Local news sources : Ngami Times BOPA Daily News Botswana Gazette Mmegi Sunday Standard

OCTOBER 09th 2008:
Fires ravage through CKGR/Gcwihaba Caves/Okavango Delta/Chobe areas.

Read more at Mmegi Online and editorial on October 13th: here.

New lodges set to open in 2009:

Tsaro Lodge (Okavango Delta) Khwai Development trust, former Tsaro Elephant Lodge
Oddballs' Enclave (Okavango Delta)
Camp Khwai (Moremi Game Reserve)
Camp Linyanti (Chobe National Park)
Camp Savuti (Chobe National Park)
Mapororo Lodge (Chobe National Park)
Ghoha Hills Lodge (Chobe National Park)
Mabuasehube Pan Lodge (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)
Nossob Dune Lodge (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)
Nxai Pan Camp (Nxai Pan National Park)
Tsoe Lodge (Makgadikgadi Pans National Park)
Tau Pan Camp (Central Kalahari Game Reserve)
(source Bwana Mitch)

MAY 13th 2007:
Preservation of the Okavango basin under spotlight.

DECEMBER 07th 2006:
Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe sign MOU on establishing a Transfrontier Park in the Okavango/Caprivi/Zambezi area.

Read more at BOPA Daily news, but Zimbabwe instability halts progress.

NOVEMBER 2006:
Worlds oldest religion discovered at Tsodilo Hills

Researchers from the University of Oslo make a sensational find at Botswanas World Heritage Site Tsodilo Hills. Signs of offerings (religious activity) dating back more than 70.000 years, which is approximatel 35.000 years older than any previously known sites of worship. Read more at these sites: University of Oslo press release (30-nov-2006)
Scientific American (01-dec-2006) Afrol News (01-dec-2006)

NOVEMBER 2006:
Botswana and US sign 'Dept-for-Nature' agreement

The US has agreed to reduce Botswanas foreign debts in return for more extensive protection of environmental assets in Botswana! afrol News

NOVEMBER 2006:
Botswana and EU to improve infrastructure in Moremi Game Reserve and Nxai Pan - Makgadikgadi National Parks

See Ngamiland Times

OCTOBER 2006:
Jouberts launch new book on the lions of

Buy the book at: Jouberts site or Amazon.

OCTOBER 2006:
SEPTEMBER Anthrax outbreak subsiding.

Mass vaccination of cattle in Caprivi and Botswana a success allAfrica

JULY 30th 2006:
Savuti Channel floods for first time in 20 years!

Read more at Eyes on Africa with pictures!!!

MAY 05th 2006:
BirdLife Botswana conserned that the Okavango Delta is shrinking.

MARCH 10th 2005:
As of 24th of February the Chobe Riverfront re-opened after last years Anthrax outbreak.

www.4xforum.com reports that the Chobe Riverfront, including the popular IHAHA campsite has now been re-opened after good rains have eliminated the threat of spreading the diseas. link to post

SEPTEMBER 20th 2004:
Anthrax closes Chobe National Park

An outbreak of anthrax has apparently killed 93 buffalo and 6 elephants in Chobe National Park according to DWNP officials News24.co.za have talked to in Maun. Read their story here. Even more widespread deaths are reported in eastern Caprivi. Here is News24.co.za's story dated 21st of september. More links: UN Wild Life Globe AFP Mail and Guardian Cape Times

SEMPTEMBER 14th 2004:
Anthrax reported in Chobe National Park

Anthrax has been reported in the Kasane area threatening buffalo according to Daily News

Whispers: An Elephants Tale

On a more upbeate note the full feature length movie from the Jouberts called "Whispers - An Elephants Tale" has now been released on DVD/VHS. See more info at Amazon.com (note this is DVD zone 1 and VHS NTSC).

Okavango Wildlife Society to disband

Effective 31st of March 2003 the Okavango Wildlife Society will disband. The decision has been taken due to dwindeling attendance to Society meetings and the AGM. The society disbands after 39 years of dedicated involvement in conservation in the Okavango and Kalahari.

