The status of wildlife conservation in Botswana

Abstract

The sparse human population and the general lack of surface water over most parts of the Republic of Botswana, which has hampered rapid expansion of agricultural activities into the less suitable areas in the past, have contributed to the fact that Botswana still supports a varied and rich wildlife population. The long history of hunting by the local populae makes them understand and appreciate the concept of wildlife conservation and utilization and has assisted in general to implement a policy for rational conservation and utilization. The next decade will be decisive whether this laudable state of affairs will continue or whether the wildlife resource will be depleted and finally restricted only to formal conservation areas as it has happened in many other countries on the African continent. The government is fully aware of the significance of wildlife conservation and utilization and the necessity to integrate it into overall landuse planning.