Ecology of Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, southwestern Namibia

Authors

  • Zazapamue Hange ProNamib Nature Reserve Author
  • Julian Thomas Fennessy Wild Africa Conservation & National Giraffe Working Group, Uganda Wildlife Authority Author
  • Prof. Hauptfleisch IUCN Giraffe and Okapi Working Group Author
  • Michael Butler Brown Giraffe Conservation Foundation Windhoek Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66365/

Keywords:

Giraffa, population ecology, home range, forage, behaviour, social network

Abstract

Understanding how giraffe (Giraffa spp.) persist in arid and resource-limited environments is critical for informing conservation strategies in the face of climate change and habitat fragmentation. Yet, little is known about the ecology of Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) in the pro-Namib sub-biome of southwest Namibia. This study investigated the population structure, spatial ecology, feeding ecology, and social dynamics of a free-ranging Angolan giraffe population in the NamibRand Nature Reserve (NRNR) – a hyper-arid landscape with minimal anthropogenic disturbance. Over 13 months the NRNR giraffe population remained small and stable, consisting of 13 individuals with a relatively even sex ratio and predominantly adult age structure. Herd sizes ranged from one to ten individuals (mean ± SD: 3.8 ± 2.6), comparable to other arid-adapted giraffe populations. Individuals allocated most of their daily activity budget to feeding and locomotion, consistent with the demands of a low-productivity environment. Diet analysis revealed a strong reliance on Vachellia erioloba, approximately 53% of all observed foraging events. Mean home range sizes were 342.2 ± 63.4km² for females and 265.8 ± 168.5km² for males, with one male ranging up to 521km², likely in response to mate-searching and low conspecific density. Despite the extreme conditions of the pro-Namib, the Angolan giraffe in NRNR displayed ecological and behavioural traits comparable to other populations in arid regions, underscoring the species’ remarkable adaptability. These findings contribute to a growing understanding of Giraffa spp. resilience in marginal habitats and insights
for conservation planning in arid ecosystems.

Author Biographies

  • Zazapamue Hange, ProNamib Nature Reserve

    Zazapamue Hange is a qualified environmental biologist and/ or natural
    resources manager, who is greatly passionate about nature conservation.
    He is particularly interested in terrestrial ecology, with keen interest in
    restoration ecology. In an attempt to pursue his passion, he first worked as
    worked as a research intern at Gobabeb Research and Training Centre, and
    participated in various long-term monitoring research project, while studying
    the water potential of camelthorn tree along a water gradient from
    the Kuiseb River banks to gravel plains of the Namib Desert. Thereafter,
    he moved on to work as a ranger at the NamibRand Nature Reserve. As a
    ranger, he played a critical role in anti-poaching patrols and contributed
    to wildlife protection through law enforcement. His passion for restoration
    ecology developed to advanced level during his time at NamibRand. A golden
    opportunity to witness and partake in the rehabilitation of a degraded
    land surfaced, and when he had to pursue a masters degree, and conduct
    a feasibility study of the recently established ProNamib Nature Reserve for
    the re-introduction of Angolan giraffe. During this time, he was not only
    conducting a giraffe research project, but involved in other rehabilitation
    works e.g. the removal of fences, and alien invasive plants. All these got
    him to gain experience on how to manage a protected area, and earned his
    the current position and serves as research coordinator at the ProNamib
    Nature Reserve.

