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Botswana Species Checklist

Botswana Species Checklist

BOTSWANA CHECKLIST

Includes VicTORIA Falls/Livingstone VEGETATION MAP

BIOMES

Desert (Namib; ; Danakil)

Semi-desert (Karoo; Sahel; Chalbi)

Arid savannah (Kalahari; Masai Steppe; Ogaden)

Grassland (Highveld; Abyssinian) SEYCHELLES Mediterranean Scrub / Fynbos

East African Coastal & Scrub

Dry (including )

Moist woodland (including )

Tropical (Congo Basin; Upper )

Afro-Montane Forest & (Drakensberg; Nyika; Albertine Rift; Abyssinian Highlands)

Granitic Indian Ocean IslandS (Seychelles) INTRODUCTION Welcome to the wonderful wildlife of .

The idea of this booklet is to enable you, as a Wilderness Safaris guest, to keep a detailed record of the , , and that that you observed during your travels. It also serves as a compact record of your African journey for future reference and enjoyment that hopefully sparks interest in other wildlife spheres whether in your home country or abroad.

Although always exciting to see, especially for the first-time Africa visitor, once you move beyond the cliché of the ‘Big Five’ you will soon realise that our wilderness areas offer much more. Africa’s large mammals are certainly a big attraction that one never tires of, but it’s often the smaller mammals, diverse birdlife and incredible reptiles that draw one back again and again for another unparalleled visit. Seeing a breeding herd of elephant for instance will always be special but there is a certain thrill in seeing a , a or a Pel’s fishing- – to name but a few.

As a globally discerning traveller, look beyond the obvious, and challenge yourself to learn as much about the wildlife and ecosystems through which you will travel on your safari.

Enjoy your journey!

BOTSWANA BIODIVERSITY OVERVIEW Botswana’s most renowned conservation area is undoubtedly the – a green and blue wetland rightly considered Africa’s most incredible wildlife sanctuary and the largest inland delta system in the world – 15 000 km2 of verdant channels, lagoons, swamps and islands. This dynamic waterworld contrasts with the cathedral mopane of the Linyanti and Selinda region to the north of the Delta, while to the south lies the . This desert is rarely lifeless and harbours mythical destinations such as Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari.

While the emphasis of a Botswana safari is often on the large mammals (and rightly so with 75 larger species), there are many other facets of the local fauna to be enjoyed; 593 species have been recorded and the diversity and density of waterbirds found in the Okavango Delta is simply staggering. The country also supports equally impressive diversity and, as the Okavango is so well watered, amphibians are abundant.

The ancient fossil riverbeds and associated pans of the Central Kalahari are the playground of desert-adapted wildlife including a wide range of ungulates and predators. The Kalahari as a whole, with its striking contrast to the Okavango and Linyanti Regions, adds significantly to Botswana’s already overwhelming diversity.

LIVINGSTONE (VICTORIA FALLS) BIODIVERSITY OVERVIEW As many of our Botswana safaris also include the Livingstone/Victoria Falls area, this region has been added to the Botswana Species Checklist.

Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a short distance from the Victoria Falls, comprises mopane and teak woodlands with luxuriant riverine forest along the banks of the River. On the side, Zambezi National Park protects similar types with a rich riverine fringe and woodlands dominated by Zambezi teak and mopane.

Visitors to the Victoria Falls can either stay on the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the Falls – for most of the year there is little practical difference, although the Zimbabwe side features better viewing during the driest months of October through December.

1 KINGS POOL

DUMATAU

OUR BOTSWANA CONCESSIONS SAVUTI

Mombo Concession 45 000 hectares, located on Chief’s Island, Moremi Game Reserve, central Okavango. In the interior, mopane woodland is interspersed with belts of Kalahari sand and . Towards the VUMBURA PLAINS edges of the island, regular seasonal flooding creates shallow floodplains dotted with wild LITTLE VUMBURA date palm islands and riverine forest. Mombo BANOKA harbours prolific concentrations of general BUSH CAMP game such as giraffe, zebra, warthog, red lechwe, tsessebe, wildebeest, kudu, elephant, KWETSANI buffalo and . Abundant predator PELO MOMBO & LITTLE MOMBO JACANA sightings include lion, spotted hyaena and TUBU TREE & LITTLE TUBU JAO . Chief’s Island is also home to the only white and black rhino found in the Okavango SEBA XIGERA Delta. The birding, a result of diverse , ABU is equally attractive. CHITABE CAMPS: MOMBO CAMP, LITTLE MOMBO CAMP CHITABE LEDIBA

KINGS POOL

DUMATAU Vumbura Concession SAVUTI The Vumbura area comprises 60 000 hectares in the northern Okavango Delta. This concession includes a diverse mosaic of habitats from permanent swamp with small palm islands to seasonally inundated floodplains, acacia woodlands, and extensive mopane and VUMBURA PLAINS Kalahari appleleaf stands. The area is known for its scenic beauty and diversity of wildlife. In LITTLE VUMBURA addition to large herds of elephant and buffalo BANOKA in seasonally varying degrees of concentration, BUSH CAMP majestic sable antelope are a highlight here and share the plains and woodlands with zebra, KWETSANI PELO MOMBO & LITTLE MOMBO wildebeest, tsessebe, impala, lechwe, kudu and JACANA giraffe. Healthy populations of lion, leopard TUBU TREE & LITTLE TUBU JAO and spotted hyaena occur, while wild dog are a particular feature and cheetah sightings SEBA XIGERA occasional. Birdlife is abundant – Okavango ABU CHITABE specials such as rosy-throated longclaw, black and long-toed lapwing are present. CHITABE LEDIBA CAMPS: VUMBURA PLAINS, LITTLE VUMBURA CAMP

2 KINGS POOL

DUMATAU OUR BOTSWANA CONCESSIONS SAVUTI

Jao Concession 60 000 hectares, close to the Panhandle in the Delta’s north-west. The vegetation varies from the Jao Flats in the east to Hunda Island, covered in acacia and mopane woodland and VUMBURA PLAINS the largest dry area locally during the annual floods. Around the Flats, spectacular herds LITTLE VUMBURA of red lechwe are followed by their predators BANOKA – lion and leopard. Other game includes BUSH CAMP wildebeest, impala, tsessebe, giraffe, elephant, hippo and crocodile, spotted-necked otter and KWETSANI occasional sitatunga. The drier west harbours PELO MOMBO & LITTLE MOMBO JACANA similar species, with greater concentrations of TUBU TREE & LITTLE TUBU JAO zebra and wildebeest. Birding is exceptional: Vulnerable wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy- SEBA XIGERA throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser ABU jacana are found on the eastern side, with the CHITABE KINGS POOL western drier areas hosting crimson-breasted CHITABE LEDIBADUMATAU , Dickinson’s kestrel and Meyer’s . CAMPS: JAO CAMP, JACANA CAMP, VUMTSANI SAVUTI CAMP, TUBU TREE, LITTLE TUBU, PELO CAMP

Xigera Concession 6 000 hectares, in the heart of the Delta. Situated on one of the Okavango’s key VUMBURA PLAINS waterways, it is surrounded by picturesque papyrus swamps and wooded islands and is LITTLE VUMBURA renowned for the highest density of the elusive BANOKA sitatunga antelope in the Delta. Not known BUSH CAMP for big game, mammal sightings do include red lechwe, spotted-necked otter, vervet KWETSANI PELO MOMBO & LITTLE MOMBO monkey, elephant, impala and tsessebe, with JACANA predators such as leopard, spotted hyaena, TUBUand TREE & LITTLE TUBU JAO occasionally lion. This concession is a delight for birdwatchers, many of the key swamp-dwelling SEBA XIGERA ABU specialists being present, notably Pel’s Fishing- CHITABE Owl, African skimmer, brown , greater swamp warbler, wattled crane, African pygmy CHITABE LEDIBA goose, Luapula and lesser jacana. Common species include a variety of kingfishers and other waterbirds. CAMPS: XIGERA CAMP

3 KINGS POOL

DUMATAU

SAVUTI

OUR BOTSWANA CONCESSIONS

Abu Concession VUMBURA PLAINS 173 000 hectares, in the south-west of the Delta.

