馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibia's coastal scavengers play a vital role in the ecosystem, with new insights into their habits and challenges
via The Namibian3 min read
Namibia's coastline supports a diverse array of wildlife, including Cape fur seals, seabirds, and desert-adapted scavengers like the black-backed jackal and the brown hyena. These 'beach cleaners' are crucial for the ecosystem's balance, adapted to the desert's harsh conditions and relying on ocean resources. Approximately 400 to 600 brown hyenas live along the coast, depending largely on washed-up seabirds and seal carcasses. Researchers have documented hyenas successfully hunting adult seals, a significant feat given their size difference. The black-backed jackal, a competitor to the brown hyena, is abundant along the coast, with populations surging near seal colonies after pupping season. Jackals are suspected of triggering a rabies outbreak among Cape fur seals, highlighting complex biological links. Endangered lappet-faced vultures have fed on seal carcasses since 2004, and the critically endangered white-backed vulture was first observed doing so in June 2025. Vulture experts are concerned about heavy metals accumulating in these birds from marine mammals. These scavenging species help prevent disease spread and facilitate nutrient exchange between the ocean and land. With desert lions now permanently established in Skeleton Coast National Park, seal carcasses provide a stable, year-round food source, offering new perspectives on marine nutrient transfer into desert ecosystems. Further research is needed on the black-backed jackal due to its role as a rabies vector, and
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadOpposition parties in Namibia are raising concerns about the nomination of Electoral Commission of Namibia ECN commissioner Gerson Sindano to become the commission's next chairperson. They argue that his past ties to the Swapo party, including a previous role as personal assistant to former Swapo secretary general Nangolo Mbumba in 2013, undermine his perceived impartiality. Sindano's current term ends on 21 June 2027, but he has been nominated by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to replace current chairperson Elsie Nghikembua. National Democratic Party president Martin Lukato stated that while Sindano's academic and professional credentials are not in question, he cannot approve a candidate whose impartiality might be affected by party loyalty, suggesting he would only support Sindano if he publicly renounced his Swapo membership. The Landless People鈥檚 Movement and All People鈥檚 Party also expressed concerns about the transparency of the nomination process, demanding the release of interview minutes and score sheets. Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has approached the High Court for these documents. Conversely, parliamentary standing committee on constitutional and legal affairs chairperson Pohamba Shifeta defended the process, stating all legal procedures were followed. A former student of Sindano, Patrick Kashera, also defended him, urging objective assessment over partisan considerations.
Namibia secured its first victory at the Billie Jean King Cup in Gaborone, beating Burundi 3-0 in the Group III Africa category. In singles matches, Joanivia Bezuidenhout defeated Marie Celia Kezakimana 6-1, 6-1, and Mari van Schalkwyk came from behind to beat Ange Ishimwe 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. The doubles team of Riekie Honiball and Taimi Nashiku then triumphed over Kezakimana and Ndayizeye Anastasia 6-1, 7-5. Previously, Namibia had lost 3-0 to Nigeria and 3-0 to Madagascar. Namibia will now compete for the 7th to 9th play-off positions against Ghana and Cameroon in the Billie Jean King Cup, which is the premier international team competition in women's tennis.
The Namibia Football Association's NFA ambition to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon is contingent on a formal commitment from the Namibian government. NFA secretary general Mabos Vries stated that government support is crucial for the bid, particularly regarding the readiness of football stadiums by 2028. This follows an invitation from the Confederation of African Football CAF for Namibia to join a regional bid, potentially alongside South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Vries clarified that this co-hosting project is a distinct, long-term investment and should not be confused with operational funding for football. While Namibia meets several CAF infrastructure requirements, the main challenge is securing a CAF-compliant stadium. Vries noted that government plans to renovate Independence Stadium indicate ongoing efforts, but a firm commitment is still needed. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has allocated N$60 million for Independence Stadium upgrades and N$23.6 million for other sport facility construction and rehabilitation, including a national high-performance centre at the University of Namibia. However, Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of sport Bertha Nghifikwa-Kambonde warned that recent funding cuts for sport bodies could jeopardize Namibia's Afcon bid and harm the country's sporting reputation.