Those members still wanting to support the conservation of the Okavango and Kalahari eco-systems are urged to join our sister organisation in Botswana, the Kalahari Conservation Society. Details can be found in the menu to the right, or under "The Society -> Membership" on the OWLS pages.

More about the reasons for dibanding of the OWLS is presented in the final newsletter which is now online.

Web-master.

In memoriam

CARL LOUIS BICCARD JEPPE
30th August 1917 -- 28th August 2002

Dr. Carl Jeppe, founder member and previous Chairman of the Okavango Wildlife Society, sadly passed away on 28 August 2002. Our deepest condolences to his wife, children, family and friends.

I had the opportunity to attend his memorial service on 1 September and was so glad that I could attend. What I have experienced there was just something special to be part of a group of people who were sad, but happy and privileged to have known such a remarkable person as Dr Carl Jeppe.

Willie van Rooyen

OWLS Newsletter No 2 2002 is now online

Under the newsletter section in the left menu you will find the latest newsletter online. Top stories: THE FUTURE OF OWLS !!!

August 2002

OWLS Special: The Makgadikgadi Lion Research Project

Graham Hemson is studying the conflicts between Makgadikgadi Lions and surrounding communities. Read his report back to the OWLS here. The study is part of Hemsons PhD thesis with Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU).

Januar 16 2002

OWLS Newsletter No 3 2001 is now online

Under the newsletter section in the left menu you will find the latest newsletter online. Top story: Making of the Okavango Delta poster by Thomas Gumbricht.

January 2002

New Road Between Nossob and Mabuasehube in Kagalagadi Transfrontier Park

Two new roads have opened up between the Nossob Camp in the Kagalagadi Transfrontier Park and its Mabuasehube section, thus spearing travelers for the length detor via Tsabong. One of the roads is a "Through Road" and the other is a 4x4 Wilderness Trail. There is a trail fee of Pula 200 in addition to Pula 20 in entry and Pula 30 in camping per person per day. The fee structure for the Botswana section can be found here (thanks to Danie Vink). Map of Nossob to Mabuasehube trail: large resolution or A4 resolution. Here is also a map of the Botswana 4x4 Wilderness Trail that starts from Grootbraak north of Nossob. large resolution or A4 resolution. Special rules apply for this loop trail which takes 3 days to complete. Here is a large resolution or A4 resolution.
Official Map from www.parks-sa.co.za.

December 12 2001 Happy holidays

Joubert's 'Whispers: An Elephants Tale

For those of us who haven't had the oportunity to see this film in theaters, it is being released on November 23rd, just in time for the holiday season. Surprise your kids. Amazon.com and dvdempire.com both stock the movie.

October 14 2001

OWLS publishes poster of Okavango Delta

With sponsorship from TOYOTA, the society is publishing an A0 size poster of the Okavango Delta. Read more about the poster here.

September 26 2001

The News Links section is taking form, a few of the categories have been updated. The 2001 index is up to date. A few of the topics like "Fencing", "Spraying" and "Species:Lions" are also up to date.

August 09 2001

Lion hunting controversy

The OWLS has lodged an objection to the US Embassy in Pretoria, over the letter presented by the Safari Club International to the Botswana Government and signed by very senior American citizens: George Bush (snr), Norman Schwartzkopf and Dane Quayle.

Read the OWLS letter to the US Embassy in Pretoria: HTML-format, PostScript-format or PDF-format.
Read the Electronic Mail & Guardian Report here.

Author:Paal Skjetne

Activities

History

In 1964 the initiative of two enthusiastic naturalists, Robert and June Kay, inspired the formation of the Okavango Wildlife Society (OWLS) which, with the Kays, was instrumental in persuading the Batawana Tribe to surrender their traditional hunting grounds in order to create a Wildlife Reserve. This was later proclaimed and became the Moremi Wildlife Reserve named after the Tribal Chief of the Batawana.

