) (Photo: R. Revermann)

The community campsite of Cambêno is situated near a natural spring, explaining the occurrence of large sycamore fig or omukuyu trees (Ficus sycomorus). When driving from Ruacana to Lubango on day 2, we also encountered Pterocarpus trees that are worth revisiting as they may be situated outside the known distribution area.

Figure 14. Left: hairy shepherds-tree (Boscia tomentosa) near the Otjinhungwa campsite (Photo: V. De Cauwer). Right: Elephant vine (Strophanthus amboensis) (Photo: R. Revermann)

Herbs observed included wild sesame (Sesamum sp., possibly triphyllum), Petalidium welwitschii, Petalidium lepidagathis (Figure 15), Ruellia diversifolia (Figure 16), the dollar bush (Zygophyllum stapffii), the northern Namib endemics spiny geigeria (Geigeria spinosa) and Cleome mossamedensis (suffruticosa?) (Figure 16). The two latter should be confirmed during a follow up trip.

Figure 15. Petalidium lepidagathis (Photo: F. Lages)

Figure 16. (a) Spiny geigeria (Geigeria spinosa) (Photo: R. Revermann) (b) Cleome mossamedensis (Photo: R. Revermann) (c) Ruellia diversifolia (Photo: F. Lages)

7.5 Mammals Contributions: Bruce Bennett, Chris Muashekele, Rasmus Revermann, Manfred Finckh, Paulina Zigelski, Vera De Cauwer

Mammals were only observed on day 5 in the west side of the park, at Espinheira and along the road from Espinheira to Otjinhungwa. A limited number of observations of springbok, gemsbok (Figure 17), and Hartmann zebra were made. Part of the group remained in Iona National Park and observed black- backed jackal and aardwolf on the 1st of October at the Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory.

East of Iona National park, a group of vervet monkeys was spotted near a dry riverbed. Most observations were collected in Epicollect. Mammal and iconic plant data collected with Epicollect are added to the Mammal and important plant database of SCIONA, which can be found at: https://five.epicollect.net/project/sciona-mammal-and-reptile-recording/data.

Figure 17. Gemsbok approaching the Espinheira Park headquarter at sunrise of 26 September (Photo: P. Zigelski)

According to the Cambêno community, jackal, Damara dik-dik, kudu, leopard, cheetah and brown hyena are in the park, while the Otjinhungwa community reported springbok, leopard, and cheetah. Dr Bruce Bennet also confirmed kudu and Damara dik-dik, and indicated that wildlife stays away from the communal area because of dogs. Species such as giraffe, eland and brown hyena have disappeared from the park while carnivores are hunted – through poisoned bait – and sold to foreigners.

North of the park, a private game fence was recently erected. Antelopes flee from approaching cars or motorbikes and frequently crash into the fence; as a result, many carcasses of for example springbok were found along the fence line. Bruce reported that locals use motorbikes to hunt by deliberately chasing animals into the fence.

7.6 Birds Contributions: Manfred Finckh, Paulina Zigelski, Rolf Becker, Wessel Swanepoel

Opportunistic bird observations were made during the trip by M. Finckh and P. Zigelski. Species lists are represented in the order of observation. Observations correspond to the typical desert avifauna of the northern Namib, with several species reaching here their northern distribution limit (e.g. Pale Chanting Goshawk, Bokmakierie).

Around Espinheira:

26.9.2018, 5:30-6:30 hrs:

 Red-faced Mousebird (Figure 18)  Karoo Chat  Common Scimitarbill  Cape Turtle Dove  Common Fiscal  Mountain Wheatear  Bokmakierie  Pied Crow  Cape Crow  Red-headed Finch  Cape Sparrow  African Red-eyed Bulbul  Scarlet-chested Sunbird  Double-banded Sandgrouse  Crowned lapwing

26.9.2018, 8:30 – 13:00 hrs: Sand plains southwest of Espinheira

 Pale Chanting Goshawk (Figure 18)  Secretarybird (Figure 18)

26.9.2018, afternoon: Himba village close to the Kunene River

 Arnot’s Chat (confirmation needed)

