Botswana is bracing for the impacts of El Niño, a phenomenon associated with drought conditions in Southern Africa. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) anticipates an increase in human-wildlife conflicts as drying waterholes and rivers force wild animals into human settlements in search of water. This could lead to property damage, crop destruction, and dangerous encounters between people and wildlife. Elephants are among the species expected to venture into settlements and ploughing fields in search of water and food.
Deputy Director of DWNP, Dimakatso Ntshebe, warned that El Niño in Southern Africa is associated with drought, which could have significant impacts on wildlife populations. He also cautioned about possible elephant and hippopotamus deaths linked to an anthrax outbreak in the Chobe region. Drought conditions could leave animals weakened and more vulnerable to the disease, which also affects buffaloes. The department is working to mitigate the anticipated impacts by rehabilitating and equipping boreholes in protected areas to ensure wildlife has access to water during the drought period.
The DWNP is taking proactive measures to address the potential impacts of El Niño on wildlife. Ntshebe stated that the department will resuscitate boreholes located along wildlife migration routes, as more animals will be moving out of national parks in search of food and water outside protected areas. The department is working with stakeholders, including concession owners and conservation organisations, to drill additional boreholes for wildlife. The aim is to avail more water in protected areas and along migration routes for wildlife.
The anthrax outbreak in the Chobe region is a significant concern for wildlife authorities. Ntshebe said the department had procured equipment to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading to other areas. He cautioned the public against approaching, handling, or consuming meat from sick or dead wild animals, warning that they could be infected with anthrax. Parents and guardians are urged to warn children against playing with weak or sick wild animals, particularly hippos, which can remain dangerous and attack despite appearing weak.
The department is considering increasing hunting quotas for the next season for selected species whose quotas are not intended for export. Ntshebe said the proposal follows public concerns that drought could lead to increased wildlife deaths, with some suggesting that hunting quotas should be increased rather than allowing animals to die from drought-related conditions. The department will consider the proposal, particularly for non-exportable species.
Community trusts in Ngamiland are exploring measures to protect wildlife from the potential impacts of El Niño. The newly established Our Desert Valley Community Trust plans to drill boreholes to provide water for elephants in its area. Chairman Ezekiel Katjimune said the trust would engage local communities to identify measures to protect elephants from the effects of changing temperatures and possible water shortages. The DWNP has advised them to support government efforts to mitigate the potential impacts of El Niño on wildlife.
The proposed interventions come as wildlife authorities and community conservation organisations prepare for the possible effects of drought on wildlife, natural water sources, and human-wildlife relations. The DWNP and community trusts are working together to explore community-led solutions to wildlife conservation and climate-related challenges in the Okavango region. Key initiatives include providing water for wildlife and protecting them from diseases such as anthrax.
Key points
- The Department of Wildlife and National Parks is rehabilitating and equipping boreholes in protected areas to ensure wildlife has access to water during the drought period.
- The department is working with stakeholders to drill additional boreholes for wildlife along migration routes.
- Community trusts are exploring measures to protect wildlife from the potential impacts of El Niño, including drilling boreholes to provide water for elephants.