OWLS financed an ecological survey of the Moremi by Ken Tinley and Norman Deane. This was published and widely distributed.

Later, in collaboration with the Zoologische Gesellschaft von 1858, Frankfurt-am-Main, and the Ecological Board of Southern Africa, a comprehensive survey of Chiefs Island adjacent to Moremi was financed and managed. This was completed over three years by ecologist, Russel Biggs. Subsequently, Chiefs Island was added to Moremi almost doubling the size of the Reserve.

The Society assisted in the establishment of an Educational Game Park in Maun and organised the collection to wild animals to stock a similar project in Gaborone, the seat of government.

Activities in the 1980s

Among other achievements which have been initiated and totally or partially sponsored by OWLS are:

From Natal, where they were drought stricken and destined for culling, the translocation of 87 white rhino to Ngamiland in Botswana where, by 1988, their numbers were reported by Department of Wildlife & National Parks to have almost doubled.
The donation of two light aircraft through the Zoologische Gesellschaft for poaching control and general use by the Botswana Department of Wildlife & National Parks.
An investigation by the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology of the University of Cape Town into the birdlife of Lake Ngami.
A five-year study of the brown hyaena and Kalahari Lion by American scientists, Mark and Delia Owens (authors of "Cry of the Kalahari"). This work was carried on for another four years by Doug and Jane Williamson.
Provisions of a light aircraft as a tracking and research tool by the Owens and Williamsons.
An ichthyological and limnological survey of the Okavango Delta by JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology (Rhodes University - RSA). This research has progressed for nine years in collaboration with the Division of Fisheries of the Department of Agriculture, the Museum and the University of Botswana. This advanced quantitative research on the major factors affecting the fish and ecology of the Delta continues. Published findings have prevented a disastrous decline of important species by promoting new fishing techniques benefiting conservation, commercial and even sport fsighing affecting tourism.
Public film shows and lectures, especially for the young about conservation in general and the Okavango in particular.
Membership of the International Conservation Union (Switzerland), co-operation with other Conservation Societies and with the Department of Wildlife & National Parks, Botswana. Liaison with world conservation organisations.

Activities in the 1990s

In preparation....

PROJECTS FOR WHICH FUTURE SUPPORT IS INTENDED

Continued conservation of the Okavango Delta, one of the last and most important pristine wetlands on earth of great international concern.
Translocation to Botswana of black rhino threatened with extinction by commercial poachers.
Study by Wits University of the geological origins, the pattern of changes and the predictable development of the unstable water systems in the Okavango.
Continued research by the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology (Rhodes University - South Africa).
Migration research by the Wits University in the areas surrounding the unfenced National Parks of Botswana to assist in management and land use of those areas affecting conservation of their wildlife and future of the Parks.
Support for anti-poaching patrol and strike helicopter based at Maun and manned by game raneges.
Study and protection of dwindling wild dogs now in danger of extinction by persecution and hunting.
Continued resistance to attempts to infiltrate domestic stock into wildlife areas where over-grazing may cause desertification and ultimate disaster.

PLANET SURVIVAL DEPENDS UPON CONSERVATION
all other issues are therefore secondary.

Author:NN Date: 1990

News Links Lions

Let us know: send us your links!

Morratorium on lion hunting in Botswana

In february 2001 a one year ban on lion hunting was introduced in Botswana. Initially the ban was intended to stop the killing of so called problem animals that had killed livestock. After pressure from heards men, the ban was extended to include safari hunting. The powerfull Safari Club International (SCI), an international hunting association based in Arizona, USA, objected strongly to this ban. The SCI sendt one of its members, a well known industrialist Mr. Steven Chancellor, to petition the Botswana government to lift the ban. Mr. Chancellor brought with him letters of introduction from former US president George Bush (father of current US president George W. Bush), former NATO General Normann Schwartzkopf, and former US vice president Dan Quale. The international conservation community reacted strongly to this lobbying / pressure to lift the ban brought about by the SCI, by putting forward such prominent american citizens.