This scenically splendid concession varies from LITTLE VUMBURA seasonally inundated floodplains, channels BANOKA and palm islands in the north-east to the dryer BUSH CAMP Kalahari ‘Sandveld Tongue’ in the west. Here, trees like Kalahari appleleaf and silver terminalia KWETSANI PELO MOMBO & LITTLE MOMBO dominate, adding much contrast to this unique JACANA area. Big game is plentiful and includes frequent TUBU TREE & LITTLE TUBU JAO sightings of giraffe, buffalo, elephant, red lechwe, blue wildebeest, tsessebe, impala, SEBA XIGERA zebra, hippo and warthog. Dominant carnivores ABU include lion and spotted hyaena with occasional CHITABE

leopard and wild dog. For bird enthusiasts, CHITABE LEDIBA some 380 different species can be found. CAMPS: ABU CAMP, SEBA CAMP

Linyanti Concession The 125 000 hectare Linyanti Concession border Chobe National Park’s western boundary. Most of this wildlife-rich area consists of mopane woodland with floodplains and riparian forest along the Linyanti Marsh. Linyanti is also bisected by an ancient, acclaimed watercourse – the Savute Channel – which provides a year- round water source and attraction for wildlife. The area is famed for herds of elephant that reach very high densities in the drier winter KINGS POOL months. Other species are also abundant – DUMATAU Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, SAVUTI impala, southern giraffe, red lechwe, reedbuck, kudu – and rarer species such as roan and sable. In addition to lion, spotted hyaena and leopard, the area also plays host to healthy populations of wild dog and occasional cheetah. Birding too is unique here including Arnot’s , VUMBURA PLAINS brilliant flocks of southern carmine bee-eaters (seasonal) and red-necked . LITTLE VUMBURA CAMPS: KINGS POOL, DUMATAU CAMP, BANOKA SAVUTI CAMP BUSH CAMP

KWETSANI PELO MOMBO & LITTLE MOMBO 4 JACANA TUBU TREE & LITTLE TUBU JAO

SEBA XIGERA ABU

CHITABE

CHITABE LEDIBA KINGS POOL

DUMATAU

SAVUTI

VUMBURA PLAINS OUR BOTSWANA CONCESSIONS

LITTLE VUMBURA Chitabe Concession BANOKA 28 000 hectares, in the south-east of the Delta. BUSH CAMP This concession is separated from the Moremi

Game Reserve by the GomotiKWETSANI Channel. This eastern half of the concession is characterisedPELO by MOMBO & LITTLE MOMBO JACANA grassy floodplains, which separate the Channel TUBU TREE & LITTLE TUBU JAO from acacia and mopane woodland. The western

half has as its boundary the SantantadibeSEBA River XIGERA with a variety of typical Okavango habitatsABU – seasonal palm-dotted floodplains, wooded CHITABE islands, tranquil waterways and dry woodland – ensuring a year-round variety of wildlife and CHITABE LEDIBA bird species. It is this diversity and a mix of Okavango and Kalahari habitats that allows good concentrations of all the larger predators – lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, cheetah and wild dog – as well as herbivores like giraffe, buffalo, lechwe, tsessebe, impala and elephant. is equally excellent, including black coucal, African barred owlet, Bennet’s

, greater painted snipe, southern KINGS POOL

ground hornbill and pink-backed pelican. DUMATAU CAMPS: CHITABE CAMP, CHITABE LEDIBA SAVUTI

Khwai Concession 180 000 hectares, in the north-eastern corner of the Okavango Delta adjoining the Moremi Game Reserve. The Khwai area has a wide range of habitats: a blend of woodlands, floodplain, wetland and .VUMBURA The narrowPLAINS Khwai Channel is home to large such LITTLE VUMBURA as hippo, crocodile, buffalo and red lechwe. BANOKA Riverine woodland, dominated by camelthorn, BUSH CAMP knobthorn and appleleaf, provides sanctuary to birds, primates and leopard. The floodplains KWETSANI offer common speciesPELO such as MOMBOkudu, & tsessebe, LITTLE MOMBO Burchell’s zebra andJACANA blue wildebeest. Away from TUBU TREE & LITTLE TUBU JAO the river, there is a mix of acacia and leadwood trees that abuts into mopane woodland. Larger SEBA XIGERA predators includeABU lion, wild dog and spotted

hyaena. Birdlife is just as varied, with 450 CHITABE species present, including wattled crane and saddle-billed stork, together with numerous CHITABE LEDIBA raptors. CAMPS: BANOKA BUSH CAMP

5 OUR BOTSWANA CONCESSIONS

Central Kalahari Game Reserve In the northern plains of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, sweeping vistas and acacia savannah mosaics direct the landscape and hold significant populations of large predators such as lion, cheetah and brown hyaena. KALAHARI PLAINS CAMP Herbivore aggregations include impressive herds of springbok and gemsbok as well as red hartebeest, wildebeest and eland. The plains game populations move seasonally between CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE (CKGR) dune and valley: in summer, the verdant flatlands are a thriving wildlife mosaic, whilst in winter a series of ecologically-placed waterholes enhance game viewing. Over 220 bird species include significant populations of regionally threatened and arid-west endemic species including memorable species like crimson- breasted shrike, violet-eared waxbill, double- banded courser and southern pied babbler. CAMPS: KALAHARI PLAINS CAMP

Zambia/Zimbabwe Victoria Falls (Livingstone) ZAMBIA One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the Smoke that Thunders” – a name that THE RIVER CLUB accurately depicts the plume of spray, visible MOSI-OA-TUNYA NATIONAL PARK for some distance, caused by the cascading waters of the Zambezi River. This is an area TOKA LEYA LIVINGSTONE of spectacular scenic beauty: from the Falls themselves to the broad, picturesque course ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK of the Zambezi River upstream. Wildlife also abounds in the area, particularly during the dry season, and can be viewed while boating on the ZIMBABWE river or on game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya VICTORIA FALLS National Park upstream of the Falls. CAMPS: TOKA LEYA CAMP, THE RIVER CLUB

