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Home , Angolan giraffe, Bwabwata National Park, Cunene River, Erongo Region, Etosha National Park, Game reserve

Angolan (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. angolensis)

Appendix 1: Historical and recent geographic range and population of Angolan Giraffe G. c. angolensis

Geographic Range

ANGOLA Historical range in

Giraffe formerly occurred in the and acacia savannas of southern Angola (East 1999). According to Crawford-Cabral and Verissimo (2005), the historic distribution of the species presented a discontinuous range with two, reputedly separated, populations. The western-most population extended from the upper course of the through to the banks of the Kunene (synonymous Cunene) River, and through Cuamato and the area further north (Crawford-Cabral and Verissimo 2005, Dagg 1962). The intention of protecting this western population of G. c. angolensis, led to the proclamation of Mupa National Park (Crawford-Cabral and Verissimo 2005, P. Vaz Pinto pers. comm.). The eastern population occurred between the Cuito and Cuando , with larger numbers of records from the southeast corner of the former Mucusso Game Reserve (Crawford-Cabral and Verissimo 2005, Dagg 1962).

By the late 1990s Giraffe were assumed to be extinct in Angola (East 1999). According to Kuedikuenda and Xavier (2009), a small population of Angolan Giraffe may still occur in Mupa National Park; however, no census data exist to substantiate this claim. As the Park was ravaged by poachers and refugees, it was generally accepted that Giraffe were locally extinct until recent re-introductions into southern Angola from (Kissama Foundation 2015, East 1999, P. Vaz Pinto pers. comm.).

BOTSWANA Current range in Recent genetic analyses have revealed that the population of Giraffe in the Central Kalahari and Khutse Game Reserves in central Botswana is from the subspecies G. c. angolensis, whereas Giraffe in other parts of Botswana are from the subspecies G. c. giraffa (Bock et al. 2014). However, uncertainty remains whether Angolan or South African Giraffe were introduced to private farmland/ranges in the same .

THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™

NAMIBIA Historical range in Namibia Although the first recorded account of Giraffe in Namibia dates to the travels of Captain Hendrik Hop, who ventured north of the Orange River in 1761 (Scheepers 1990), Giraffe have roamed Namibia for thousands of years. Petroglyphs, rock paintings and engravings of Giraffe adorn many rock faces throughout the (formerly known as ), whilst preserved tracks including Giraffe are found in the Kuiseb River area which has a rich archaeological record (Morse et al. 2013). The importance of Giraffe as a ceremonial animal for the region’s early inhabitants is also well reported (Fennessy 2004, Sherr 1997). Little is understood about the historic and distribution of the subspecies (Fennessy 2004). Shortridge (1934) noted that Giraffe skull remnants were found in several areas previously assumed to be historically outside the natural distribution of Giraffe. Skulls from a cave in the in the central-west region of Namibia, from Gobabis in the central-east, as well as in the vicinity of coastal Luderitz in the south-west, supported the suggestion that Giraffe once ranged over much of Namibia. In addition, Shortridge (1934) also stated that folklore surrounding Giraffe is evident in the indigenous culture in southern Namibia. It is therefore unclear to ascertain the true historic distribution of Giraffe countrywide, but likely they were more common and numerous than previously assumed.

The distribution of Giraffe in Namibia has been poorly documented and misrepresented for decades. Many areas in Namibia that Giraffe historically occupied are still distorted in most distribution maps (Skinner and Smithers 1990, East 1999).

According to Skinner and Chimimba (2005) Giraffe historically occurred in the northern and north-eastern parts of Namibia south to about 20° south on the Botswana border and westwards into the semi-desert areas of the in the north-west. The type specimen of Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis was collected approximately 240 km south west of , Angola, north of the Kunene River (Lydekker 1904). Lydekker (1904) reported that the Kunene and Kavango Rivers form a natural barrier between the Angolan and Namibian Giraffe populations, thus effectively separating the ranges of G. c. angolensis, G. c. infumata (east) and G. c. capensis (south) (the latter synonym with G. c. giraffa). However, this is not completely accurate as there is a large distance where Giraffe and other wildlife can cross without any barrier on the border. Dagg’s (1971) review showed that G. c. infumata was in fact synonymous with G. c. angolensis, while both Dagg and Foster (1982) and Seymour (2002) identified that the G. c. angolensis range extends south and eastwards to the Kwando River, Caprivi, Namibia. However, recent genetic assessment indicates that G. c. giraffa naturally inhabited north-east Namibia (Bock et al. 2014).