26.9.2018, afternoon/evening: Otjinhungwa campsite at the Kunene River

 African Red-eyed Bulbul  Little Bee-eater  Red-faced Mousebird  Cape Penduline Tit  Goliath Heron  Rosy-faced Lovebird  Spectacled Weaver  Southern Masked Weaver  Chestnut Weaver  Yellow Canary  Mountain Wheatear  Coucal (probably White browed Coucal)  African Palm Swift  Namaqua Dove

Figure 18. (a) Red-faced Mousebird at Espinheira park headquarter, 26.9.2018 (Photo: P. Zigelski) (b) Secretarybird flying over the sand plains southwest of Espinheira, 26.9.2018 (Photo: P. Zigelski) (c) Pale Chanting Goshawk perching on Welwitschia mirabilis at Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory, 29.9.2018 (Photo: P. Zigelski)

27.9.2018, evening hours

 Cape Glossy Starling  Rüppell’s Korhaan  Spotted Thick-knee

28.9.2018, early morning

 Tractrac Chat

28.9.2018, early morning

 Namaqua Sandgrouse

Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory

30.9.2018:  Rüppell’s Korhaan  Spike-heeled Lark  Cape Crow  Pied Crow

1.10.2018, 9:30 hrs:

 Lappet-faced Vulture

2.10.2018, close to park entrance

 Rüppell’s Korhaan  Grey-backed Sparrowlark

7.7 Reptiles Contributions: Manfred Finckh, Paulina Zigelski, Rasmus Revermann, Francois Theart, Ninda Baptista, Vera De Cauwer

 Three crocodiles in the Kunene River near the campsite of Otjihungwa.  A Boultans day gecko (Rhopthropus boultini) on the rocks near the Kunene rapids (Figure 19)  A Namib rock agama (Agama planiceps) at the Salondjamba park entrance (Figure 19)  Anchieta’s agama (Agama anchietae) at Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory (Figure 19)  Wedge-snouted Skink (Trachylepis acutilabris) at Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory (Figure 19)  Kaokoveld Namib Day Gecko (Rhoptropus biporosus) at Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory (Figure 19)  Pulitzer’s Thick-toed Gecko (Chondrodactylus pulitzerae) in Espinheira Park Headquarters (Figure 20).

Figure 19. (a) Darkling beetle (Photo: V. De Cauwer) (b) Boultans day gecko (Rhopthropus boultini) on the rocks at the rapids of the Cunene River west of Otjinhungwa (Photo: R. Revermann) (c) Agama sp. at the park entrance (Photo: P. Zigelski) (d) Agama anchietae at Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory (Photos: P. Zigelski) (e) Trachylepis acutilabris at Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory (Photos: P. Zigelski) (f) Rhoptropus biporosus at Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory (Photo: P. Zigelski)

Figure 20. Chondrodactylus pulitzerae in Espinheira Park Headquarter (Photo: P. Zigelski)

7.8 Insects Contributions: Gail Morland, Manfred Finckh, Mervyn Mansel, Rolf Becker, Vera De Cauwer

 Beetle from the Coleoptera, Family Tenebrionidae - darkling beetles: large group of insects (Figure 19).  Three species of lacewings (Neuroptera) at Espinheira: Neuroleon sp., Obus sp., and Semirhynchia rudebecki Tjeder, 1967. According to Mervyn Mansel, the latter is a very interesting record. It is previously known only from the holotype from Caracul Farm, 69 km east of Moçâmedes. It is one of only two species of Nemopteridae (ribbon-wing lacewings) known from Angola.

8. Recommendations for future activities and research 8.1 EpiCollect The second version of the EpiCollect app created by Dr Morgan Hauptfleisch was tested during this trip. The location data can be collected in areas without cell phone reception. This worked well with exception of one record for vervet monkeys, that ended up in San Francisco (although the accuracy of this observation was correctly indicated as 2,500 km in the database). Not all team members could upload their data yet as they had the first version on their phone.

