The lions
of the Namib Desert survive against incredible odds, but can they survive
trophy hunting, human-wildlife conflict and climate change?
Wed 22
Aug 2018 15.53 BSTLast modified on Wed 22 Aug
2018 17.03 BST
Desert lions aren’t a distinct species or even a subspecies, but they are
different. Drop a plains lion into the Namib Desert — where it may rain only 5
millimeters a year — and watch it perish.
According
to Izak Smit, who runs the local NGO, Desert
Lions Human Relations Aid (DeLHRA), the desert lions of
Namibia are able to go long periods of time without water, getting most of
their moisture from the blood of their kills. They are leaner and woolier (due
to frigid nights). And they behave distinctly than other lions: prides are
smaller, they have bigger home ranges and travel further and there is no
infanticide — a common practice among plains lions.
“Cub
mortality is mostly close to zero as the mothers are formidable providers and
guardians,” Smit said. “The mere fact that they can sustain themselves in such
a harsh environment [makes them distinct] from other lions.”
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