Cunningham (2014) summarized anecdotal accounts of early explorers and other authors regarding Giraffe encounters in Namibia between the 1850s and 1960s. Explorer C.J. Andersson observed Giraffe in the Waterberg, Omaruru River and Omuramba-Omatako areas in the mid to late 1860s (Cunningham 2014). When Andersson travelled from to in 1856, he encountered Giraffe in the lower reaches of the . Ten years later, in 1866, Sea Captain T.G. Een stated that they had been extirpated from the area (Cunningham 2014). Explorer J. Chapman observed Giraffe in the Otjimbingwe Region and in the Gobabis area in 1859 (Cunningham 2014). D. Reitz observed Giraffe in the Khairos area () and between Otjitndua and Ubombo in 1925 (Cunningham 2014).

Current range in Namibia

Northern Namibia The Angolan Giraffes’ current range in northern Namibia extends from the north-west (Kunene Region) to the north-east ( and Mahango National Park) of the , and there have been extra-limital introductions into the Region, east of the Kwando River (formerly the Caprivi Region). In addition, numerous populations of G. c. angolensis occur east, south and west of Etosha National Park in formal protected areas (Waterberg Plateau National Park, Daan Viljoen, Hardap, Naute and Von Bach Game Parks; Kolberg 2004, MET 2005a) and through private and communal land.

Good Giraffe numbers occur in the arid communal conservancy landscape across north- western Namibia (Kunene Region), including Concession, Etendeka Concession, #Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, Torra Conservancy, Doro !nawas Conservancy, Conservancy and Sorris Sorris Conservancy (NACSO 2015, MET 2007). Etosha National Park in north-central Namibia, which includes the Kaross and Hobatere Concessions, remains the stronghold of G. c. angolensis. A number of commercial conservancies located to the west and southwest of Etosha National Park also contain Giraffe (Black Nossob, Kalkfeld, Khomas Hochland, Namatanga, Okawi and Waterberg Conservancies), although most have only small numbers (du Raan et al. 2015), whilst numerous private land holders have larger numbers in the Erongo and Khomas .

Over the last decade, the MET has undertaken a number of re-introductions of G. c. angolensis from Etosha National Park and other protected areas in the country to areas such as Mahango National Park in the , and across the communal conservancy landscape in the country (K. Uiseb pers. comm.). Additionally, a number of extra-limital introductions occurred into community conservancies in the Zambezi Region (formerly eastern Caprivi Region). As these introductions were undertaken for non- conservation purposes (i.e. not as an action to conserve the subspecies) and introduced into the historical range of G. c. giraffa, these are not included in this assessment. The other population of Giraffe in Namibia’s Zambezi Region () is considered to be G. c. giraffa (Bock et al. 2014).

Southern Namibia Small populations of G. c. angolensis currently occur in the Naukluft National Park, Gondwana Park and the Hunsberge mountain complex, which falls mainly within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (MET 2005b). Additionally, Giraffe are also kept on private land across the area including NamibRand , Excelsior, Nomtsas (near Maltahohe), Neuhof and across southern and south eastern areas (du Raan et al. 2015).