6 QUICK BIRD FAMILY INDEX

Apalis...... 25 Godwit...... 19 Redshank...... 19 Avocet...... 20 Goshawks...... 21 Robins...... 25 Babblers...... 25 ...... 16 Rollers...... 17 Barbets...... 16 Gulls...... 20 Ruff...... 20 Batises...... 23 Hamerkop...... 22 Sandgrouse...... 19 Bee-eaters...... 17 Harriers...... 21 Sandpiper...... 19 Bishops...... 27 Hawks...... 21 Scrub-robins...... 26 ...... 22 Helmetshrikes...... 23 ...... 21 Boubous...... 23 ...... 22 Shorebirds...... 19 Bulbuls, Greenbuls, Brownbuls...... 24 ...... 22 /Bushshrikes/Brubru/Puffback...... 23 Buntings...... 28 /Honeybirds...... 16 Skimmer...... 20 Bustards...... 19 ...... 17 Snipe...... 19 Buttonquail...... 16 Hornbills...... 17 Sparrows...... 27 Buzzards...... 21 Indigobirds...... 27 Sparrowhawks...... 21 Canaries...... 28 Ibises...... 22 Sparrowlarks...... 25 Camaroptera...... 25 Jacanas...... 20 Spoonbill...... 22 Chats...... 25 Kestrels...... 22 Starlings...... 26 (incl. Neddicky)...... 22 Kingfishers...... 17 Stilt...... 20 Cormorants...... 22 Kites...... 21 Stint...... 20 ...... 17 Korhaans...... 19 Storks/Openbill...... 23 ...... 19 ...... 25 ...... 26 Coursers...... 20 Mannikin...... 27 ...... 24 Crakes...... 19 Martins...... 24 Swamphen...... 19 Cranes...... 19 ...... 19 Swifts/Spinetails...... 18 ...... 24 Mousebirds...... 17 Tchagras...... 23 Crows/Raven...... 23 Nightingale...... 25 Terns...... 20 ...... 17 ...... 18 Thick-knees...... 20 ...... 24 Orioles...... 23 Thrushes...... 25 Darter...... 22 Osprey...... 20 -babbler...... 25 Doves...... 19 Ostrich...... 16 Tits...... 24 Drongo...... 23 ...... 18 ...... 17 /Geese...... 16 Oxpeckers...... 26 Turacos...... 18 ...... 21 ...... 18 Turnstone...... 20 Egrets...... 22 Pelicans...... 23 Vultures...... 21 Eremomelas...... 25 Penduline-tits...... 24 ...... 19 ...... 22 Petronia...... 27 Wagtails...... 27 Finches...... 27 Pigeons...... 19 Warblers...... 24 ...... 27 Pipits/Longclaw...... 27 Waxbills...... 27 Finfoot...... 19 Plovers/Lapwings...... 20 Weavers...... 26 Flamingos...... 22 Pratincoles...... 20 Wheatear...... 26 Flufftails...... 19 Prinias...... 25 White-eyes...... 25 Flycatchers/Monarch...... 23, 25 Pytilia...... 27 Widowbird...... 26 /Spurfowls...... 16 ...... 16 Whydahs...... 27 Gallinule...... 19 ...... 27 Wood-Hoopoes...... 17 Grebe...... 22 Quelea...... 27 ...... 16 Greenshank...... 19 ...... 19 Go-away-Bird...... 18 Raptors...... 21

7 TIPS FOR WILDLIFE VIEWING

– Binoculars are essential particularly for observing birds and smaller mammal species. When larger animals are spotted at a distance, binoculars will enhance the enjoyment of those particular sightings.

– Patience is a good virtue for wildlife viewing. Spend a little more time at each sighting and quietly observe fascinating behavioural traits coming to the fore.

– Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to be out looking for wildlife. This is the ‘golden hour’ for photography and activity peaks, with nocturnal species (e.g., leopard) often still active.

– during the heat of the day many animals will drink at waterholes (e.g., elephant, zebra), making this a good time to be there.

– night drives (where available) can also be rewarding for nocturnal mammals such as genets, bushbabies, white-tailed mongoose and brown hyaena.

– Best months for birdwatching are December to April when resident birds are most active and intra-African and Palaearctic migratory species are in the subregion.

HOW TO USE THESE CHECKLISTS

– The checklist presented does not cover the entire country, but rather is a comprehensive list for our concessions.

– The oval circle indicates that the species is present for a given locality.

– The detailed species lists have been grouped taxonomically by family and by Wilderness Safaris concessions in Botswana and the Livingstone (Victoria Falls) area.

– A number of species are migratory (e.g., birds) or may hibernate (e.g., and ) during the southern African winter, so they may not be seen during your visit.

– Endemic/Near-Endemic species and are highlighted with an asterisk.

– The botanical diversity of Botswana is significant and beyond the practical realms of this checklist, and has thus been omitted. The guides on your trip are knowledgeable in the local flora, will have the necessary field guides, and will certainly point out any trees, and flowers that may be of interest or in bloom on your safari.

– All new records will be gratefully received (supporting image a bonus); please email [email protected] with “New Species Record” in the subject line.

8 RECOMMENDED FIELD GUIDES

Smithers’ Mammals of Southern Africa: A Field Guide Peter Apps. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 9781868725502 Concise, informative guide on the mammal species found in southern Africa.

The Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals Jonathan Kingdon. Princeton University Press. ISBN: 9780713669817 Compact and beautifully illustrated, it is ideal for use in the field, while its coverage is the most comprehensive for any book of its size.

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa – 4th Edition Ian Sinclair; Phil Hockey; Warwick Tarboton. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 978 1 77007 925 0 The all-in-one guide to the birds of southern Africa.

A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa Vincent Carruthers and Louis Du Preez. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 9781770074460 This guide offers the most authoritative and comprehensive treatment of frogs of the region.

A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa Johan Marais and Graham Alexander. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 9781770073869 This well-illustrated guide introduces the 517 species currently described in the region, arranged into three main groups: snakes and , crocodiles, and shelled reptiles.

CHECKLIST KEY

• BOTS – Botswana • LIN – Linyanti Concession • VUM – Vumbura Concession • MOM – Mombo Concession • XIG – Xigera Concession • JAO – Jao Concession • ABU – Abu Concession • CHIT – Chitabe Concession • KHW – Khwai Concession • CKGR – Central Kalahari Concession • LIV – Livingstone (Victoria Falls)

* Southern African endemic or near-endemic species

9 Honey Badger Cape Buffalo

SITATUNGA

CHEETAH

VERVET MONKEY

COMMON WARTHOG

10 MAMMALS

Botswana is one of Africa’s success stories, in which vast tracts of wilderness found here are formally conserved: 45% of the country has been set aside as national parks and wildlife reserves. This sets the stage for one of the top mammal viewing destinations in Africa. 147 species of mammals have been recorded.

The Okavango Delta is home to aquatic-specialist antelope like red lechwe and sitatunga and supports a high density of mammals. Elephant and buffalo occur here in large herds, as do tsessebe. White and black rhino, once extinct in northern Botswana, have been reintroduced to the central regions of Moremi Game Reserve. Botswana also hosts one of Africa’s largest wild dog populations, a critically endangered carnivore, as well as lion, cheetah, spotted hyaena and leopard. In Botswana the chances of seeing rare species such as the elusive pangolin, honey badger or aardwolf are also relatively good. In contrast, the Central Kalahari hosts a very different montage of mammals, such as gemsbok, springbok, meerkat, brown hyaena, bat-eared and Cape fox. Roan and sable antelope prefer the broad-leafed woodland mosaic of the Linyanti and areas north of the Okavango.

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Victoria Falls offers excellent sightings of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala and even white rhino. Elephant can also often be seen swimming across the Zambezi River here.

AFRICAN WILD DOG SABLE

BANDED MONGOOSE

SURICATE (MEERKAT)

ORYX/SPRINGBOK HERD

11 MAMMALS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Shrews Soricomorpha Swamp Musk Shrew Crocidura mariquensis v v v v v v v v v Lesser Red Musk Shrew Crocidura hirta v v v v v v v v v v Reddish-grey Musk Shrew Crocidura cyanea v Greater Dwarf Shrew Suncus lixus v Elephant Shrews Macroscelidea Short-snouted Elephant-shrew Elephantulus brachyrhynchus v Bats Chiroptera Peters’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus crypturus v v v v v v v v v Mauritian Tomb Bat Taphozous mauritianus v v v v v v v v v v Sundevall’s Leaf-nosed Bat Hipposideros caffer v Commerson’s Leaf-nosed Bat Hipposideros commersoni v v v v v v Egyptian Slit-faced Bat Nycteris thebaica v v v v v v v v v v Hildebrandt’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hildebrandti v Ruppell’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus fumigatus v v v Darling’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus darlingi v v Dent’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus denti v v v v v v v Rusty Bat Pipistrellus rusticus v v v v v Cape Serotine Bat Neoromicia capensis v v v v v v v v v v Banana Bat Neoromicia nanus v v v v v v v v v Ruppell’s Bat Pipistrellus rueppellii v v v v v Butterfly Bat Glauconycteris variegata v v v v Botswana Long-eared Bat Laephotis botswanae v v v v Schleiffen’s Bat Nycticeius schleiffenii v v v v v v v v Yellow House Bat Scotophilus dinganii v v Lesser Yellow House Bat Scotophilus borbonicus v v Egyptian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida aegyptiaca v v v v v v v v v v Angolan Free-tailed Bat Tadarida condylura v v v v Midas Free-tailed Bat Tadarida midas v v Little Free-tailed Bat Tadarida pumila v v v v v v v v v Schreiber’s Long-fingered Bat Miniopterus schreibersii v v v v v v v v v Primates Primates Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus v v v v v v v v v v Cercopithecus aethiops v v v v v v v v v v Lesser Bushbaby Galago moholi v v v v v v v v Pangolins Pholidota Pangolin Smutsia temminckii v v v v v v v v v Hares Lagomorpha Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis v v v v v v v v v v v , Squirrels And Gerbils Rodentia *South African Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris v v Tree (Smith’s Bush) Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi v v v v v v v v v v Woodland Dormouse Graphiurus murinus v v v v v v v v v v v Springhare Pedetes capensis v v v v v v v v v v Damara Molerat Cryptomys damarensis v v v v v v v v v v Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis v v v v v v v v v v Greater Cane Thryonomys swinderianus v v v v v v v v v

