07 Jul 2014

The most recent aerial census of wildlife in Botswana, which was carried in 2012, did not record any Kudus (ditholo) in and around Ratholo though the species is known to occur in the greater area at low densities.

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama said this when responding to a question in Parliament from Maun West MP, Mr Tawana Moremi. 

There was also no record of the Phala in and around Palapye even though the species was known to occur in the greater area at very low densities, he said.

“We do not have a record of the 1961 Legislative Council Hansard. It would be much appreciated if the honourable member can provide with such information,” he added. Mr Moremi had asked Minister Khama what the last count of the wild animals known as ‘Tholo’ was in and around Ratholo and that of ‘Phala’ was in and around Palapye.

In addition, the MP also wanted to know whether the numbers had any relation to the Seretse Khama led lobby to exterminate wildlife in favour of cattle rearing as captured in the 1961 Legislative Council Hansard to the above cases, respectively. ENDS