Population

NAMIBIA

In the 1970s, some 4,000 Giraffe were estimated to populate Namibia (Joubert and Mostert 1975). Cumulative numbers from various population surveys (Iipinge 1997, Kolberg 1998, Craig 2000) were tallied by Fennessy (2004) to yield estimates of a minimum of 5,000 individuals in Namibia. The African Antelope Database (East 1999) estimated some 6,690 individuals for Namibia, while a national wildlife inventory, completed in 2004, estimated Namibia’s Giraffe population at 10,415 individuals (Barnes et al. 2009). It is unlikely that the variation in estimation reflects true change in population size. The discrepancies in Giraffe population estimates likely result from limited research, a poor understanding of Giraffe population dynamics in Namibia, and a lack of standardised methods used in calculating population estimates (Fennessy 2004). Historic The first recorded ground census of the area and adjacent were conducted in 1926 and estimated a maximum of 60 Giraffe (Berry 1997). Shortridge (1934) estimated 400 Giraffe throughout Namibia, of which approximately 200 were in the Kaokoveld (Kunene) and the remainder in the and Caprivi Regions. By the early 1950s, L. Green estimated at least 1,000 Giraffe in the Kaokoveld area (Cunningham 2014). Recent Kunene Region Giraffe numbers in the Kunene Region declined from a reported 317 individuals (Viljoen 1982) in the 1980s to an estimated 267 individuals in the mid-1990s (Fennessy et al. 2003). In 1991, 22 Giraffe (twelve bulls and ten cows) were translocated from western Etosha National Park to the Purros area, Hoarusib River, to help re-establish and build the area’s population (Fennessy 2004). However, neither pre- nor post-translocation surveys were undertaken, limiting any comparative analyses or assessment of translocation success (Fennessy 2004). Conflicting population estimates exist for Giraffe in the Kunene Region for the early to mid-1990s (Scheepers 1992, Loutit 1995). In 1998 the estimate was 548 individuals and in 2000 it was 1,105 (Craig 2000). This increase of approximately 100% is not biologically feasible in the two-year period between surveys, considering that Giraffe have a mean gestation period of 457 days (Hall-Martin and Skinner 1978) and a mean calving interval of 19.9 months (Skinner and Hall-Martin 1975). Above average rainfall during the late 1990s and increased conservation awareness and monitoring may have contributed to increased numbers reported since the 1980s (Fennessy 2004). Improved survey methods and analytical techniques have probably also provided better estimates of the population in the Kunene Region, despite the discrepancies noted above (Fennessy 2004, Craig 2000). Aerial surveys have been conducted in Etosha National Park since 1968. Aside from a few, these surveys are strictly speaking not comparable as they were undertaken at irregular intervals with different sampling methods, intensities and area cover. The first comprehensive multi-species sample count was conducted in 1995, and repeated since in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2005. In 1995, the Giraffe population of Etosha National Park was estimated at 1,837 Giraffe and subsequently at 1,502 Giraffe in 1998, 2,740 in 2000 and 3,063 in 2002 (H. Kolberg pers. comm.). In 2004, the population was estimated at 3,550 Giraffe (Killian and Kolberg 2004). According to Killian and Kolberg (2004), the steady increase in Giraffe numbers could have possibly been the result of an increase in available browse. In 2005, Etosha National Park’s Giraffe population was estimated at 3,143 individuals (MET 2005a, H. Kolberg pers. comm.). Between 1995 and 2012, Giraffe estimates in Etosha generally increased from 1,837 to a current 3,293 (Kilian 2015). In 2002, a series of game counts were conducted in north-west Namibia. A total of 922 Giraffe were estimated for the area, of which 2 occurred in Marienfluss Conservancy, 10 in Orupembe Conservancy, 15 in Sanitatas Conservancy, 50 in Purros Conservancy, 200 in Palmwag Conservancy, 100 in Etendeka Conservancy, 20 in Sesfontein Gap, 100 in Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, 40 in Omatendeka Conservancy, 10 in Okangundumba Conservancy, 20 in Doro !nawas Conservancy, 5 in Huab Conservancy, 10 in Sorris Sorris Conservancy, 100 in Torra Conservancy, 140 in #Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy and 100 in Hobatere Conservancy (NACSO 2015). Subsequent game counts of north-west Namibia followed: in 2003 a total of 900 Giraffe were estimated for north-west Namibia, of which seven occurred in Marienfluss Conservancy, 13 in Orupembe Conservancy, 100 in Purros Conservancy, 15 in Sanitatas Conservancy, 15 in the Sanitatas gap, 100 at Etendeka, 200 at Palmwag, 170 in Sesfontein Conservancy, 300 in Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, four in Okangundumba Conservancy, 40 in Omatendeka Conservancy, five in the Orupupa Conservancy, two in the Ozondundu Conservancy, 16 in the Doro !nawas Conservancy, five in Sorris Sorris Conservancy, 156 in #Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, 100 at Hobatere and 40 in Torra Torra Conservancy (NACSO 2015). 