The Atlantic coastal desert’s unique ecosystem has created a zone of high endemism with many species of reptiles, plants, and birds occurring only in this ecoregion. Reptiles are particularly well-adapted to this environment with at least eight species being strictly endemic to the area in and around the park. The Skeleton Coast-Iona (SCIONA) project recorded an encouraging 75 species – five amphibians and 70 reptiles – 40 of these for the first time in Iona.
Terrestrial mammal species present in Iona include the South African oryx (gemsbok), springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra, a threatened subspecies. Large carnivores include cheetah, leopard, and brown hyaena, all present in low numbers. Around 250 bird species have been recorded, with the coastal lagoons providing an important area for migratory seabirds and shorebirds.
The Welwitschia mirabilis plant is of particular interest. This ‘living fossil’ is the only surviving genus of its family and is only found in the Namib Desert. The oldest recorded living specimen of this species is over 1,000 years old with some estimations nearer to 2,000. Overall, Iona brings two more biomes under conservation – the Namib Desert and the Kalahari Highveld.
Species Restorations
As part of Iona’s restoration plan, in 2023 a founder population of 14 Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) was reintroduced back into its historical range, in collaboration with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. In the crucial adaptation period (approximately two months) after their release three mortalities were sadly recorded. Although the causes of death were unidentifiable, they were determined to be natural and not human induced. Close monitoring of the 11 giraffe continued by 21 trained wildlife monitors – members of the local communities who possess a deep understanding of Iona’s flora and fauna – and no further fatalities were recorded. This was followed in 2024 with a further reintroduction of 13 animals from Namibia. The survival of the giraffe, and the resilience and adaptability of each individual, highlights the successful establishment of a viable giraffe population.
The Iona team continues to investigate the feasibility of black rhino and lion reintroductions, as well as analysing the need for reinforcing herbivore populations, such as oryx, kudu, and springbok.
Monitoring and Surveys
The first aerial survey since 2019 was completed in 2023, a crucial step to understanding how park management impacts population numbers over time. The first wildlife collars have been deployed on springbok, zebra and oryx. So far, the resulting GPS data has provided important insights into wildlife movement, grazing areas, preferred corridors and response to human-induced disturbance. Sixty camera traps have also been placed in strategic areas, a crucial source of data for elusive species.
Overall, the research is providing valuable knowledge as well as strengthening ties with conservation partners. This includes a waterbird survey in partnership with Wetlands International (counting over 55,000 Cape cormorants), a thesis on predator feeding ecology, and participation in the MENA (Molecular Ecological Network Analysis) eDNA project, with the first results detecting 21 species in the water samples.
The six-year drought impacted wildlife populations, forcing animals such as oryx, springbok and zebra to congregate around the scarce pasture and water sources in the park or disperse outside. A SCIONA study showed that human activities, such as livestock herding, force wildlife into suboptimal habitats and increases competition for resources. The results highlight the need to secure space for wildlife while promoting human-wildlife coexistence.
Conservation Law Enforcement
Over the years, illegal hunting caused a decline in all large mammal species in Iona. Conservation measures, in conjunction with integrating community involvement, consist of ensuring the integrity of the park perimeter and compliance with national wildlife laws within the park. The presence of livestock that overgraze and trample the fragile vegetation is a threat to wildlife, pushing species to fringe areas.
Following Basic Field Ranger training for all rangers the conservation law enforcement team was restructured, and 21 new wildlife monitors joined the team who have helped revise and improve monitoring processes thanks to lessons learned over the year. The monitors are a first for Iona and the communities, making use of their profound local knowledge, drawing on customs and traditions that have been practiced for decades, to collaborate with the ranger team for the conservation of the park, its wildlife, and its people. Recruiting members of the local communities goes beyond simply providing employment and a source of income – Iona’s conservation strategies and framework can only benefit from the deep, intrinsic knowledge the local communities harbour of the landscape.
The Community Observer Programme, with over 200 participants, continues to provide valuable information to mitigate the impact of unregulated human activity in and around Iona. Joint operations with the Multisectoral Maritime Surveillance and Safety Group of Tômbwa Municipality have been undertaken, a major step forward in raising awareness and stopping illegal fishing off the southern coast of Angola.
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