12 MAMMALS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Woosnam’s Broad-headed Mouse Zelotomys woosnami v v v v South African Pouched Mouse Saccostomus campestris v v v v v v v v v Fat Mouse Steatomys pratensis v v v v v v v v v Tiny Fat Mouse Steatomys parvus v Grey Climbing Mouse Dendromus melanotis v v v v v v v v v v Brant’s Climbing Mouse Dendromus mesomelas v v v v v v v *Cape Short-tailed Gerbil Desmodillus auricularis v v v v *Hairy-footed Gerbil Gerbillurus paeba v v v v v v Bushveld Gerbil Gerbilliscus leucogaster v v v v v v v v v *Highveld Gerbil Gerbilliscus brantsii v v v v v v v v v v Red Rock Rat Aethomys chrysophilus v v v v v v v v v v African Marsh Rat Dasymus incomtus v v v v v v Four-striped (Grass) Mouse pumilio v v Single-striped Mouse Lemniscomys rosalia v v v v v v v v v v v Desert Pygmy Mouse Mus indutus v v v v v Pygmy Mouse Mus minutoides v v Acacia Rat Thallomys paedulcus v v v v v v v v v v Groove-toothed Swamp Rat Pelomys fallax v v v v v v v v v Multimammate Mouse Mastomys coucha v v v v v v v v v Angoni Vlei Rat Otomys angoniensis v v v Carnivores Carnivora *Cape Fox Vulpes chama v v Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis v v v v v v v v Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas v v v v v v v v v v Side-striped Jackal Canis adustus v v v v v v v v v Wild Dog Lycaon pictus v v v v v v v v v v Cape Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis v v v v v v v v v v Spotted-necked Otter Lutra maculicollis v v v v v v v v v Honey Badger Mellivora capensis v v v v v v v v v v Striped Weasel Poecilogale albinucha v Striped Polecat Ictonyx striatus v v v v v v v v v Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo v v v v v v v v v v Selous’s Mongoose Paracynictis selousi v v v v v v v v v Large Grey (Egyptian) Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon v v v v v v v v Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguinea v v v v v v v v v v v Marsh (Water) Mongoose Atilax paludinosus v v v v v v v v v Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula v v v v v v v v v v White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda v Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata v v v v v v v *Suricate Suricata suricatta v v Small-spotted Genet Genetta genetta v v v v v Large-spotted Genet Genetta tigrina v v v v v v v v v v African Civet Civettictis civetta v v v v v v v v v Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta v v v v v v v v v v Brown Hyaena Hyaena brunnea v v Aardwolf Proteles cristatus v v v v v v v v African Wild Felis lybica v v v v v v v v v v

13 MAMMALS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Small Spotted Cat Felis nigripes v v v Serval Leptailurus serval v v v v v v v v v Caracal Caracal caracal v v v v v v v v v v Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus v v v v v v v v v Lion Panthera leo v v v v v v v v v v Leopard Panthera pardus v v v v v v v v v v Aardvark Tubulidentata Aardvark Orycteropus afer v v v v v v v v v v Elephants Proboscidea Loxodonta africana v v v v v v v v v v v Odd-Toed Ungulates Perissodactyla Plains (Burchell’s) Zebra Equus quagga burchellii v v v v v v v v v v Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis v v White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum v v v Warthog Artiodactyla: Suiformes Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus v v v v v v v v v v Bushpig Potamochoerus porcus v v Hippopotamus Artiodactyla: Whippomorpha Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius v v v v v v v v v v Giraffe, Buffalo, Antelope Artiodactyla: Ruminantia Southern Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis v v v v v v v v v v v Cape Buffalo Syncerus caffer caffer v v v v v v v v v v Eland Taurotragus oryx v v v Tragelaphus strepsiceros v v v v v v v v v v Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekei v v v v v v v v v Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus v v v v v v v v v Roan Hippotragus equinus v v v v Sable Hippotragus v v v v Gemsbok Oryx gazella v v Common Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus v v v v v v v v v Red Lechwe Kobus leche v v v v v v v v v Southern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum v v v v v v v v v Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus taurinus v v v v v v v v v v v Red Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus caama v v Tsessebe Damaliscus lunatus v v v v v v v v v Common Impala Aepyceros melampus melampus v v v v v v v v v v Springbok Antidorcas marsuplialis v v Steenbok Raphicerus campestris v v v v v v v v v v v Common (Grey) Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia v v v v v v v v v

14 BIRDS

Thanks to its mosaic of habitat types, Botswana is a superb birding locale with incredible diversity of 593 species. At the forefront must be the Okavango Delta, which has the richest avifauna of 464 species and is home to the hallowed Pel’s fishing-owl, African skimmer and important populations of endangered bird species suchas southern ground hornbill and wattled crane. More conspicuous and commonly seen are papyrus swamp specialists like coppery-tailed coucal, , greater swamp warbler, chirping cisticola, swamp and western banded -. Further, Botswana has two near-endemic species: the slaty egret, which has approximately 85% of its population restricted to the Delta, and the short-clawed , which has more than 90% of its global population in south-eastern Botswana.

In the mopane woodlands of the Linyanti, the likes of Arnot’s chat, Bradfield’s hornbill and coqui can be found. The Central Kalahari offers a bird community more akin to the arid west regions of the subregion and thus has a higher rate of endemism and is not to be missed on a comprehensive Botswana birding safari. Species here include violet-eared waxbill, shaft-tailed whydah, barred wren-warbler, northern black korhaan, double-banded courser, secretarybird, ostrich, crimson-breasted shrike, Kalahari scrub-robin, , Lanner falcon and Namaqua sandgrouse.

The Zambezi River where it intersects with the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is good for African finfoot, half- collared kingfisher, Schalow’s turaco and rock pratincole.

* Please refer to page 7 for the handy alphabetical quick bird family index

CRIMSON-BREASTED SHRIKE Scaly-feathered Finch

SLATY EGRET WATTLED CRANE

AFRICAN SKIMMER

15 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Ostriches Struthionidae Common Ostrich Struthio camelus v v v v v v v v v and Allies Coqui Francolin Peliperdix coqui v v v Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena v v v v v v v v v v Shelley’s Francolin Scleroptila shelleyi v *Red-billed Spurfowl Pternistis adspersus v v v v v v v v v v Natal Spurfowl Pternistes natalensis v Swainson’s Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii v v v v v v v v v v Common coturnix v v v v v v v Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei v v v v v v v v v Coturnix adansonii v Guineafowl Numididae Numida meleagris v v v v v v v v v Crested Guineafowl edouardi v Ducks and Geese Fulvous Dendrocygna bicolor v v v v v v v v v v White-faced Duck Dendrocygna viduata v v v v v v v v v v White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus v v v v v v v Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca v v v v v v v v v v Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis v v v v v v v v v v Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos v v v v v v v v v v African Pygmy-Goose Nettapus auritus v v v v v v v v v v Cape Teal Anas capensis v African Black Duck Anas sparsa v Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata v v v v v v v v v v Cape Shoveller Anas smithii v Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha v v v v v v v v v Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota v v v v v v v v v Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma v v v v v v v v Buttonquail Turnicidae Kurrichane Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus v v v v v v v v v v v Honeyguides and Honeybirds Indicatoridae Greater Indicator indicator v v v v v v v v v v Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor v v v v v v v v v v Brown-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus v v v Woodpeckers Picidae Bennett’s Woodpecker Campethera bennettii v v v v v v v v v v Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni v v v v v v v v v v Cardinal Woodpecker fuscescens v v v v v v v v v v Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus v v v v v v v v v v Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus v African Barbets Lybiidae Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus v v v v v v v v v v *Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas v v v v v v v v Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus v v v v v v v v v v Crested Barbet vaillantii v v v v v v v v v v

