Foraging strategies and spatial-temporal partitioning by brown hyenas (Hyaena brunnea, Thunberg 1820) around a coastal food source: implications for conservation and ecotourism in the TsauǁKhaeb National Park, Namibia

Abstract

The coastal ecosystem of the TsauǁKhaeb National Park in Namibia serves as an important foraging ground for both brown hyenas (Hyaena brunnea) and black-backed jackals (Lupulella mesomelas). The presence of breeding colonies of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) provides a year-round food source, with hunting opportunities for the local carnivores. At the Baker’s Bay seal colony, brown hyenas display unique behavioural patterns around a concentrated food source. This thesis aims to investigate the temporal activity patterns, foraging behaviours, movement strategies, and human-wildlife interactions of brown hyenas in this unique context, providing insights that are essential for sustainable wildlife management and ecotourism development. This study was conducted at the Baker’s Bay seal colony from November 2020 to December 2023. A combination of direct behavioural observations and camera trap data were used to analyse the activity patterns of brown hyenas and black-backed jackals at the seal colony. Brown hyenas exhibited individually distinct activity patterns, ranging from nocturnal to diurnal. During diurnal observations, brown hyenas were most active around midday, while black-backed jackal numbers peaked around dawn and dusk. Carnivore activity was influenced by weather conditions. Additionally, brown hyenas showed a preference for fresh carcasses at the seal colony, and displayed surplus killing and caching behaviours of seal pups. Male brown hyenas hunted more frequently, whereas females demonstrated greater efficiency. The analysis of movement patterns using satellite GPS collars revealed that coastal brown hyenas had smaller home ranges and less varied diets compared to their inland counterparts, emphasising the importance of seal colonies as primary foraging sites. Collared brown hyenas exhibited significant overlap in their home ranges around key resources, leading to territorial disputes and highlighting the complex social dynamics among brown hyena clans. The potential for ecotourism development at Baker’s Bay was also explored. Brown hyenas were sensitive to movements such as people walking or vehicles driving, and human disturbances altered their foraging behaviour. Recommendations for sustainable tourism include controlled visitor access, use of infrastructure to minimise disturbance, and continuous monitoring of brown hyena activity patterns to ensure the long-term sustainability of ecotourism in the area. Overall, this study underscores the importance of balancing tourism with conservation efforts. The results provide insights into the behavioural ecology of brown hyenas in a coastal ecosystem, and highlight the importance of developing conservation strategies that consider the unique adaptations of coastal predators and the impact of human activities. By proposing guidelines and recommendations for policymakers and tour operators, this research contributes to the establishment of responsible and sustainable wildlife tourism practices, ensuring the conservation of this unique ecological hotspot.