2004 Game counts of north-west Namibia estimated a total of 900 Giraffe. Of these, 20 occurred in Orupembe Conservancy, 150 in Purros Conservancy, 26 in Sanitatas Conservancy, 15 in the Sanitatas gap, 400 at Etendeka, 300 at Palmwag, 400 in Sesfontein Conservancy, 300 in Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, four in Okangundumba Conservancy, 60 in Omatendeka Conservancy, five in the Orupupa Conservancy, 16 in the Doro !nawas Conservancy, five in Sorris Sorris Conservancy, 150 in #Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, 160 at Hobatere, 20 in Torra Torra Conservancy and 60 in Otuzemba Conservancy (NACSO 2015). In 2005, a total aerial count of the Kaross and Hobatere Concessions, which are adjacent to the Etosha National Park on the western side, were conducted. In total, 224 Giraffe were observed, 48 in Karros and 176 in Hobatere respectively (MET 2005b). However, the state of the game-proof fences around both Kaross and Hobatere were in a dire state due to flood damage and breaks (MET 2005b). The southern boundary fence of Hobatere was virtually non-existent and the western boundary, which is part of the veterinary cordon fence, had many gaps (MET 2005b). It is likely that these gaps have resulted in Giraffe moving out of these areas and/or increased illegal . A limited aerial sample count of north-western Namibia was conducted over 31,144 km² of the 102,156 km² in 2005 (MET 2005a). In total, 153 Giraffe were estimated, of which approximately 93 occurred in the Palmwag Concession and another 60 in the Etendeka Concession (MET 2005a). In 2007, an aerial survey of 56,612 km² of the 102,156 km² north-western Namibia was conducted (MET 2007). In total, 877 Giraffe were estimated and of these, 135 were estimated in the Palmwag Concession, 90 in the Etendeka Concession, 179 in the #Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, 59 in the Torra Conservancy, 20 in the Doro !nawas Conservancy, 34 in the Sesfontein Conservancy and 21 in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy (MET 2007). The totals derived for this survey should perhaps be deemed as absolute minimum numbers due to the survey method and inexperienced crew (MET 2007). Limited comparison can be made between the 2005 and 2007 surveys due to the variance in area surveyed (MET 2007). The good rainy season of 2006 is however apparent from the data with Etendeka’s Giraffe population increasing from an estimated 60 Giraffe to 90 in 2007; the Torra Conservancy’s population increased from 13 to 59; the #Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy’s population increased from 79 to 179; and Sesfontein Conservancy’s population increased from 17 to 34 individuals (MET 2007). 2008 Game counts of north-west of Namibia estimated 54 Giraffe in #Khoadi-//Hoas Conservancy, 5 in Anabeb Conservancy, 15 in Doro !nawas and Uibasen Conservancies, 250 in Etendeka, 321 in Hobatere, 158 in Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, five in Marienfluss Conservancy, 20 in Omatendeka Conservancy, 137 in Palmwag, 123 in Purros Conservancy, 49 in Sanitatas Conservancy, 93 in Sesfontein Conservancy and 44 in Torra Conservancy (NACSO 2015). 2010 Game counts of north-west of Namibia estimated the following Giraffe numbers: 137 in #Khoadi-//Hoas Conservancy, 13 in Anabeb Conservancy, 14 in Doro !nawas and Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancies, 279 in Etendeka, 107 in Hobatere, 197 in Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, one in Marienfluss Conservancy, one in Okondjombo Conservancy, 28 in Omatendeka Conservancy, 31 in Orupembe Conservancy, four in Ozondundu Conservancy, 179 in Palmwag, 92 in Purros Conservancy, 31 in Sanitatas Conservancy, 43 in Sesfontein Conservancy, 10 in Sorris Sorris Conservancy and 81 in Torra Conservancy (NACSO 2015). 2011 Game counts of north-west Namibia estimated 126 Giraffe in the #Khoadi-//Hoas Conservancy, 15 in the Anabeb Conservancy, 22 in the Doro !nawas and Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancies, 258 at Etendeka, 42 at Hobatere, 229 in the Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, seven in the Okondjombo Conservancy, 37 in the Omatendeka Conservancy, 27 in the Orupembe Conservancy, three in the Ozondundu Conservancy, 135 at Palmwag, 108 in the Purros Conservancy, 18 in the Sanitatas Conservancy, 40 in the Sesfontein Conservancy, 8 in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy, and 83 in the Torra Conservancy (NACSO 2015). 