Distribution and status of the desert-dwelling giraffe (<i>Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis</i>) in northwestern Namibia

Abstract

The population density and distribution of desert dwelling giraffes was estimated in  three study areas in the Hoanib River catchment, northwestern Namibia. Giraffe population densities (0.01 giraffe/km2) were equal to the lowest recorded in Africa with population numbers fluctuating over past decades. Sex ratios, herd sizes and age categories differed between all the study areas, while a weak correlation (r2 = 0.66, P < 0.001) in giraffe aggregation and the hot dry season was observed in the Ombonde  River. Seasonal move ment and use of the riparian environments varied, with large fluctuations observed in the east of the catchment, while the hot dry season influx and  use in the riparian woodland coincided with Faidherbia albida podding.

Key words: Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis, popu lation structure, seasonal movement.