This project became one of our main priorities in 2018, when a severe drought hit the Garub area. During these droughts, the survival of the feral horses depends entirely on a permanent supply of fresh water at the Garub trough. In extreme years, extra water, mineral supplements, and food are also provided to keep the horses alive.

However, this constant water supply also benefits the spotted hyenas. Because they have year-round access to fresh water, they can stay in the Garub area instead of moving to other parts of their home range. At the same time, the drought causes the horses to weaken, making them easier prey for hyenas.

Spotted hyenas naturally occur in this region, and a small clan lives permanently around Garub. Our 2018 study focused on understanding their numbers, movements, and diet, and on assessing their real impact on the wild horse population.

In recent years, the area has received good rainfall. As a result, the horse population has recovered, and other wildlife has returned, giving the hyenas more natural prey options. Because of this, their impact on the horses is now much lower than during the drought years.

Today, the Brown Hyena Research Project continues to monitor the Garub area using camera traps and by keeping track of the spotted hyena clan’s demography.