Biodiversity Conservation

The Atlantic coastal desert’s unique ecosystem has created a zone of high endemism with many species of reptiles, plants, and birds occurring only in this ecoregion. Reptiles are particularly well-adapted to this environment with at least eight species being strictly endemic to the area. The Skeleton Coast-Iona (SCIONA) project recorded an encouraging 75 species – five amphibians and 70 reptiles – 40 of these for the first time in Iona. Around 250 bird species have been recorded, with the coastal lagoons providing an important area for migratory seabirds and shorebirds.

The Welwitschia mirabilis plant is of particular interest. This ‘living fossil’ is the only surviving genus of its family and is only found in the Namib Desert. The oldest recorded living specimen of this species is over 1,000 years old with some estimations nearer to 2,000. 

Terrestrial mammal species present in Iona include the South African oryx (gemsbok), springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra, a threatened subspecies. Large carnivores include cheetah, leopard, and brown hyaena, all present in low numbers.

An important part of Iona’s restoration plan has been the reintroduction of a viable population of Angolan giraffe into its historical range. Two translocations have taken place – one in 2023 and a second in 2024 – in collaboration with Giraffe Conservation Foundation. The current giraffe population stands at 20 individuals.

The Iona team continues to investigate the feasibility of black rhino and lion reintroductions, as well as analysing the need for reinforcing herbivore populations, such as oryx, kudu, and springbok.

To provide crucial insights into species behaviour and movements, tagging and collaring takes place annually, involving a range of species including Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, springbok, kudu, zebra-donkey hybrids (‘zonkeys’), cheetah, and brown hyaena. Multiple camera traps are also placed in strategic areas, providing an important source of data for elusive species. 

Preliminary analysis of movements showed that zebra and oryx typically exhibit short-term seasonal home ranges interspersed with larger movements across the landscape, dependent on the variable rainfall across the park. Further analysis confirmed that some zebra populations move between the park and the Namibe Partial Reserve, likely also dependent on resource availability.

Over the years, unregulated hunting caused a decline in all large mammal species in Iona. Conservation measures, undertaken in conjunction with communities, ensures compliance with national wildlife laws within the park. 

Recruiting members of the local communities provides employment and a source of income – while Iona’s conservation strategies and framework benefit from the deep, intrinsic knowledge the local communities harbour of the landscape. In 2024, 16 locally recruited wildlife monitors underwent Basic Field Ranger training, joining the existing 21 monitors in supporting the park’s rangers with their enhanced tracking skills. In addition, the first wildlife monitor section of six women was established. The monitors bring exceptional tracking skills and local knowledge, drawing on customs and traditions that have been practiced for decades. 

Joint operations with the Multisectoral Maritime Surveillance and Safety Group of Tômbwa Municipality are undertaken, helping to raise awareness and curb illegal fishing off the southern coast of Angola. In 2024 investigations revealed over 100 seal mortalities, likely due to entanglement in fishing nets.