Threats to the environment

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Visitors to the Waterberg and surrounding areas negatively impact biodiversity through the disturbance of ecologically sensitive areas (e.g. from unpermitted off road driving). Other threats include littering, noise and the disturbance of animals. Inappropriate planning and eventual construction of infrastructure such as roads and fences can impact animal migration or breeding. Fences are a physical barrier for animals and could prevent smaller antelope from getting to water sources or back to the herd. Road building requires the clearing of land which in itself destroys and fragments vegetation, animal populations and habitats.

The small size and isolation of the park from adjacent habitats results in limited suitable habitat to sustain biologically viable populations of wildlife that demand large ranges for survival. Wildlife movement to adjacent lands is constrained by game proof fences. Given high variability in climate with great spatial and temporal variations in rainfall, such a small park may not be sufficiently scaled to maintain biodiversity and ecological processes. Habitat fragmentation and loss of linkages in the landscape are increasing due to veterinary disease control fneces, the Northern Water Carrier, fencing of the park and surrounding private farms, the expansion of legal and illegal fencing in the communal areas and settlement along road infrastructure.

Animal poaching, although very low in frequency, is a threat to the biodiversity of the Waterberg area. Animals are poached mainly for meat by residents and neighbouring communities, even though it is not common.

The frequency and intensity of uncontrolled bush fires originating in the park or spreading to the park from neighbouring land is a concern for biodiversity in the Waterberg area. Bush fires lead to deforestation (loss of habitats, loss of animals), loss of valuable grazing areas (reducing fodder availability), and threaten the lives of people, livestock and wild animals.

Bush encroachment is evident throughout the landscape.

Many factors are resulting in increased pressure on natural resources such as: high and increasing population densities, high livestock numbers, reduced rangeland productivity due to bush encroachment, uncontrolled harvesting of natural resources and limited economic alternatives.


Relevant literature

  • Information on African Wild Dog Conservancy

    Information on African Wild Dog Conservancy from NACSO website

    Fact sheets, notice-board posters etc on African Wild Dog Conservancy
  • Information on Okamatapati Conservancy

    Information on Okamatapati Conservancy from NACSO website

    Fact sheets, notice-board posters etc on Okamatapti Conservancy
  • Information on Ozonahi Conservancy

    Information on Ozonahi Conservancy from NACSO website

    Fact sheets, notice-board posters etc on Ozonahi Conservancy
  • Namibia Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment

    Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2008. Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Namibia. Final Report

    Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment to climate change carried out in preparation of the Second National Communication in meeting Government’s obligations to the UNFCCC. The report addresses the vulnerability of the water and agricultural sectors to climate change, and suggest adaptation measures to cope with the expected impacts. Vulnerability is placed in the socio-economic contexts of rural areas, in particular the Karas and Caprivi regions.
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