The Namibian brown hyena is more than a rare and elusive carnivore; it is a vital guardian of the country’s desert and coastal ecosystems.
Known for its extensive roaming patterns and remarkable ability to adapt to harsh environments, this near-threatened species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. By scavenging carrion, including marine-based food sources such as those of Cape fur seals, brown hyenas help prevent the spread of disease and support the health of both desert and coastal ecosystems.
Namdeb environmental officer Dene Namukomba says protecting and understanding this species is therefore essential not only for conservation, but also for preserving the integrity of Namibia’s unique biodiversity.
Recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as near-threatened, the brown hyena is among the rarest hyena species in the world. It is found only in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and South Africa.
In Namibia, the brown hyena is particularly remarkable for its ability to survive in extreme conditions, roaming vast distances in search of scarce and unpredictable food.
Namukomba says its presence influences the entire ecosystem, from regulating prey populations to cleaning up carrion, demonstrating the interconnectedness of species in maintaining a healthy environment.
Partnerships
Since 1997, Namdeb has supported the Brown Hyena Research Project (BHRP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, addressing conservation concerns for brown hyenas and their main prey, the Cape fur seal.
She says that through this partnership, research has focused on understanding the movements, genetics, diet and behaviour of these powerful scavengers. Gaining such insights allows for informed conservation strategies and highlights the broader role brown hyenas play in Namibia’s natural heritage.
Namukomba says that, as part of its environmental due diligence, Namdeb continues research on brown hyenas at Elizabeth Bay and Pocket Beaches to understand the potential impacts of mining on the species.
Since 2025, this work has expanded to the Southern Coastal Mine (SCM) and Karingarab areas in collaboration with the BHRP and the University of Namibia (UNAM).
“The research objectives include studying population dynamics, movement patterns, genetic diversity and dietary requirements. By acquiring new and previously unknown information, Namdeb contributes to a deeper understanding of the species and its ecological significance,” she says.
Integration
Namukomba added that integrating biodiversity conservation into operational strategies is increasingly recognised as both a strategic and intrinsic value for companies.
While legal compliance has historically driven conservation efforts, modern approaches demonstrate that protecting ecosystems contributes to long-term business resilience.
According to her, the mitigation hierarchy provides a framework for managing environmental risks while supporting operational objectives, proving that economic goals and biodiversity conservation can complement each other.
“Equally important is the sharing of research findings with national institutions, communities and local schools. Namdeb actively engages with these stakeholders to raise awareness about the brown hyena’s vital ecological role and the importance of ongoing research.”
Knowledge-sharing ensures that conservation outcomes extend beyond company boundaries, influencing policy, public understanding and long-term environmental stewardship.
The conservation of the brown hyena is a clear example of how responsible mining practices can support both biodiversity protection and economic growth.
Namukomba says that by investing in research, contributing to policy and community engagement, and embedding conservation into operational strategies, Namdeb demonstrates that protecting Namibia’s unique species is not only possible but essential.
