Place in news: Okavango Delta, Botswana 

Place in news: Okavango Delta, Botswana 

Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I and III – Geography – Map based; Conservation  

Why in news? 

• In the past two months, hundreds of elephants have died mysteriously in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. 
• The cause of the deaths is yet to be established. However, poaching has been ruled out since the dead elephants were found with tusks. 
• Several live elephants appeared to have been weak, lethargic and skeletal, with some showing signs of disorientation, difficulty in walking or limping. 

About Okavango Delta 

• It is one of the very few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean. 
• This delta comprises permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. 
• The delta covers part of Kalahari Desert and owes its existence to the Okavango (Kavango) River. 
• It is home to some of the world’s most endangered species of large mammal, such as the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion. 

Link: Botswana 

About Botswana:  

• It is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.  
• Its 70% territory is covered by Kalahari Desert. 
• Botswana has the world’s largest elephant population, estimated to be around 130,000. 
• It is Africa’s oldest continuous democracy.