The OWLS feels that the Botswana government should be given the time it needs to assess its wildlife management policies towards the control of problem animals. The OWLS welcomes all initiatives that will result in sound wildlife management policies. The OWLS feels that the hunting industry should not excert pressure to have the ban lifted for the sake of its immediate proffits, but rather work with the relevant authorities and conservation bodies to find solutions to controlling problem animals.

Read the Mail & Guardian article
Read the OWLS response to US-Embassy. http://lions.moremi.org (An OWLS special focusing on the lion hunting debate).

Other response

Below are responses from other NGO's, some are pro-hunting others pro ban:

Born Free Foundation reaction to SCI letter
(30 April 2001) Pro ban
The Humane Society of the United States
(02 May 2001) Pro ban
Lion Survey Data compiled by BWMA
(February 2001) Hunting organisation
CBNRM response
(16 February 2001) Pro hunting
Reaction of BOCOBONET on the Ban of Lion Hunting as per February 2001
(February 2001) Pro hunting

Research Links

Okavango Lions
Pieter and Kate Kat
Kalahari Lions
Graham Hemson (Link not working).
African Lion Working Group
Very Good Site

News Links

Boteti Residents not happy with government decision
(Daily News 27 June 2001)
SCI hunters being investigated in Mozambique
(Africa This Week: Week 26 2001)
Southern African farmers suffer great losses due to lions
(WildNet Africa 25 June 2001)
Lions cause havoc for Southern African farmers
(SABC 23 June 2001) (SABC RealVideo)
Kalahari Transfrontier Lion Project
(WWF South Africa / Green Trust 14 June 2001).
Kalahari Transfrontier Lion Project boosts lion conservation
(WildNet Africa 08 June 2001).
Asia's Last Lions - The Kings of Gir
(National Geographic June 2001) A multimedia presentation. Only 300 left!
Efforts to replicate extinct Cape lion
(WildNet Africa 28 May 2001).
WBRC and Lion Safari Park preserve genetic diversity of lions
(WildNet Africa 24 May 2001)
Tourism biggest single employer in Ngamiland
(Daily News 16 May 2001)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in the Okavango
(Born Free Foundation 14 May 2001)
Workshop on management of West Africa's lions
(WildNet Africa 16 May 2001)
Big names backing big-game hunting
(Chicago Tribune 13 May 2001)
Ban wins praise and fury
(Daily News 11 May 2001)
UWMC eNewsletter
(World Conservation Trust April 2001)
Lions face new threat from hunters
(Born Free Foundation 30 April 2001)
Bush Guns for Botswana Lion Hunt
(allAfrica.com 27 April 2001)
Lions under threat from rich Americans with guns
(Guardian Unlimited 27 April AND 03 May 2001)
Bush guns for Botswana lion hunt
(Electronic Mail and Guardian 26 April 2001)
Botswana's lions face new threat - wealthy hunters
(wildnetafrica.com 03 May 2001)
Residents criticise government for giving problem animals priority
(Daily News 05 April 2001)
Dwindling numbers of lions a cause for concern says Seretse
(Daily News 04 April 2001)
Farmers threaten to kill predators to protect property - Tsogwane
(Daily News 09 March 2001)
Botswana Tries to Reduce Livestock-wildlife Conflict
(allafrica.com/Panafrican News Agency News 07 March 2001)
Botswana Wildlife Reforms Meet Opposition
(allafrica.com/Panafrican News Agency News 07 March 2001)
CBNRM News on lion hunting ban and game license fees
(CBNRM News 16 February 2001)
Botswana Bans Big Cat Hunting
(Virunga News 15 February 2001 )
Residents Against Lion Quotas for Hunting Safaris
(Daily News 02 February 2001)
Compensation Faild, says Kedikilwe
(Daily News 26 January 2001)
Lions and Cheetahs Killed
(Daily News January 10 2001).
Botswana hunters under fire from chiefs
(Electronic Mail & Guardian 7 Sep 1998)
In northern Botswana, a campaign to save an unvalued resident
(Outside Magazine Online June 1997)
(An interview with Tico McNutt and Pieter Kat)
Canned lions
(outThere August 1997)
Does the ivory ban hurt wildlife in Africa?
(U.S. News 25 November 1996)