2012 Game counts of north-west of Namibia estimated 145 Giraffe in #Khoadi-//Hoas Conservancy, 22 in Anabeb Conservancy, 37 in Doro !nawas and Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancies, 284 in Etendeka, 54 in Hobatere, 456 in Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, 29 in Okondjombo Conservancy, 63 in Omatendeka Conservancy, 47 in Orupembe Conservancy, four in Orupupa Conservancy, one in Otjimboyo Conservancy, five in Ozondundu Conservancy, 202 at Palmwag, 165 in Purros Conservancy, 22 in Sanitatas Conservancy, 78 in Sesfontein Conservancy, 27 in Sorris Sorris Conservancy, and 132 in Torra Conservancy (NACSO 2015). 2013 Game counts of north-west Namibia estimated 242 Giraffe in the #Khoadi-//Hôas Conservancy, 53 in the Anabeb Conservancy, 51 in the Doro !nawas and Uibasen Conservancies, 461 in the Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, 208 in the Etendeka Conservancy, 15 in the Marienfluss Conservancy, 44 in the Okondjombo Conservancy, 143 in the Omatendeka Conservancy, 46 in the Orupembe Conservancy, 31 in the Orupupa Conservancy, 2 in the Otjimboyo Conservancy, 7 in the Ozondundu Conservancy, 215 in the Palmwag Conservancy, 223 in the Purros Conservancy, 24 at Sanitatas, 143 in the Sesfontein Conservancy, 44 in the Sorris Sorris Conservancy and 140 in the Torra Conservancy (NACSO 2015). Aerial surveys of the Palmwag and Etendeka Concession Areas were conducted in 2014 with 128 and 68 Giraffe estimated, respectively (K. /Uiseb pers. comm.). Game counts of communal conservancies in the north-west of Namibia in 2014 estimated the following Giraffe numbers: 191 in #Khoadi-//Hoas Conservancy; 30 in Anabeb Conservancy; 21 in Doro !nawas and Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancies; 215 in Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy; 10 in Marienfluss Conservancy; 27 in Okondjombo Conservancy; 91 in Omatendeka Conservancy; 29 in Orupembe Conservancy; 18 in Orupupa; 16 in Otjikondavirongo; one in Otuzemba Conservancy; four in Ozondundu; 101 in Purros Conservancy (including Purros Camp site); 25 in Sanitatas Conservancy; 84 in Sesfontein Conservancy; 28 in Sorris Sorris Conservancy; and 68 in Torra Conservancy (NACSO 2015). An additional 1,140 Giraffe were also estimated to occur on private land in the Kunene Region (NACSO 2015). In 2004 and 2005, total game counts were undertaken in some of the smaller government run reserves, parks and resorts in Namibia. During these surveys, 12 Giraffe were recorded in the Von Bach Resort (Kolberg 2004, MET 2005e). Regrettably no previous count data is available for the resort (Kolberg 2004). In 2005, an aerial survey of the counted 140 Giraffe (MET 2005c). Later surveys up until 2013 showed an increase in the population to 195 individuals – following then several translocations occurred thereby reducing the population (Beytell 2015). Kavango and Zambezi (former Caprivi) Regions Aerial surveys of north-eastern Namibia were conducted in 2004 (Kolberg 2004, Stander 2004a). The surveys covered an area of 55,247km² and estimated a population of 883 Giraffe (Kolberg 2004, Stander 2004a), both Angolan and South African subspecies. Of these, 419 Angolan Giraffe were estimated to occur in Khaudum National Park ( Region), 101 in #Na-Jaqna Conservancy (Otjozondjupa Region), and 89 in Nyae Nyae Conservancy (Otjozondjupa Region) and 21 Giraffe in the Mahango Game Reserve (which were previously re-introduced from Etosha National Park) (Kolberg 2004, Stander 2004a). An aerial wildlife census of the Caprivi River Systems in Namibia’s north-east was conducted in 2004 (Stander 2004b). A total count of water bodies and floodplains of the Caprivi and Kavango perennial river systems, including the Kavango, Kwandu, Linyanti, Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, estimated a total of 21 Giraffe (Stander 2004b). Of these, eight occurred in the Linyanti/Chobe survey stratum and 13 in Mamili National Park (Stander 2004b). In 2007, only one Giraffe was observed in the same census area (NACSO 2015). The third aerial wildlife census of the Caprivi and Kavango river systems took place in 2009, the estimated number of Giraffe amounted to 11 individuals (Chase et al. 2015). Another survey of north-eastern Namibia (excluding ) was conducted in 2008 (Kolberg 2008). In total, 118 Giraffe were estimated to occur in Khaudum Game Park (Kolberg 2008), two in East Caprivi, one in the Kavango, two in the Mahango Game Reserve, twelve in the #Na Jaqna Conservancy, and seven in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy (Kolberg 2008). However, estimates were not calculated as the number of observations were too low. The results of this survey were likely to be an undercount as the survey was undertaken with an inexperienced crew (Kolberg 2008).