    Education
    1. Master of Natural Resources Management
    Namibia University of Science and Technology
    2. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology (Honours)
    University of Namibia
    3. Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate
    Eldorado High School


    Working Experience
    1. ProNamib Nature Reserve
    Research Coordinator (2024 – present)
    Researcher (2021–2023)
    2. NamibRand Nature Reserve
    Ranger (2019–2020)
    3. Gobabeb Research and Training Centre
    Research Intern

  • Julian Thomas Fennessy, Wild Africa Conservation & National Giraffe Working Group, Uganda Wildlife Authority

    Julian Thomas Fennessy is a well-respected conservation scientist and
    manager who has worked across Africa and Australia, and with a range
    of local and international partners. Julian has strong and transferable
    programmatic, research, writing, fundraising and management skills.
    Combined with his ability to integrate and manage programmes from
    grass roots to continental scale, his excellent interpersonal skills facilitate
    good working relationships in multidisciplinary teams and with partners
    (government and non-government) alike. While working for and managing
    conservation organisations across Africa and Australia, Julian has developed
    a solid understanding of policy needs, strategic planning, project
    management and fundraising requirements, which he can adapt to new
    situations and needs.

  • Prof. Hauptfleisch, IUCN Giraffe and Okapi Working Group

    Prof. Morgan Lindo Hauptfleisch holds the position of Director of
    Research at NNF and am an associate at the Namibia University of Science
    and Technology and Extraordinary Professor at North West University’s
    Unit for Environmental Science and Management. He has over 20 years
    of experience in conservation, natural resources and environmental management
    as practitioner and scientist. His current research focus areas are
    Environmental Impact Assessment, Conservation Management, Human-
    Wildlife Conflict, Rural Livelihoods and Ecological Corridors.
    He was awarded the BR Oppenheimer Fellowship in People and Wildlife
    in early 2024 in order to further cross- land-use cooperation for wildlife related
    livelihoods and conservation, and reduction of human-wildlife conflict
    (2024–2029)

  • Michael Butler Brown, Giraffe Conservation Foundation Windhoek

    Michael Butler Brown, PhD Conservation Science
    Coordinator: Giraffe Conservation Foundation
    Co-Chair: IUCN Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group
    EducationDARTMOUTH COLLEGE; Hanover, New Hampshire ~ 2014-2019
    PhD in Ecology, Evolution, Ecosystems and Society Department of
    Biological Sciences ~ Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, Ecosystems
    and Society
    Dissertation: From Leaves to Lambda: Bottom-Up Effects on Giraffe
    Foraging Behavior, Movement Ecology, and Population Dynamics
    COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK; New York City, New
    York ~ 2010-2012
    Master of Arts in Conservation Biology, 2012 Department of Ecology,
    Evolution and Environmental Biology Thesis: Animal Movement in a
    Dynamic Environment: A Study of Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi) in Semi-
    Arid Savannahs of Northern Kenya
    UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND; College Park, Maryland ~2005-2009
    Bachelor of Sciences in Biology, 2009
    Honors College ~ Presidential Scholar
    SCHOOL FOR FIELD STUDIES; Center for Wildlife Management, Tanzania ~2008
    Wildlife Management~ Environmental Policy~ Wildlife Ecology ~ Swahili Language Studies Experimental
    Design and conservation-based field research ~ Research: Tourist Satisfaction in Relation to Wildlife and Other
    Attractions in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania: Implications for Tourism Planning and Wildlife Management.
    Professional Appointments
    Giraffe Conservation Foundation Windhoek, Namibia
    Conservation Science Coordinator October 2022 – Present
    Giraffe Conservation Foundation and Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ~ Front Royal,
    Virginia, USA
    Conservation Science Postdoctoral Fellow October 2019 – October 2022
    Princeton University ~ Laikipia Zebra Project Mpala Research Centre, Kenya
    Project Manager April 2013 – September 2014
    MedAdvocacy LLC. Kulpsville, Pennsylvania, USA
    Manager of Consumer Development and Marketing Strategy December 2012 – April 2013

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Published

2026-04-30

Issue

Vol. 72 (2025): Journal of the Namibia Scientific Society

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Zazapamue Hange, Julian Thomas Fennessy, Prof. Hauptfleisch, Michael Butler Brown (Author)

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How to Cite

Ecology of Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, southwestern Namibia. (2026). Journal of the Namibia Scientific Society, 72, 18. https://doi.org/10.66365/

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