MET to relocate hyenas to protect wild horse population

WINDHOEK, 27 NOV  –The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) is considering relocating hyenas in an attempt to safeguard the wild horses in the Namib Naukluft Park against possible extermination.
A media statement issued by the MET here on Monday said the ministry has taken note of concerns raised around the well-being and existence of the wild horses after the last four foals born in September this year were preyed on by spotted hyenas.
It added that urgent intervention is thus needed as the current rate of depredation on the foals is high and that the population of wild horses will show no growth and could decline to an unsustainable population.
There are currently 80 wild horses at Garub in the Namib Naukluft Park, comprising of 47 stallions and 33 mares.
“The past five-years have been extremely harsh for the wild horses with severe drought and depredation by a pack of spotted hyenas that had moved into the area, decimating their numbers,” it noted, adding that foals are easy targets as they are weak and vulnerable.
It said, however, the relocation needs to be considered carefully so as not to disturb the natural ecosystem, since the hyenas are in their natural habitat.
“The ministry has also in the past tried to intervene by feeding the hyenas in an attempt to distract their attention from preying on the horses,” it went on to say.
Furthermore, the statement said the ministry is open to collaborate with anyone, including the Namibia Wild Horses Foundation, on the protection and conservation of these species which are not only a tourist attraction but a national heritage. – NAMPA