It is proposed to add to/change in the third version:

 Location should be entered at the beginning of the data-entry sequence, before choosing language or animal/plant, so that one can continue driving while entering the other information. The first command in the app can be written in both English and Portuguese.  The location data (lat, long coordinates) collected for mammals, plants or in Portuguese should all be added to the same column, so that the records are all displayed on the map of the website (not only mammal data) and can easily be imported in a GIS.

8.2 Research  It will be relevant to analyse both the livestock and game carrying capacity of the park, which is influenced by grazing/browsing capacity and access to water points. Grazing capacity appears to be near its limit because the human population depending on livestock within the park increased over the last decades. Wildlife access to water points is difficult in the eastern parts because presence of herders and their cattle and dogs.  More detailed vegetation studies are needed, especially to identify more species to complete the plant list for the study area, feed into the determination of key ecological indicators for the TFCA, and to support ethnobotanical tourism. Botanical oriented field trips have to be done when all trees have leaves and when rivers are not flowing (i.e. from mid-April onwards, or if February/March: check first with Bruce or Ned).  It may be relevant to reintroduce certain game species to increase the tourism value of the park, provided those species will not be subjected to poaching. This will have to be explored further with the communities. A potential candidate is the Angolan giraffe. A habit feasibility study - including modelling of habitat suitability - is required before introduction can be done.  A potential student research topic was proposed by Bruce: a study of the impact of cattle browsing of Welwitschia. Apparently, they are dying off near the newly bored water points.  The Espinheira Biodiversity Observatory represents a permanent research unit, so far monitored by ISCED and University of Hamburg. Information on this Observatory and other Biodiversity Observatories in the Namibian part of the TFCA can be found at http://www.sasscalobservationnet.org/.

8.3 Other  The area of the hot springs of Pediva, east of Salondjamba, should also be explored during a follow up field trip.  A social study and a management plan of Iona National Park do exist. The project will have to officially request these documents to make sure this information feeds into the integrated ecosystem management plan and that there is no duplication of efforts.  Potential para-ecologists need to be identified within the local communities and can then be trained by the project.  A wildlife survey was done based on the aerial survey of 2016-2017 in Iona. According to some of the stakeholders, this survey will need a quality check.

9. Logistical recommendations  A solution needs to be found for the fact that the NUST team members who need a visa for Angola – including the PI, the co-PI and the project coordinator – only get a 7 day visa. Considering the fact that we need 2 days of travel in Angola to get to the study area, it gives us only 5 days in the field. The Angolan consulate in Windhoek has not been able to assist us with this. The possibility of obtaining a yearlong visa for researchers who intend to frequently enter Angola should be explored.  For longer stays in Angola, be aware that the temporary car import permit issued at the border is only valid for 30 days. It can be renewed twice at any border post. If you fail to have a valid pass this can result in a huge fine.  During each of the future field visits to Iona National Park, a courtesy visit should be made to the administrator in the Municipality of Iona to inform him about ongoing activities.  Each car should have at least three jerry cans when travelling to Iona National Park.  Each SCIONA car had two water containers of 20 l or 25 l, as well as 6 - 10 5 L containers, which was just enough for this trip with six persons. It is advised to take more large water containers along in the future.  Purchase of a heavy-duty car jack for each SCIONA car is needed, as well as of two-way radios with a small range (e.g. 2 km, or maximum range possible without having to pay for a radio license) to facilitate communication between vehicles while driving.  Minimise garbage while camping in Iona and take it back home (after checking if the community can use empty containers?).

10. Conclusions The kick off workshop and field trip was able to achieve most of its goals, especially by creating connections with the stakeholders. First contacts with local communities were positive and encourage future cooperation. The trip allowed strengthening communication and collaboration with the Angolan and Namibian government officials that are involved with TFCA management; an important step towards making SCIONA outputs relevant for planners and decision makers. Additionally, relevant information and geospatial data were collected on logistics and biodiversity, allowing to identify potential research topics and project activities.

