The Namibia Dolphin project usually conducts research on whales, dolphins and turtles in Namibia, but found themselves grounded yesterday due to Walvis Bay’s weather on 5 August. The team then decided to head out to record jackal vocalisations but heard about a usually elusive brown hyena out at Pelican Point.
After four hours of searching, and getting stuck three times in the mud and sand, the team’s determination eventually paid off when they managed to locate the elusive animal. Brown hyenas differ from the more common spotted hyena who usually live in packs, whereas brown hyenas tend to be solitary and nocturnal, and rarer.
They came upon the animal at Pelican Point, where it strolled through the shallow waters of the bay. The hyena might have had an injured front leg, but this could have also just been an unusual gait.
‘We followed the individual for a bit as it continued to run south, most likely towards its den, and then left it in peace. These animals have a social structure similar to wolves, often found in groups with mating pairs and offspring, but this was a “lone wolf”,’ Namibia Dolphin project said.
‘Very grateful for this rare sighting! We can now add a new species code to our “Land Survey Effort” database!’ they added.
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