16 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Hornbills Bucerotidae Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus v v v v v v v v v v *Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas v v v v v v v v v v v Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus v *Bradfield’s Hornbill Tockus bradfieldi v v v v v v v v v v African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus v v v v v v v v v v Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator v Ground Hornbills Bucorvidae Southern Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri v v v v v v v v v v Hoopoes Upupidae African Upupa africana v v v v v v v v v v v Wood-hoopoes Phoeniculidae Green Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus v v v v v v v v v v Common Rhinopomastus cyanomelas v v v v v v v v v v v Trogons Trogonidae Narina Apaloderma narina v v v v v Rollers Coraciidae European Roller Coracias garrulus v v v v v v v v v v v Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus v v v v v v v v v v v Racket-tailed Roller Coracias spatulatus v v v Purple Roller Coracias naevius v v v v v v v v v v Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus v v v v v v v v v Kingfishers Alcedinidae Half-collared Kingfisher Alcedo semitorquata v Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata v v v v v v v v v v African Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta v v v v v v v v v v Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala v v v v v v v v v v Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis v v v v v v v v v v Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris v v v v v v v v v v Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti v v v v v v v v v v Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maximus v v v v v v v v v v Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis v v v v v v v v v v Bee-eaters Meropidae White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides v v v v v v v v v v Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus v v v v v v v v v v -tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus v v v v v v v v v v v Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus v v v v v v v v v v Olive Bee-eater Merops superciliosus v European Bee-eater Merops apiaster v v v v v v v v v v v Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides v v v v v v v v v v Mousebirds Coliidae Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus v v v v v v v v v v v Cuckoos and Coucals Cuculidae Jacobin Clamator jacobinus v v v v v v v v v v v Levaillant’s Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii v v v v v v v v v v v Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius v v v v v v v v v v v Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti v v v

17 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Red-chested Cuckoo solitarius v v v v v v v v v v Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus v v v v v v v v v v Cuculus canorus v v v v v v v v v v African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis v v v v v v v v v v Klaas’s Cuckoo klaas v v v v v v v v v v African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus v v v Diderick Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius v v v v v v v v v v v Black Coucal Centropus grillii v v v v v v v v v Coppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus v v v v v v v v v v Coucal Centropus senegalensis v v v v v v v v v v White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus v v v v v v v v v v Parrots and Lovebirds Psittacidae Grey-headed Parrot Poicephalus fuscicollis v Meyer’s Parrot Poicephalus meyeri v v v v v v v v v v Swifts and Spinetails Apodidae Böhm’s Spinetail Neafrapus boehmi v v African Palm- Cypsiurus parvus v v v v v v v v v v Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba v v v Mottled Swift Tachymarptis aequatorialis v Common Swift Apus apus v v v v v v v African Black Swift Apus barbatus v Little Swift Apus affinis v Horus Swift Apus horus v White-rumped Swift Apus caffer v Turacos and Go-Away-Birds Musophagidae Schalow’s Turaco Tauraco schalowi v v v Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor v v v v v v v v v v v Barn Owls Tytonidae Barn Owl Tyto alba v v v v v v v v Owls Strigidae African Scops-Owl Otus senegalensis v v v v v v v v v v Southern White-faced Scops-Owl Ptilopsis granti v v v v v v v v v v Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus v v v v v v v Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus v v v v v v v v v v Pel’s Fishing-Owl Scotopelia peli v v v v v v v v v African Wood-Owl woodfordii v v v v v v Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum v v v v v v v v v African Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense v v v v v v v v Marsh Owl Asio capensis v v v v v v v v Nightjars Caprimulgidae Fiery-necked Nightjar pectoralis v v v v v v v v v v Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma v Swamp Nightjar Caprimulgus natalensis v v v v v v v Square-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii v v v v v v v v Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena v v v v v European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus v v v v v v Pennant-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx vexillarius v v v

18 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Pigeons and Doves Rock Dove Columba livia v Streptopelia senegalensis v v v v v v v v v v v African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens v v v v v v v v v Cape Turtle-Dove Streptopelia capicola v v v v v v v v v v v Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata v v v v v v v v v v Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos v v v v v v v v v v Namaqua Dove Oena capensis v v v v v v v v v v African Green-Pigeon Treron calvus v v v v v v v v v v Bustards and Korhaans Otididae Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami v v v Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori v v v v v v v *Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista v v v v v v v v *Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides v v Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster v v v v v v v Cranes Gruidae Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum v v v v Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculatus v v v v v v v v v Finfoots Heliornithidae African Finfoot Podica senegalensis v Rails, Crakes and Rallidae Rallus caerulescens v v v v v Crecopsis egregia v v v v v v v v v v Crex crex v v v v Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris v v v v v v v v v v Baillon’s Crake pusilla v v v v African Purple Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis v v v v v v Allen’s Gallinule Porphyrio alleni v v v v v v v v v Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus v v v v v v v v v v Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata v v v v v v v v v v Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata v Flufftails Sarothruridae Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa v v v Sandgrouse Pteroclididae *Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua v v v v *Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus v v v v v v v v v v *Burchell’s Sandgrouse Pterocles burchelli v v v v v v v v Waders,Sandpipers and Snipes Scolopacidae Gallinago media v v v v African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis v v v v v v v Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa v v v v v Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica v Common Redshank Tringa totanus v v v Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis v v v v v v v v v Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia v v v v v v v v v v v Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus v Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola v v v v v v v v v v v

19 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos v v v v v v v v v Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres v v v v v Sanderling Calidris alba v Little Stint Calidris minuta v v v v v Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos v v Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea v v v v Ruff Philomachus pugnax v v v v v v v v v v Painted-Snipes Rostratulidae Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis v v v v v v v v v Jacanas African Jacana africanus v v v v v v v v v v Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis v v v v v v v v v Thick-knees Burhinidae Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus v v v v v v v v v v Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis v v v v v v v v v v Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus v v v v v v v v v v Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta v v v v v v v v Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola v v v Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula v v v v v Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius v v v v v v v v Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris v v v v v v v v v v Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus v v v White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus v Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus v v v Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris v v v v v v v v v v Vanellus armatus v v v v v v v v v v v White-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps v African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus v v v v v v v v v Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus v v v v v v v v v v v Coursers and Pratincoles Glareolidae Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus v v v Bronze-winged Courser Rhinoptilus chalcopterus v v v v v v Three-banded Courser Rhinoptilus cinctus v v v v Temminck’s Courser Cursorius temminckii v v v v v v v v Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola v v v v v v v v v v Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni v v v v v Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis v Gulls, Terns and Skimmers Laridae African Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris v v v v v v v Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus v v v Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus v v v v v Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida v v v v v v v v v White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus v v v v v v v Ospreys Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus v v v v v