During 2009, game counts of Bwabwata National Park and the former Caprivi (now Zambezi) Region observed 21 Giraffe in the Mahango Game Reserve and four in the Mayuni Conservancy (NACSO 2015). Subsequent game counts of this region were conducted in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. In 2010, a total of 51 Giraffe were observed. In 2011, 33 Giraffe were observed in the Mahango Game Reserve, 11 in and 1 in the Sikunga Conservancy. In 2012, 12 Giraffe were observed in Mahango Game Reserve, 18 in Mudumu National Park, three in the Mayuni Conservancy, seven in the Salambala Conservancy and four in the Sikunga Conservancy. In 2013, 16 occurred in Mahango Game Reserve, six in Mudumu National Park, four in the Mayuni Conservancy and three in the Salambala Conservancy (NACSO 2015). The 2012 full moon waterhole count of Khaudum North Complex recorded a total of 17 Giraffe: 2 at Cwiba Fontein (3 estimated), 11 at Dussi (15 estimated), and 4 (5 estimated) at Sonkana. Estimated total of 23 Giraffe.

In 2013, an aerial survey of wildlife and domestic livestock of the Zambezi Region were conducted. A total area of 16,733 km2 was sampled in Mahango, Mudumu and Mamili National Parks, as well as adjacent areas (Craig and Gibson 2013). In total, 54 individuals were observed in Mahango GR and 15 were observed in the eastern areas (Craig and Gibson 2013).

An aerial sample count of Khaudum National Park in 2013 estimated 698 Giraffe (K. /Uiseb pers. comm.). In a 2014 (full-moon waterhole count) survey of Nyae-Nyae and #Na Jaqna Conservancies, a population of 10 Giraffe were estimated in the Nhoma pos 2 area (NACSO 2015). During a game count of the Khaudum North Complex, a total of 68 Giraffe were estimated through waterhole counts: 53 at the Khaudum waterhole and 15 at the Sonkana waterhole (NACSO 2015).

Khomas Region During total game counts of the Daan Viljoen Game Park in 2005, four Giraffe were recorded (none were present in 2004) (MET 2005e). Regrettably no previous count data is available for the park (Kolberg 2004). Following a good rainy season in 2006, nine Giraffe moved down the Swakop River into the Namib Naukluft Park (which extends through the Hardap, Karas and Erongo Regions) (M. Le Roux pers. comm.). These were thought to have escaped from private land probably after the fences washed away (M. Le Roux pers. comm.).

Total game counts of Namibia’s smaller government run reserves, parks and resorts, conducted in 2004 and 2005, indicated that no Giraffe were present in the Hardap Game Park (Kolberg 2005, MET 2005e). Karas Region During a 2005 aerial survey of the Hunsberge, a mountain complex in the extreme south of Namibia and mainly within the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Game Park, five Giraffe were observed (MET 2005d). Seven Giraffe were introduced to NamibRand Nature Reserve in 2007 (N. Odendaal pers. comm.). The Giraffe population increased to eight in 2009. In 2010 this total was reduced to two bulls and two cows after a successful translocation operation. The population in 2012 totalled seven Giraffe (Scott 2011, 2012). Due to the impacts of Giraffe browsing on the limited amount of vegetation in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, a decision was made to reduce the reserve’s Giraffe population in 2012 (Scott 2012). In 2013, four of NamibRand’s seven Giraffe were translocated to a private property, Excelsior, situated to the south and forming part of the Pro Namib Conservancy (N. Odendaal pers. comm.).