OWLS News Links

Debate on how to manage problem animals
(OWLS Newsletter no 1. 1998)
Report from Pieter Kat on the status of lions
(OWLS Newsletter no 1. 1997)
Pieter Kats description of his research plans for Okavango lions
(OWLS Newsletter no 1. 1997)(See also the Kat's site under research links)

Author:Paal Skjetne

Background on Fencing

Buffalo is a natural carrier of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). As a measure to keep FMD from spreading from free ranging buffalo to domestic cattle, the Botswana government has constructed a network of fences, designed to keep cattle isolated from wildlife. These fences have a detrimental effect on migratory routes of wild animals, kill animanls that get entangled in the fences while trying to get though, and create easy access for poachers. As the cattle industry grows, and expands its activities, so has the reach of these fences.

The OWLS has sponsored research on the effects of these fences, and has worked actively to have old fences removed.

The most resent and up to date study of the impact of these Veterinary Fences was done by Ecological Consultant Arthur Albertson, with support from OWLS and later The WIld Foundation. Arthur Albertsons study was performed in October 1997 with updated observations in July 1998.

Read his full report here online in HTML format with links to photograps and maps : Northern Botswana Veterinary Fences: Critical Ecological Impacts
(OWLS/The Wild Foundation 1997)

Or download the document in PDF-format. No maps of photographs are included in this document.

July 1998 Update

News Links Fencing

Government to fence Francistown Orapa road
(Daily News 05 October 2001)
Boteti farmers discriminated agains
(Daily News 03 August 2001)
Residents suggest highways should be fenced off
(Daily News 26 June 2001)
Residents Appeal To Government to Maintain Electrify Buffalo Fence
(Daily News 18 May 2001)
Botswana plans new Foot and Mouth fence
(WildNet Africa 09 March 2001)
Animal Disease Control Fences Threaten Tourism Industry
(Panafrican News Agency/allafrica.com, October 23, 2000).
Cattle Fences 'Killing Game'
(news24.co.za, October 23, 2000).
Botswana's wildlife killed by cattle fences
(WildNet Africa, October 24, 2000).
Killer fence comes down
(The Namibian 5 November 1998).
Update September 1998 of: Northern Botswana Veterinary Fences: Critical Ecological Impacts
(OWLS / OPWT September 1998)
Northern Botswana Veterinary Fences: Critical Ecological Impacts
(OWLS 1997)
(Now also available in PDF-format).
The Wild Foundation
Background on fences
Editorial: Killer Fence Move Welcomed
(The Namibian 12 June 1998).
Killer fence to be removed
(The Namibian 10 June 1998).
Botswana Rolls Back Fences for Wildlife
(Conservation International 22 May 1998).
Botswana rolls back fences for wildlife
(ENN Daily News 05 May 1998)
Okavango Delta
(The Independent 07 October 1997).
Pull down the fence, says report
(Electronic Mail and Guardian September 26 1997).
Electric fence between Botswana and Namibia:
Part of 'death wall' to be removed
(The Namibian September 26 1997)
Buffer zones approved:
Radical moves to curb spread of cattle disease
(The Namibian July 29 1997)
Namibia, Botswana Slated for Putting up Cattle Fences.
(WildNet Africa/The Star, July 24 1997).
Botswana and Namibia quarrel over fence.
(Electronic Mail and Guardian June 12 1997).
Namibia anger over Botswana's electric fence.
(Electronic Mail and Guardian June 12 1997).
Wildlife friendly fences?
(Electronic Mail & Guardian Feb 21, 1997)
Thousands of buffalo herded through fence
(Electronic Mail and Guardian February 28 1997).
Fences encroach on Okavango
(Electronic Mail & Guardian Feb 3, 1997)

Author:Paal Skjetne

OCTOBER 09th 2008: Fires ravage through CKGR/Gcwihaba Caves/Okavango Delta/Chobe areas.

