01 Feb 2022

The zebra is Botswana’s national animal and has been since independe in 1966w when it became a distinct part of the coat of arms, Minister of Environment Natural Resource Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng said recently.

She was speaking during the 2022 International Zebra Day in Gaborone. Ms Kereng said in recognition of the animal, Batswana named some initiatives they held in high regard after it

These included the Botswana national men’s football team, the female national team as the Mares and the junior national football team as Dipetsana (foals).

Ms Kereng explained that the day, which was founded by a group of conservation organisations with an interest in seeing the continued survival of this magnificent species, was observed on January 31 every year.

She noted that the main objective of the day was to raise awareness about the zebra’s plight so that it could be preserved and protected throughout the world.

Ms Kereng reiterated the need to conserve the zebra in view of their need for large expanses of grasslands.

She added that the biggest threat to zebra populations, including in Botswana, was habitat loss from demand for both ranching and farming, as well as competition for water with livestock.

She revealed that the ministry was working to secure the integrity of the protected area network and the Wildlife Management Areas that connected National Parks and Game Reserves, to ensure the long-term survival of the zebra.

Ms Kereng applauded the government for the continued protection and conservation of the animal and its habitat.

Meanwhile, she said, the government would continue to facilitate expansion and diversification of Botswana’s tourism offering through the new Tourism Policy of 2021. Ends