One of the goals of the SCIONA project is to identify alternative sources of income based on natural resources for the local communities. For Iona National Park, this is very relevant as livestock is the communities’ main source of livelihood while grazing and water for livestock is limited and dependent on rainfall availability. As hunting is not allowed within the park, the main option will be tourism, especially tourism focusing on vegetation and landscapes as there is very little wildlife in the areas of the park where the communities live. Potential activities for tourism include ethnobotanical walks and selling of crafts. Ethnobotanical walks may have to focus on the tree vegetation of the Escarpment as the fairy circles and Welwitschia’s, who offer attractive tourist destinations, are not near the areas where most communities live.

The logistical organisation of a field trip to Iona is complex as invitations, permits and visa’s need to be organised beforehand. Additionally, the road infrastructure does not allow fast travel and hence, each fieldtrip from Namibia to Iona, will already take 4 days for travelling alone. It is possible for the local community members of a TFCA to cross the Cunene River and travel to within 60 km from the border without passport control. This is an opportunity that would encourage interaction between the communities at each side of the border and would give the Namibian researchers quicker access to the Angolan communities.

11. References Barbosa, L.A.G., 1970. Carta Fitogeográfica de Angola. Instituto de Investigação Científica de Angola, Luanda. Craven, P., 2002. Plant species diversity in the Kaokoveld, Namibia. M Bollig E Brunotte T Becker Kaokoland—Interdisziplindre Perspekt. Zu Kult. Landschaftswandel Im Arid. Semi-Arid. Nord. Namib. 75, 80. Craven, P., Vorster, P., 2006. Patterns of plant diversity and endemism in Namibia. Bothalia 36, 175. Gleissner, P., 2011. Petrogenesis of anorthosites of the Mesoproterozoic Kunene Intrusive Complex, NW Namibia: evidence from stable and radiogenic isotope and lithophile and highly siderophile trace element composition (Ph.D.). University of Berlin. Leach, L., 1975. Notes on Euphorbia mauritanica, E. gossypina and some related species with an amplified description of E. berotica. Bothalia 11, 505–510. Nuulimba, K., Taylor, J.J., 2015. 25 years of CBNRM in Namibia: A retrospective on accomplishments, contestation and contemporary challenges. J. Namib. Stud. 18. Owen-Smith, G., 2010. An arid Eden: a personal account of conservation in the Kaokoveld. Jonathan Ball. Simmons, R., Braby, R., Braby, S., 1993. Ecological studies of the Cunene River mouth: avifauna, herpetofauna, water quality, flow rates, geomorphology and implications of the Epupa Dam. Madoqua 18, 163–180. Simmons, R., Griffin, M., Griffin, R., Marais, E., Kolberg, H., 1998. Endemism in Namibia: patterns, processes and predictions. Biodivers. Conserv. 7, 513–530. Swanepoel, W., 2007. Burseraceae. Commiphora kuneneana, a new species from the Kaokoveld, Namibia. Bothalia 37, 40–48.

12. Errata Errors addressed from a previous version:

 On 7 December 2018: Under 7.4 Vegetation (p. 18): Replacement of “Two invasive alien species were growing near the Cunene: Mimosa pigra and Ricinus communis.” with “One invasive alien species was spotted near the Cunene (Ricinus communis). Mimosa pigra was also spotted along the Cunene, but its native range and hence its status as an invasive alien species in southern Africa is unclear (B. Curtis, 2018, personal communication, 26 November).”  On 7 December 2018: Under 7.4 Vegetation (p. 19, 20): Euphorbia damarana was removed from Table 2 and replaced with Euphorbia (berotica). Added to the text is: “We probably also saw the Angolan endemic Euphorbia berotica, although this needs further confirmation. E. berotica is closest related to E. mauritanica, but is a smaller shrub with more slender branches (Leach, 1975).”  On 7 December 2018: Under 7.6 Birds (p. 24): Wessel Swanepoel added as contributor.  On 7 December 2018: Under 7.6 Birds (p. 25): added to Arnot’s Chat: (confirmation needed)  On 7 December 2018: Under 7.6 Birds (p. 25): “Senegal Coucal” replaced with "Coucal (probably White browed Coucal)"