What is the Orange River-Karoo conservation area?

It is a 2.4 million acre nonprofit initiative in southern Namibia working to restore wildlife and ecosystems that were severely depleted over the last two centuries.

Why is Namibia's wildlife declining?

Wildlife in southern Namibia declined due to poaching, mining, and conversion of land for livestock farming, leading to the extinction of megafauna.

How is ORKCA restoring wildlife in Namibia?

ORKCA uses a combination of reintroducing animals, removing habitat barriers like fences, installing technology for tracking, and working with local tribes.

Home / Environment / Namibia's Desert Blooms: Wildlife's Triumphant Return

Namibia's Desert Blooms: Wildlife's Triumphant Return

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Namibia's Orange River-Karoo conservation area is restoring 2.4 million acres.
Wildlife populations in southern Namibia declined drastically over two centuries.
ORKCA uses technology and community efforts for wildlife restoration.

Namibia's Desert Blooms: Wildlife's Triumphant Return

In Namibia's southern desert, the Orange River-Karoo conservation area is experiencing a significant revival of its native wildlife. After suffering a drastic decline of 90% in its animal populations due to poaching, mining, and land conversion over the past two centuries, the region is now seeing a resurgence.

Conservationists have successfully reintroduced species like ostriches, springbok, and oryx onto 2.4 million acres of restored land. This effort is led by ORKCA, a nonprofit founded in 2020, with crucial support from the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. The project employs advanced tracking technology and community engagement to monitor migration patterns and ensure the animals' safety.

The Orange River-Karoo, a unique ecological zone spanning desert, Nama Karoo, and Succulent Karoo biomes, is vital for biodiversity. ORKCA's work, including removing old fences and installing communication towers, is crucial for restoring this landscape, aiming to create a transboundary park that protects both wildlife and the life-giving Orange River.