An important part of the work of the Lion Rangers Program is performing research and disseminating findings relevant to lions and lion conservation efforts in northwest Namibia. Each member of our Leadership Team was recently published in a new edited volume, Etosha Pan to the Skeleton Coast: Conservation Histories, Policies and Practices in North-west Namibia. This recently released volume brings together scholars and practitioners with a breadth of experience examining the human-nature interface in Namibia’s Kunene Region. This volume has been published Open Access and can be read and downloaded for free by all who are interested.
Chapters written by our Leadership Team include:
The Open Book Publishers website provides the following description of the book: “Etosha Pan to the Skeleton Coast examines the conservation histories and concerns of one of southern Africa’s most iconic conservation regions: the variously connected ‘Etosha-Kunene’ areas of north-central and north-west Namibia. This cross-disciplinary volume brings together contributions from a Namibian and international group of scholars and conservation practitioners, working on topics ranging from colonial histories to water management, perceptions of ‘wildlife’ and the politics of belonging. Together, these essays confront a critical question: how can the conservation of biodiversity-rich landscapes be reconciled with historical injustices of social exclusion and marginalisation?
The book is organised in five parts: the first provides a historical backdrop for the book’s detailed case studies, focusing on environmental and conservation policy and legislation; the second investigates post-Independence approaches to conservation; the third focuses on ‘Etosha-Kunene’ ecologies and related management issues; the fourth explores how historical circumstances shape present conservation and cultural landscapes; and the fifth addresses contemporary complexities of lion conservation and community-based natural resource management (CBNRM).
By offering a comprehensive overview of evolving conservation boundaries, policies and practices in the region, this timely volume paves the way for the future design of conservation initiatives that more fully consider and integrate historical and cultural knowledge and diversity. Essential reading for conservation practitioners, policymakers, and academic researchers alike, this volume also serves as a valuable resource for university students interested in conservation studies and histories of conservation.”
Muzuma’s chapter discusses current research from remote sensing of lion and goat movements using satellite-GPS collars, focusing on understanding goat movement ecology in designated wildlife areas. Brassine’s chapter discusses how the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) supports decision-making regarding lion conservation and management at a community level. Heydinger’s chapter documents uses of remote sensing methods for lion and other carnivore monitoring and how these are contributing to lion conservation and mitigation of human-lion conflict on communal lands.
Our team is honored to have been part of this great volume. Thanks to the editors for their hard work in getting this important publication out.
