Hippopotamus populations in Botswana are confronting perilous conditions as scorching temperatures and drought conditions leave them stuck and immobile in dried up ponds.
The El Nino weather phenomenon has brought about a severe drought in Southern Africa, resulting in the endangerment of harvests and the suffering of millions due to hunger. A number of countries in the area have recently announced a state of national disaster.
Close to the expansive wetlands of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana, the desiccated Thamalakane River has compelled groups of hippos to migrate towards natural water sources near the tourist hub of Maun.
Botswana harbours a significant number of hippos residing in their natural habitat, making it one of the largest populations worldwide.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that there are approximately 2,000 to 4,000 hippos in Botswana. Lesego Moseki, the spokesperson for the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, highlighted the dependence of hippos in Ngamiland (north western district) on the water flowing through the Okavango Delta systems due to the scarcity of riverine vegetation in the region.
Hippos possess thick yet sensitive skin, necessitating regular bathing to prevent sunburn, and they typically inhabit humid climates. Without access to water, they may become agitated and intrude upon human settlements. Local authorities are urging for the relocation of these hippos to reserves to mitigate potential conflicts between humans and animals.
The onset of the drought in Botswana occurred in October 2023, and since then, it has progressively escalated and extended its reach to encompass Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. As a result, a significant portion of southern Africa is currently grappling with the adverse impacts of this prolonged dry spell.
