Small Spotted Cat
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction: The small spotted cat (Felis nigripes) is a relative of the African wild cat. They are usually associated with areas of tall grass or scrub bush and lie up in daylight hours in disused spring hare or aardvark hole in termite mounds. They are purely nocturnal and are a highly secretive species. They tend to be solitary creatures, but like all cats, there is 2 or more in attendance.
Distribution: They are mainly to be found to the central and southern parts of the country and to the further west where the Namibian border meets the Orange River.
Diet: Young hares and birds up to the size of francolin, but no prey bigger than this. They are independent of water, but will drink occasionally when it is available.
Colouring: The body is marked with lines and spots, black in colour with a series of 3 broad transverse black bars towards the feet. They have a short, narrow, black-tipped tail, which is less than half the length of the body. The undersides of all 4 feet are black.
Breeding: Gestation period is estimated at around 68 days, with litters of 1-3 being born around November or December.
Size: Males are around 60cm in total length (including the tail) and weigh around 1.6kg. Females are slightly shorter and smaller.
Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge
Excellent lodge in the Kalahari Desert, offers accommodation in units made of straw bales or wood. Bagatelle proves to be consistently popular with guests
Hardap Dam Resort
Really only suitable for fisherman - until renovations happen it is probably best not to subject yourself to this.
Kalahari Anib Lodge
Tends to cater for larger groups, but the low rates make it attractive for those looking to save some money.
Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp
The meerkat or suricate is a small mammal which inhabits the Kalahari - we do not know why this lodge is named after them. Perhaps if you stay here and find out you can tell us and then we can make this slightly more descriptive.
Zebra Kalahari Lodge
The third lodge on the Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve (along with Suricate & Camethorn Lodges). The Kalahari is absolutely magnificent and really should be a part of any visit to Namibia.
