«
BOTSWANA - CONSERVATION »
Wildlife & Conservation
Government,
Symbols & Currency | National
Anthem | Water
| Diamonds
& Mining
Agriculture
| Population
| Culture
& Traditions | Bushman
Rockart |
Access &
Travel | Visa
Requirements | Border
Posts | Distances
& Travelling times via Road
Air Charters
| Malaria
| Safari
Packing List | Photography
| Photographic
Packing List | Night
Skies
WILDLIFE
& CONSERVATION
The
ability to view animals at very close quarters within
these wildlife areas, and the presence of the last
remaining wilderness area in Africa, has ensured that
tourism is the second largest industry in Botswana.
In
1956 the Government created the first game department
for wild animals. The next 10 years saw the Moremi
and Chobe reserves established and an up-to-date Fauna
Proclamation promulgated.
These two factors were responsible for the change
of attitude amongst the local population toward wildlife.
In
1962 the first safari operators obtained concessions
and started to conduct safaris similar to those being
operated in East Africa.
In
1966 the Game Department was expanded and its policy
was changed. The next eight years saw huge tracks
of land declared wildlife reserve. Today some 17%
of Botswana is wildlife area.
Botswana
boasts 164 species of mammals, 550 species of birds,
157 species of reptiles, 38 species of amphibian and
over 70 species of fish within the Okavango Delta.
Of
the 550 species of birds many of them have very bright
colours, different characteristics and shapes by which
to identify them. There are however a few of the smaller
brown variety that are very difficult to identify.
These small brown birds are termed LBJ's, that stands
for "little brown jobs".