20 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Kites, Hawks and Eagles African Cuckoo Hawk Aviceda cuculoides v v v v v European Honey-Buzzard Pernis apivorus v v v v v v Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus v v v v v v v v v v Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus v v v v v v v v v v v Milvus migrans v v v v v v v v v v v Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius v v v v v v v v v v v African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer v v v v v v v v v v Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis v v Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus v v v v v v v v v v v White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus v v v v v v v v v v v Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres v v v Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus v v v v v v v v v v v White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis v v v v v v v v v v Black-chested Snake-Eagle pectoralis v v v v v v v v v v v Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus v v v v v v v v v v v Western Banded Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinerascens v v v v v v v v Terathopius ecaudatus v v v v v v v v v v v African Marsh- Circus ranivorus v v v v v v v v v Circus macrourus v v v v v v v Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus v v v v African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus v v v v v v v v v v Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus v v v v v v v v v v Melierax metabates v v v v *Southern Melierax canorus v v Melierax gabar v v v v v v v v v v v African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro v Accipiter badius v v v v v v v v v v v Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus v v v v v v v v Ovambo Sparrowhawk Accipiter ovampensis v v v v v v Accipiter melanoleucus v Steppe Buzzard Buteo vulpinus v v v v v v v v v v v Augur Buzzard Buteo augur v v v Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis v v v v v v v v v v Aquila rapax v v v v v v v v v v v Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina v v v v v v v v v v Verreauxs’ Eagle Aquila verreauxii v African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster v v v v v v v v v Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle Aquila ayresii v v v v v v Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus v v v Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi v v v v v v v v v Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus v v v v v v v v v v Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis v v v v v v v African Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus v Secretarybird Sagittariidae Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius v v v v v v v v

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COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Kestrels and Falcons Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni v v v v v Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus v Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides v v v v Dickinson’s Kestrel Falco dickinsoni v v v v v v v v Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera v v v v v v v v v v Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus v v v v v v Amur Falcon Falco amurensis v v v v v v v v Sooty Falcon Falco concolor v Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo v v v v v v v v v v v African Hobby Falco cuvierii v v v Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus v v v v v v v Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus v v v Falco fasciinucha v Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis v v v v v v v v v v Darters Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa v v v v v v v v v v Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus v v v v v v v v v v White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus v v v v v v v Egrets, Herons and Bitterns Ardeidae *Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula v v v v v v v v v v Black Egretta ardesiaca v v v v v v v v v v Little Egret Egretta garzetta v v v v v v v v v v Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia v v v v v v v v v v Great (White) Egret Egretta alba v v v v v v v v v v Grey Heron Ardea cinerea v v v v v v v v v v Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala v v v v v v v v v v Goliath Heron Ardea goliath v v v v v v v v v Purple Heron Ardea purpurea v v v v v v v v v v Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis v v v v v v v v v v v Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides v v v v v v v v v v Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris v v v v v v v v v v Green-backed Heron Butorides striata v v v v v v v v v v Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax v v v v v v v v v v White-backed Night-Heron Gorsachius leuconotus v v v v v Little minutus v v v v v v v v Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii v v v v v v v v v v Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta v v v v v v v v v v Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber v v v v v v v Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor v v v v v Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus v v v v v v v v v v Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash v v v v v v v v v v

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COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus v v v v v v v v v v African Spoonbill Platalea alba v v v v v v v v v v Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus v v v v v v v v Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens v v v v v v v v Storks Ciconiidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis v v v v v v v v v v African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus v v v v v v v v v v Black Stork Ciconia nigra v v v Abdim’s Stork Ciconia abdimii v v v v v v v v v v v Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus v v v v v v v v v v White Stork Ciconia ciconia v v v v v v v v v v v Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis v v v v v v v v v v Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus v v v v v v v v v v v Orioles Oriolidae Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus v v v v v v v v v v African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus v v v v v v v v v v Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus v v v v v v v v v v Drongos Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis v v v v v v v v v v v Monarchs Monarchidae African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis v v v v v v v v v v Bushshrikes, Boubous & Tchagras Malaconotidae Brubru Nilaus afer v v v v v v v v v v v Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla v v v v v v v v v v Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus v v v v v v v v v v Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis v v v v v v v v v v v Tropical Boubou aethiopicus v Swamp Boubou Laniarius bicolor v v v v v v v v v *Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus v v v v v v v v v v Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike Telophorus sulfureopectus v v v v v v v v v v Grey-headed Bush-Shrike Malaconotus blanchoti v v v v v v v v v v Shrikes Laniidae Red-backed Shrike collurio v v v v v v v v v v v Lanius minor v v v v v v v v v v v Common Fiscal Lanius collaris v v v Corvinella melanoleuca v v v v v v v v v v *Southern White-crowned Shrike anguitimens v v v v v v v v Helmetshrikes Prionopidae White-crested Helmet-Shrike Prionops plumatus v v v v v v v v v Retz’s Helmet-Shrike Prionops retzii v v v v v v v Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae Chinspot Batis molitor v v v v v v v v v v * Batis pririt v v Crows and Ravens Corvidae Cape Crow Corvus capensis v v Pied Crow Corvus albus v v v v v v

23 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis v Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae White-breasted Coracina pectoralis v v v v v Black Cuckooshrike flava v v v v v v v v v v Penduline Tits Remizidae *Cape Penduline-Tit minutus v v v Grey Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus coroli v v v v v v v Tits Paridae *Southern Black Tit niger v v v v v v v v v v *Ashy Tit Parus cinerascens v v Swallows and Martins Hirundinidae riparia v v v v v v v v v v v Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola v v v v v Riparia cincta v v v v v v v Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga v v v v v v v v rustica v v v v v v v v v v v White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis v v v v Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii v v v v v v v Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata v v v v v v v v v Hirundo cucullata v Hirundo abyssinica v v v v v v v v v v Red-breasted Swallow Hirundo semirufa v v v v v v v v v v Hirundo senegalensis v v v Hirundo fuligula v Common House-Martin urbicum v Bulbuls and Greenbuls Pycnonotidae Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor v v v v v v v v v v *African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans v v v v v v v v v Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris v v v v v Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris v v v v v v v v Grass Warblers and Crombecs Macrosphenidae Long-billed Sylvietta rufescens v v v v v v v v v v Reed Warblers and Allies River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis v Little Rush-Warbler Bradypterus baboecala v v v v v v v Sedge Warbler schoenobaenus v Eurasian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus v African Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus v v v v v v Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris v v Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus v v v v v v Greater Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens v v v v v Lesser Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris v v v v v v Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum v v v v v v Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina v v v v v v v v v v v Leaf Warblers and Allies Acrocephalidae Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus v v v v v v v v v v v

24 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Sylviid Warblers Garden Warbler Sylvia borin v v v v v v v v v v Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis v v v v v v *Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler Sylvia subcaeruleum v v v v v v v v Babblers Timaliidae Hartlaub’s Babbler Turdoides hartlaubii v v v v v v v v v *Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor v v v v v v v Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii v v v v v v v v v v White-eyes Zosteropidae African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis v v v v v v v Cisticolas and Allies Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops v Lazy Cisticola Cisticola aberrans v Cisticola chiniana v v v v v v v v Tinkling Cisticola Cisticola rufilatus v v v Luapula Cisticola Cisticola luapula v v v v v v v Chirping Cisticola Cisticola pipiens v v v v v v Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla v v v v v v Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis v v v v v v v v v Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus v v v v v v v Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava v v v v v v v v v v *Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans v v v v Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata v v v v v v v v v *Barred Wren-Warbler Calamonastes fasciolatus v v v Stierling’s Wren-Warbler Calamonastes stierlingi v v Yellow-breasted Apalis flavida v v v v v v v v v v Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis v v v v v v Green-capped Eremomela Eremomela scotops v v v v Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis v v v v v v v Larks Alaudidae Monotonous Lark passerina v Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana v v v v v v v v Mirafra rufocinnamomea v v v v *Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata v v *Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota v v v v v Fawn-coloured Lark Calendulauda africanoides v v v v v Dusky Lark Pinarocorys nigricans v v v v v *Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata v v Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix leucotis v v v v v v *Grey-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix verticalis v v v v v v Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea v v v v v v v Thrushes Turdidae Groundscraper Psophocichla litsitsirupa v v v v v v v v v v Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus v v v v v v v Robins, Chats and Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini v v v v v v v v Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis v