In 2006, as part of Gondwana Canyon Park’s wildlife reintroduction programme, four Giraffe were captured and translocated from a farm in the Maltahohe District some 250km to the north (Brown et al. 2013). One ‘problem Giraffe’ was later shot by a farmer in the Gondwana Canyon Park, a private protected landscape that forms part of the Fish River Canyon ecosystem and borders on the Ai-Ais National Park (Brown et al. 2013). In 2013, 13 additional Giraffe (five males and eight females) were introduced to Gondwana Canyon Park from farm Nomtsas, north of Maltahohe (Brown et al. 2013). Total game counts of Namibia’s smaller government run reserves, parks and resorts, conducted in 2004 and 2005 indicated that no Giraffe were present in the Naute Game Park (Kolberg 2005). During a 2009 game count of North Central Namibia, a total of 39 Giraffe were estimated in the Uukwaluudhi Conservancy (NACSO 2015). Later surveys indicated a decline in the population as 29 individuals were estimated in 2010; 13 in 2011; and only 10 in 2012 (NACSO 2015).

Current Current estimates of Angolan Giraffe numbers in the various are based on the latest available aerial survey data of state owned land (national parks and reserves), communal and commercial conservancies and tourism concessions. Estimates of Giraffe numbers on private land are based on data gathered through surveys (telephone enquiries and questionnaires) between 2014 and 2015 and will continue to grow and be more refined as more information becomes available.

Kunene Region The population of Giraffe in Etosha National Park was estimated at 3,172 individuals in 2015 (Kilian 2015). In 2016 an aerial survey of north western Namibia including private land, concession areas and communal conservancies estimated 2,790 Giraffe (Craig and Gibson 2016). Based on these counts, a total of 5,962 Giraffe is estimated for the Kunene Region.

Otjozondjupa Region A 2014 aerial survey of the Waterberg Plateau Park and neighbouring Farm WaterbergPlato estimated 137 Giraffe and in 2015, 158 Giraffe (Beytell 2015). An aerial sample count of the and Grootfontein was conducted in 2012. The study area included private land between Etosha and Mangetti National Parks and estimated a Giraffe population of 1,743 individuals (K. /Uiseb pers. comm.). 2013 Game counts of the open areas, game camps and farms belonging to various commercial conservancies, estimated 32 Giraffe in the Waterberg Conservancy (G. Heger pers. comm.). Based on these counts, a total of 1,933 Giraffe is estimated for the Otjozondjupa Region.

Omaheke Region 2013 Game counts of the open areas, game camps and farms belonging to various commercial conservancies, estimated 15 Giraffe in the Black Nossob Conservancy (G. Heger pers. comm.), while an estimated 251 Giraffe occur on private land throughout the region. The estimated total number of Giraffe for the is thus 266 individuals.

Khomas Region Daan Viljoen Game Reserve currently has eleven Giraffe after losing six to a lightning strike in the 2013/2014 rainy season (S. Cocklin and R. du Raan pers. comm.). 2013 Game counts of the open areas, game camps and farms belonging to various commercial conservancies, estimated 46 Giraffe in the Khomas Hochland Conservancy and 40 Giraffe in the Namtanga Conservancy (G. Heger pers. comm.). In 2015, 373 Giraffe were estimated to occur in private land in the region, however, numbers appear to have increased naturally and through re-introductions (J. Fennessy pers. comm.). Therefore, a minimum of 750 Giraffe are currently estimated on private land in the Khomas Region. The estimated total number of Giraffe for the Khomas Region is thus 761 individuals. Hardap Region An estimated 40 Giraffe are present in the Namib Naukluft National Park (M. Le Roux pers. comm.) Twenty of these were translocated from the Waterberg Plateau Park (M. Le Roux pers. comm.). A further estimated 20 Giraffe inhabit the north of the Namib Naukluft National Park, however, these populations are free ranging so it is difficult to provide exact numbers (M. Le Roux pers. comm.). It is believed that 10 of these individuals have moved within close proximity of the private properties of Namib Desert Lodge, Omtsas (near Maltahohe), Neuhof and Tsamas Ost area (Ranger Station) (M. Le Roux pers. comm.). These Giraffe have also been reported to regularly move along the dry river systems within the Namib Naukluft National Park (J. Fennessy pers. comm.) Hardap National Park currently has less than 20 Giraffe, all of which were introduced from Waterberg Plateau Park in 2014 (H. Kolberg pers. comm.). A minimum of 100 Giraffe are estimated to occur on private land in the region.

