16 Oct 2022

The drying of Lake Ngami has forced some hippos to migrate to other water sources while others are trapped in the mud.

Some fishermen told BOPA in an interview that many hippos had relocated in search of water, some were camouflaged with the mud in the centre of the lake while others had died.

One fisherman, Mr Philemon Ketshabile, said some hippos had died while 13 were currently trapped in the mud.

Majority of the hippos, he said, had relocated to areas around Nxaraga and nearby water sources.

He said efforts were being made to save the remaining hippos, adding some fishermen supplied them with water, but that was not enough as some could not survive the situation at the lake.

Mr Ketshabile wished the government could augment their efforts to save the remaining hippos by drilling a pond for them or alternatively relocate them to other water sources.

Failure to act, he said, would lead to mass death, adding the situation was worrying as it had also pushed hippos from their habitats into human settlement increasing the risk of human-animal conflict.

One hippo was shot and killed on Friday after it killed a cow and a donkey while drinking from a leaking pipe that crossed the river.

The hippo was spotted at Kunyere River in Toteng trying to get water from a leaking pipe.

Acting wildlife coordinator, Mr Modiri Mogopa, confirmed that a decision was taken to kill the hippo as it was posing a serious danger to the community.

The law, he said, allowed the department to eliminate any wildlife that put members of the community at risk.

Asked about the situation at the lake, he pointed out that efforts were made to save the stranded hippos citing that they were trying to capture and relocate them to other water sources.

Mr Mogopa said less than five had been reported dead.

This year’s hydrological floods did not reach the lake due to low water flows and velocity from upstream.

It was reported that the Khwai and upper Xudum river systems experienced gradual decrease in water levels and flows. ENDs