New lodges set to open in 2009:

MAY 13th 2007: Preservation of the Okavango basin under spotlight.

DECEMBER 07th 2006: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe sign MOU on establishing a Transfrontier Park in the Okavango/Caprivi/Zambezi area.

NOVEMBER 2006: Worlds oldest religion discovered at Tsodilo Hills

NOVEMBER 2006: Botswana and US sign 'Dept-for-Nature' agreement

NOVEMBER 2006: Botswana and EU to improve infrastructure in Moremi Game Reserve and Nxai Pan - Makgadikgadi National Parks

OCTOBER 2006: Jouberts launch new book on the lions of

OCTOBER 2006: SEPTEMBER Anthrax outbreak subsiding.

JULY 30th 2006: Savuti Channel floods for first time in 20 years!

MAY 05th 2006: BirdLife Botswana conserned that the Okavango Delta is shrinking.

MARCH 10th 2005: As of 24th of February the Chobe Riverfront re-opened after last years Anthrax outbreak.

SEPTEMBER 20th 2004: Anthrax closes Chobe National Park

SEMPTEMBER 14th 2004: Anthrax reported in Chobe National Park

Whispers: An Elephants Tale

Okavango Wildlife Society to disband

In memoriam

OWLS Newsletter No 2 2002 is now online

OWLS Special: The Makgadikgadi Lion Research Project

OWLS Newsletter No 3 2001 is now online

New Road Between Nossob and Mabuasehube in Kagalagadi Transfrontier Park

Joubert's 'Whispers: An Elephants Tale

OWLS publishes poster of Okavango Delta

Lion hunting controversy

THE SOCIETY

AIMS

Activities

History

Activities in the 1980s

Activities in the 1990s

PROJECTS FOR WHICH FUTURE SUPPORT IS INTENDED

PATRON Dr Ian Player DMS

COMMITTEE

Contact Address

Membership

NEWSLETTERS

News Links 2002

January

News Links 2001

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

Jaunary

News Links

News Links

News Links

News Links

News Links

News Links Lions

Morratorium on lion hunting in Botswana

Other response

Research Links

News Links

OWLS News Links

News Links Species

News Links Species : Elephants

News Links Species : Wild Dogs

News Links Species : Cheetah

News Links Species : Crocodilles

News Links Species : Brown Hyenas

News Links Species : Aquatics

Background on Fencing

News Links Fencing

Background on Spraying

News Links

News Links Delta

News Links Community and Regional Matters

News Links Tourism

OCTOBER 09th 2008:
Fires ravage through CKGR/Gcwihaba Caves/Okavango Delta/Chobe areas.

MAY 13th 2007:
Preservation of the Okavango basin under spotlight.

DECEMBER 07th 2006:
Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe sign MOU on establishing a Transfrontier Park in the Okavango/Caprivi/Zambezi area.

NOVEMBER 2006:
Worlds oldest religion discovered at Tsodilo Hills

NOVEMBER 2006:
Botswana and US sign 'Dept-for-Nature' agreement

NOVEMBER 2006:
Botswana and EU to improve infrastructure in Moremi Game Reserve and Nxai Pan - Makgadikgadi National Parks

OCTOBER 2006:
Jouberts launch new book on the lions of

OCTOBER 2006:
SEPTEMBER Anthrax outbreak subsiding.

JULY 30th 2006:
Savuti Channel floods for first time in 20 years!

MAY 05th 2006:
BirdLife Botswana conserned that the Okavango Delta is shrinking.

MARCH 10th 2005:
As of 24th of February the Chobe Riverfront re-opened after last years Anthrax outbreak.

SEPTEMBER 20th 2004:
Anthrax closes Chobe National Park

SEMPTEMBER 14th 2004:
Anthrax reported in Chobe National Park