We consider the beauty of natural settings and the appeal of unspoiled wild sceneries an important scientific fact. In this lies great healing power for overstressed modern humanity and as such enormous responsibilities for the conservation of natural settings and the last remaining unspoiled wild sceneries.
This is an overriding theme of our scientific work.
WHO ARE WE?
We are a small group of conservationists, environmentalists and passionate nature-lovers who have founded the Ameib Scientific Station.
This scientific station has its base on Farm Ameib, a nature-lovers paradise where the Erongo Mountain Range meets the Namib Desert.
We gather information and collect data on all aspects concerning the natural environment – climatic, water resources, soil condition and vegetation, animal behaviour and movements, and mans influence (positive and negative) on the natural habitat.
To protect or to rehabilitate an intact natural habitat of sufficient size appears to be the most fundamental and important nature conservation endeavour.
OUR RESEARCH
At Ameib Scientific Station, we have a few ongoing research areas that we are always working and expanding on.
We are conducting research in six main topics with various sub-sections.
1. ARCHAEOLOGY
The Erongo Mountains are very rich in prehistoric sites and rock art.
We try to document all these sites.
From the rock art we try to make conclusions and understand more of the culture of the prehistoric people.
We try to make some conclusions from the animals depicted to the distribution and abundance of species in former times.
2. ANTHROPOGENIC EFFECTS
It is commonly believed that in former times wild animals were superabundant everywhere, even in arid environments. However, it becomes apparent that high densities of wild animals in confined space results in deterioration of habitats.
We do research in this matter.
We conduct research on the influence of artificial water supply in arid environs on wildlife numbers and resulting effects on habitat.
A considerable lowering of the groundwater table has been observed in the last 60 years.
We collect data on groundwater level and tendencies and reasons for its lowering.
We do research in the effects and results of the sustainable use principle of conservation of intact natural habitats (Erongo Verzeichnis).
4. MAMMALS
We are compiling a mammal list for the Erongo Mountains.
A very important population of the endangered black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) lives in the Erongo Mountains.
We document all aspects of the black rhinoceros behaviour and interactions within its habitat.
Recurring outbreaks of so-called “Kudu Rabies” is a phenomenon observed at intervals in central Namibia under conditions of high kudu densities.
We are conducting a population dynamics study on greater kudu.
The black mongoose (Galerella nigrata) is an endemic small predator of the Namibian Escarpment, very common in the Erongo Mountains. Except for the colour it is it is very similar in outer appearance and behaviour to the common slender mongoose (Herpestes sanguineus) which also appears in the Erongo Mountains, although in much lower densities.
We conduct a study on interaction between black mongoose and slender mongoose.
The rock hyrax (Procavia johnstoni) is a very abundant small mammal in the Erongo Mountains, which serves as a prey base for almost all predators in the area, from snakes to birds of prey to caracal, leopard, and others. The population dynamics of the black eagle for example, is interactive and largely dependant on the population dynamics of the rock hyrax.
We conduct a study on rock hyrax as prey base for many predatory animals in the area.
We gather information regarding the interrelation between large predators (alpha predators) inclusive of Homo sapiens.
We have conducted studies regarding the age and tusk development of African elephant (Loxodonta africana).
5. REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
We are compiling a reptile list for the Erongo Mountains.
We are compiling an amphibian list for the Erongo Mountains.
6. ORNITHOLOGY
We are compiling a bird list for Erongo Mountains.
We conduct studies on the endemic Hartlaub spurfowl (Pternistis hartlaubi) about which there is not much data.
We document the arrival/departure of migrant birds in the Erongo Mountains.
The Erongo Mountains has a very high density of raptors. 23 diurnal birds of prey and 6 nocturnal raptors were recorded so far.
We gather information on raptor density and behaviour and their interaction with each other and their prey species.
An extraordinary high density of black eagles (Aquila verrauxii) occurs.
We are busy with documentation on black eagle nest sites.
