Botswana Takes Bold Action to Rescue Stranded Hippos by Replenishing Drying River Channels

Gaborone, Botswana - A severe drought induced by El Nino is taking a dire toll on wildlife in northwest Botswana, leaving hundreds of endangered hippos stranded in shrinking ponds and mudflats.

This environmental crisis highlights the challenges facing Botswana's large hippopotamus population, which is one of the largest in the world.

Moemedi Batshabang, director of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, reported that around 500 hippos are currently trapped due to the lack of water caused by blistering heat.

Particularly affected is the Nxaraga lagoon near Maun, where over 200 hippos are stranded.

Local conservation efforts are being spearheaded by the Maun-based Save Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Lars Gorschlüter, the fund's director, explained that they are actively pumping water into the lagoon and providing daily feedings of lucerne and other sustenance to the hippos.

These measures are critical as hippos require water not only for hydration but also to protect their sensitive skin from the extreme heat.

Despite the dire circumstances, the relocation of these hippos to more stable water sources like the Okavango Delta has been ruled out due to the high costs and budget constraints.

This decision has been backed by some conservationists, including Map Ives, who advocate for allowing nature to take its course. Ives argued that while the death of some hippos might be inevitable, it is part of the natural balance and should not be interfered with by human actions.

Further complicating the situation, some hippos are also stuck in the mud as water levels recede in the Chobe River, which flows from Namibia.

In response, Namibian authorities have indicated that they are collaborating with Botswana to drill more boreholes to replenish the drying channel.

This crisis not only affects the hippos but also has broader implications for the region's ecosystem. The El Nino drought has devastated food sources and critical habitats for a variety of wildlife across southern Africa.

The ongoing drought underscores the urgent need for comprehensive regional strategies to address the impacts of climate change on both the environment and the wildlife that depend on it.