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.