The estimated total number of Giraffe in the Hardap Region is 160 individuals.

Karas Region No Giraffe are present in any of the communal conservancies in the Karas Region (NACSO 2015).

The privately owned NamibRand Nature Reserve has five Giraffe. The Gondwana Canyon Park contains eleven Giraffe. Additionally, private farms in the south central and north eastern areas of Karas contains a minimum of 150 Giraffe. The total estimate for the Karas Region is 166 Giraffe.

Erongo Region 2013 game counts of the open areas, conservancies, game camps and farms belonging to various commercial conservancies, estimated 223 Giraffe in the Kalkveld Conservancy, ~150 in the Erongo Mountain Rhino Sanctuary and 51 in the Okawi Conservancy (G. Heger and S. Thude pers. comm.). Giraffe were seen in the Otjimboyo Communal Conservancy. An additional 2,314 Giraffe are estimated to occur on private land in the . The total estimate for the Erongo Region is 2,738 Giraffe.

Omusati Region In 2014, 26 Giraffe were estimated in the Uukwaluudhi Conservancy (NACSO 2015). No Giraffe are known to occur on private land in the region. An estimated 20 Giraffe have been reported on private land in the Oshikoto Region. No other known Giraffe populations occur in the region.

Kavango West Seven Giraffe were reported to occur on private land in the (R. du Raan pers. comm.).

Kavango East Fourteen Giraffe were observed during a total aerial count of wildlife in Mangetti National Park in 2014 – all of which were previously introduced from Etosha National Park (K. /Uiseb pers. comm.). Line transects of the George Mukoya Conservancy and Muduva Nyangana Conservancies counted 34 and 6 Giraffe respectively (NACSO 2015). In 2015 a survey of the Khaudum National Park and neighbouring conservancies estimated 1,066 giraffe (Gibson 2015). An estimated 1,120 Giraffe occurs in the region. Zambezi Region (former Caprivi) During game counts of the north-eastern parts of Namibia in 2014, 17 Giraffe were seen in Mahango Game Reserve and surrounds, three in Mashi and four in Mayuni (NACSO 2015) – the latter two areas likely extralimital introductions. Five Giraffe were estimated to occur in the eastern Zambezi Region in 2015 but all were extralimital introductions and as such not included in population estimates (Gibson and Craig 2015). An estimated total of 39 Giraffe currently occurs in the Mahango National Park (NACSO 2015). Oshana and Ohangwena Regions No Giraffe have been reported for these regions.

The total estimated number of Angolan Giraffe in Namibia is 13,198 individuals. Of these, approximately 64% occur on private land, commercial and communal conservancies, and 36% on State owned land or other forms of land use. Estimates are conservative as gaps in the data might possibly still exist although the estimated numbers are assumed to be relatively accurate.

BOTSWANA Limited data on Angolan Giraffe numbers are available although estimated Giraffe numbers have fluctuated in the Khutse Game Reserve and decreased slightly/stabilized in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Statistics Botswana 2014; DWNP 1996, 1999a,b, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007). In 2007, as an example, all surveyed Giraffe were only observed in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, particularly in the north and south east of the Reserve – none were observed in the Khutse Game Reserve. Seasonal movements of Giraffe in and out of the park are common and this likely impacts the year- to-year numbers as there is no rain or surface water available in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve during the dry season (Owens and Owens 1978). In 2014, 1,450 Giraffe were estimated in the Central Kalahari Region (Chase et al. 2015).

1996 1999a 1999b 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2007 2012 2014 Central Kalahari 893 1,149 2,661 1,416 1,253 703 1,148 1,210 1,183 923 1,450 Game Reserve Khutse Game 53 27 0 317 0 0 154 219 0 348 0 Reserve Total 946 1,176 2,661 1,733 1,253 703 1,021 1,429 1,183 1,271 1,450

N.B. Dry Season Counts – 1996, 1999b, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2014 Wet Season Counts – 1999a

ANGOLA In the last decade, Angolan Giraffe have been re-introduced onto private land in southern Angola and in time will likely grow in numbers and distribution as the country stabilises (J. Fennessy pers. comm.). It is estimated that there are <100 Angolan Giraffe now in the country.

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