16 Feb 2026

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, has apprised Parliament that current scientific assessments of the crocodile population in the Okavango system indicate it cannot presently able to sustain additional offtake. 

Responding to a question from Okavango East MP, Mr Gabatsholwe Disho, Minister Mmolotsi said the decision came despite reported crocodile-related incidents involving people accessing rivers for water collection, fishing, bathing and other domestic uses. 

“There have also been numerous cases of livestock predation, which frequently lead to retaliatory killings,” he said. 

He explained that research indicated that population recruitment remained low, primarily as a result of human disturbance and historical over-exploitation. 

“This includes, among others, habitat loss due to the deliberate burning of papyrus beds during nesting season, leading to nest abandonment,” the minister stated. 

He added that in light of the findings, the ministry continued to prioritise non-lethal management approaches, public safety awareness campaigns as well as conflict mitigation measures. 

“These efforts aim to ensure the long-term conservation of the species in accordance with national legislation and international commitments,” he said. 

Parliament also heard that the crocodile population in the Panhandle region of the Okavango Delta was estimated at approximately 2 570, encompassing all size classes. 

However, Mr Mmolotsi noted that it had been some time since the last comprehensive survey, meaning such figures may have shifted. He noted that future decisions regarding crocodile management quotas for the Okavango and other regions in Botswana would be informed by updated data to help mitigate human-wildlife conflict. 

MP Disho had asked the minister to specify when the ministry would consider releasing management quotas, citing the crocodiles’ contribution to human fatalities and ongoing conflict within the region. 

He also sought clarity on the total number of crocodiles currently inhabiting the Botswana side of the Okavango River basin. ENDS