25 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Collared Palm-Thrush Cichladusa arquata v v v v Eastern Bearded Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata v White-browed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys v v v v v v v v v v *Kalahari Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas paena v v v v v African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus v v v v v v v Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata v v v v v v v Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris v *-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora v v v v Arnot’s Chat Myrmecocichla arnoti v v v v v Mocking Cliff-Chat cinnamomeiventris v Pale Flycatcher Bradornis pallidus v v v *Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus v v *Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis v v v v v v v v Southern Black Flycatcher pammelaina v v v v v v v v Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata v v v v v v v v v v v Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens v v v v v v v v v v Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus v v v v v v v v v v Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia v Starlings Sturnidae Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio v Miombo Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis elisabeth v *Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens v v v v v v v v v v Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus v v v v v v v v v *Burchell’s Starling Lamprotornis australis v v v v v v v v v *Meves’s Starling Lamprotornis mevesii v v v v v v v v v Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster v v v v v v v v v v Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea v v v v v v v v v v v Oxpeckers Buphagidae Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus v v v v v v v v v v Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus v v v v v v v v v v Sunbirds Nectariniidae Amethyst amethystina v Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis v v v v v v v v v v Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris v v v v v v v v Variable Sunbird venustus v White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala v v v v v v v v v v Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus v Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis v v v v v v v v v v Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus v Weavers and Widowbirds Ploceidae Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis niger v v v v v v v v v *Scaly-feathered Finch Sporopipes squamifrons v v v v v v v v Lesser Masked-Weaver Ploceus intermedius v v v v v v v v v v v Ploceus ocularis v v v v Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops v v v v v v v v v v Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus v v v v v Southern Masked-Weaver Ploceus velatus v v v v v v v v v v v

26 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus v v v v v v v Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes melanotis v v v v v v v v Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea v v v v v v v v v v v Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer v v v v v Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix v v v v v v Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis v Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris v v v v v v v White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus v v v v Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons v v v v v Waxbills and Allies Orange-breasted Waxbill Amandava subflava v v v v African Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis v v v v v v v v v v Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata v Black-faced Waxbill erythronotos v v v v v v v v Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild v v v v v v v v *Violet-eared Waxbill Granatina granatina v v v v v v Uraeginthus angolensis v v v v v v v v v v v Red-throated Twinspot Hypargos niveoguttatus v Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba v v v v v v v v v Orange-winged Pytilia Pytilia afra v *Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala v v Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala v v v v v v v v v v Brown Firefinch Lagonosticta nitidula v v v v v v v v Jameson’s Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia v v v v v v v v v v Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullatus v v v Magpie Mannikin Spermestes fringilloides v Indigobirds and Whydahs Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura v v v v v v v v v v Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah Vidua obtusa v Long-tailed Paradise-Whydah Vidua paradisaea v v v v v v v v v v *Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia v v v v v v Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata v v v v v v v v v v Purple Indigobird Vidua purpurascens v v v v v v v v v Cuckoo Finch Anomalospiza imberbis v Old World Sparrows Passeridae Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus v Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus v v v v v v v v v v v Yellow-throated Petronia Petronia superciliaris v v v v White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali v v v v v v v v v Wagtails, Longclaws and Pipits Motacillidae African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp v v v v v v v v v v Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis v v v v v v Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava v v v v v v Rosy-throated Longclaw Macronyx ameliae v v v v African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus v v v v v v v v v v v Striped Pipit Anthus lineiventris v Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys v v v v v v v

27 BIRDS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Buffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis v v v v v v v v v Canaries and Seedeaters Fringillidae Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambicus v v v v v v v v v Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis v v v v *Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris v v Buntings Emberizidae *Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani v v v v Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi v Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris v v v v v v v v v

WHITE-HEADED VULTURE LONG-TOED LAPWING

RED-CRESTED KORHAAN WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT

28 REPTILES

Botswana’s generally dry and hot conditions are perfect for a varied reptilian fauna of over 130 species. These range from the approximately 72 recorded snake species, most of which are non-venomous, to other fascinating reptile groups that include , sand lizards, , chameleons and agamas. The Okavango Delta itself is home to over 70 reptile species alone, which includes sizeable populations of , water monitor, Okavango hinged terrapin, and Barotse water snake.

Taxonomically, the reptiles in this checklist have been grouped and named according to ‘A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa’ by Johan Marais and Graham Alexander.

LEOPARD TORTOISE NILE (WATER) MONITOR

BLACK MAMBA

WESTERN GREEN SNAKE

29 REPTILES OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Tortoises Testudinidae Leopard Tortoise Geochelone pardalis v v v v v v v v v v v Serrated (Kalahari) Tent Tortoise Psammobates oculiferus v v Speke’s Hinged Tortoise Kinixys spekii v v v v v Terrapins Pelomedusidae, Trionychidae Marsh Terrapin Pelomedusa subrufa v v v v v v v v Pan Hinged Terrapin Pelusios subniger v v v v v v v *Okavango Hinged Terrapin Pelusios bechuanicus v v v v v v Mashona Hinged Terrapin Pelusios rhodesianus v v v Blind Snakes Typhlopidae Schlegel’s Beaked Blind Snake Rhinotyphlops schlegelii v v v v v v v v Thread Snakes Leptotyphlopidae Peters’ Thread Snake Leptotyphlops scutifrons v v v v v v v Pythons Pythonidae *Southern African Python Python natalensis v v v v v v v v v v African Burrowing Snakes Atractaspididae Southern (Bibron’s) Burrowing Asp Atractaspis bibronii v v v v v v v v v v Common Purple-glossed Snake Amblyodipsas polylepis v v v v v *Kalahari Purple-glossed Snake Amblyodipsas ventrimaculata v v v v v v v v v Bicoloured Quill-snouted Snake Xenocalamus bicolor v v Elongate Quill-snouted Snake Xenocalamus mechowii v v v v v v v v Typical Snakes Brown House Snake Lamprophis fuliginosus v v v v v v Cape Wolf Snake Lycophidion capense v v v v Mole Snake Pseudaspis cana v v v v v v v v v Olive Marsh Snake olivacea v v v v v v v v v v Eastern Striped Swamp Snake Limnophis bangweolicus v v v v v v v v v v *Two-striped Shovelsnout Prosymna bivittata v v Shovelsnout Prosymna angolensis v v Eastern Bark Snake Hemirhagerrhis nototaenia v v v v Lined Olympic Snake Dromophis lineatus v Striped Skaapsteker Psammophylax tritaeniatus v v v v v v v Grey-bellied Grass Snake (Skaapsteker) Psammophylax variabilis v Cape (Fork-marked) Sand Snake Psammophis leightoni v v Jalla’s Sand Snake Psammophis jallae v v Stripe-bellied Sand Snake Psammophis subtaeniatus v v v v v v v v v v Dwarf Sand Snake Psammophis angolensis v v v v v v v v Olive Grass Snake Psammophis mossambicus v v v v v v v v v v Semiornate Snake Meizodon semiornatus v Spotted Bush Snake Philothamnus semivariegatus v v v v v v v v v v Green Water Snake Philothamnus hoplogaster v Ornate Green Snake Philothamnus ornatus v v v v v Western Green Snake Philothamnus angolensis v v v v v v Common Eater v v v v v v v v v v v Herald Snake Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia v v v v Barotse Water Snake Crotaphopeltis barotseensis v v v v Eastern Tiger Snake Telescopus semiannulatus v v v v v v v v

