Botswana wildlife park hit hard by drought
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, October 9, 2012
Drought impacts have forced an wildlife park in Botswana to put out a begging bowl under the banner "Help Save the Animals" to save animals in the game sanctuary park.
The Mokolodi Nature Reserve, 10 km south of the capital city Gaborone, is hit hard by the long drought.
"At present there is very little vegetation for the many browsers and grazers, and those of us who live on the reserve now have desperate animals particularly the Kudu calling at our backdoor for food," said Peter Neumann, the project coordinator of the park.
"Some of the animals are in such bad condition that they are unable to continue living in such harsh conditions. These animals cannot be expected to survive if nothing is done to alleviate their plight," he added.
According to Neumann, proceeds from the campaign will buy lucerne costing 100 pula (about 13 U.S. dollars) per bale to save the wildlife until the rains arrive and set in.
Neumann also highlighted that the Reserve management has also removed a substantial number of game through capture and relocation.
Mokolodi has many creatures, large and small - white rhino, cheetah, mountain reedbuck, giraffe, zebra, red hartebeest, sable, gemsbok, reared elephants, kudu, impala, hyenas, leopard and water buck.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve is also part of a national White Rhinoceros breeding program which contributes to the re-building of the national herd in Botswana.
Though drought and harsh conditions are common in Botswana, the impacts are severe and rapid for 2012 resulting in lack graze and browse for the wildlife.
Last month, meteorological services director Thabang Botshoma said the country is expected to receive normal rainfall ahead of the planting season - January to March.
"The second part of the season – January to March is expected to be largely normal with certain areas being below normal," said Botshoma citing some part of the country will receive above normal rains.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)