30 REPTILES OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Boomslang Dispholidus typus v v v v v v v v v Vine Snake Thelotornis capensis oatesii v v v v v Cobras, Mambas and Allies Elapidae *Shield-nose Cobra Aspidelaps scutatus v v v v v v Angolan Garter Snake Elapsoidea semiannulata v v v Boulenger’s Garter Snake Elapsoidea boulengeri v v v v Sundervall’s Garter Snake Elapsoidea sunderwallii fitzsimonsi v v v v v Snouted Cobra Naja annulifera anchietae v v v v v v v v *Cape Cobra Naja nivea v v Spitting Cobra Naja mossambica v v v v v v v v v v Dendroaspis polylepsis v v v v v v v v v v v Vipers Common (Rhombic) Night Adder rhombeatus v v v v v v v v v Snouted Night Adder Causus defilippii v Bitis arietans v v v v v v v v v v * Horned Adder Bitis caudalis v v Worm-Like Lizards Amphisbaenidae Kalahari Round-headed Worm Lizard Zygaspis quadrifrons v v v v v v v v *Black Round-headed Worm Lizard Zygaspis nigra v *Anchieta’s Spade-snouted Worm Lizard Monopeltis anchietae v v v v *Kalahari Spade-snouted Worm Lizard Monopeltis leonhardi v v *Slender Spade-snouted Worm Lizard Monopeltis sphenorhynchus v v v v v v Blunt-tailed Worm Lizard Dalophia pistillum v v v v v v Long-tailed Worm Lizard Dalophia longicauda v Skinks Scincidae *Striped Legless Typhlosaurus lineatus lineatus v v *Kalahari Burrowing Skink Typhlacontias rohani v v v v v v Sundevall’s Writhing Skink Lygosoma sundevallii v v v v v v v Cape Skink Trachylepsis capensis v v Striped Skink Mabuya striata v v v v v v v v v Variable Skink Mabuya varia v v v v v v v *Variegated Skink Mabuya variegata punctulata v v v v v v *Spotted-neck Snake-eyed Skink Panaspis maculilabris v v v v v v Sand Lizards and Related Species Bushveld Lizard Heliobolus lugubris v v v v v v v v v Cape Rough-scaled Lizard capensis v v v v v v v v v Common Rough-scaled Lizard Ichnotropis squamulosa v v v v v v v v *Spotted Sandveld Lizard Nucras intertexta v v Namaqua Sand Lizard Pedioplanis namaquensis v v Plated Lizards Gerrhosauridae Yellow-throated Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus flavigularis v v v Rough-scaled Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus major v Kalahari Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus multilineatus auritus v v v v v v v v v Black-lined Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus v v v v Monitors Varanidae Rock (White-throated) Monitor Varanus albigularis v v v v v Water Monitor Varanus niloticus v v v v v v v v v v

31 REPTILES OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Agamas Ground Agama Agama aculeata aculeata v v v Southern Tree Agama atricollis v v Chameleons Chamaeleonidae Flap-neck Chameleon Chamaeleo dilepsis v v v v v v v v v v Geckos Gekkonidae *Kalahari Ground Colopus wahlbergii v v v v v Cape Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus capensis v v v v v v v v v v v * Chobe Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus chobiensis v v v *Cape Thick-toed Gecko Pachydactylus capensis v v Turner’s Thick-toed Gecko Pachydactylus turneri v v v v v v v v v v Speckled Thick-toed Gecko Pachydactylus punctatus v v v v v v v v v v O’Shaughnessy’s Thick-toed Gecko Pachydactylus oshaughnessyi v *Common Barking Gecko Ptenopus garrulus garrulus v v Crocodiles Crocodylidae Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus v v v v v v v v v v

GROUND AGAMA

SPOTTED BUSH SNAKE FLAP-NECK CHAMELEON

32 AMPHIBIANS

The term ‘’ comes from the Greek: amphi – double; bios – life. This ‘double life’ refers to the two phases of life that characterise most amphibians. The first is the aquatic tadpole stage, and the second is anadult terrestrial stage.

The Okavango and Linyanti regions of northern Botswana are known amphibian hotspots, due to the unique hydrological features of these areas that include permanent streams, swamps and seasonal floodplains dictated by annual flood regimes and summer rainfall. Around 40 species of amphibians have been recorded in Botswana, a surprisingly high tally considering the general aridity of most of the country. It is no surprise however, that 33 species alone have been documented in the Okavango Delta owing its variety of available niches. From the low vantage that a mokoro trip offers, one often sees the likes of Angolan and long reed , both making wonderful photographic subjects.

Following the summer rains, amphibians can also be found in the Central Kalahari, breeding in the brief pools of standing water. This is the best time to see species like Boettger’s caco and giant bullfrog, depending on the amount of rainfall.

The amphibian checklist is conveniently categorised in the respective families and taxonomically follows ‘A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa’ by Vincent Carruthers and Louis Du Preez.

GUTTURAL GIANT BULLFROG

ANGOLAN REED FROG SPECKLED-BELLIED GRASS FROG

33 AMPHIBIANS OF BOTSWANA R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

Toads Bufonidae *Western Olive Toad Amietophrynus poweri v v v v v v v v v Eastern Olive Toad Amietophrynus garmani v Guttural Toad Amietophrynus gutturalis v v v v v v v v v v v Kavango Pygmy Toad Poyntonophrynus kavangensis v v v v v v Northern Pygmy Toad Poyntonophrynus fenoulheti v Lemaire’s Toad Amietophrynus lemairii v v v v v v v v v Flat-backed Toad Amietophrynus maculatus v v v v v v v v v v Red Toad Schismaderma carens v Shovel-nosed Frogs Hemisotidae Guinea Shovel-nosed Frog Hemisus guineensis v v v Mottled Shovel-nosed Frog Hemisus marmoratus v v v v v v v v v Reed Frogs, Kassinas Hyperoliidae Bocage’s Sharp-nosed Reed Frog Hyperolius bengueellensis v v v v v v v v v v Sharp-nosed Reed Frog Hyperolius acuticeps v Angolan Reed Frog Hyperolius parallelus angolensis v v v v v v v v v Marginated Reed Frog Hyperolius marginatus v Long Reed Frog Hyperolius nasutus v v v v v v v v v Bubbling Kassina Kassina senegalensis v v v v v v v v v v Rain Frogs Breviceptidae Bushveld Rain Frog Breviceps adspersus v v v v v v Rubber Frogs Microhylidae Banded Rubber Frog Phrynomantis bifasciatus v v v v v v v v v v Platannas (Clawed Frogs) Pipidae Common Platanna Xenopus laevis v v v Müller’s Platanna Xenopus muelleri v v v v v v v Peters’ Platanna Xenopus petersii v v v v v v v v Puddle Frogs Phrynobatrachidae Dwarf Puddle Frog Phrynobatrachus mababiensis v v v v v v v v v v Snoring Puddle Frog Phrynobatrachus natalensis v v v v v v v v v v Ornate Frogs and Grass Frogs Ornate Frog ornata v Plain Grass Frog anchietae v v v v v v v v v v Guibe’s Grass Frog v v v v v v v Ptychadena mascareniensis v v v v v v Broad-banded Grass Frog Ptychadena mossambica v v v v v v Sharp-nosed Grass Frog v v v v v v Speckle-bellied Grass Frog Ptychadena subpunctata v v v v v Dwarf Grass Frog v v v v v v v Bullfrogs, Cacos and Sand Frogs Giant Bullfrog Pyxicephalus adspersus v v v v v v v v v African Bullfrog Pyxicephalus edulis v Tremelo Sand Frog cryptotis v v v v v v v v v v Knocking Sand Frog Tomopterna krugerensis v v v v v v v v v v Russet-backed Sand Frog Tomopterna marmorata v *Tandy’s Sand Frog Tomopterna tandyi v v v v v v v v

34 R U M N LIV LI XI G

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME JAO AB CHIT KHW V U BOTS CK G MOM

True Frogs Ranidae Darling’s Golden-backed Frog Hylarana darlingi v Foam Nest Frogs Rhacophoridae Southern Foam Nest Frog Chiromantis xerampelina v v v v v v v v v v

TRAVEL NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 DAY 5

DAY 2 DAY 6

DAY 3 DAY 7

DAY 4 DAY 8

35 WILDERNESS SAFARIS SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Wilderness Safaris views its role in conservation in Africa as:

• Ensuring sustainable protection of carbon sinks and biodiversity through the creation of viable ecotourism businesses either within formally protected areas or on community or privately-owned land without formal protection. • Ensuring that ecotourism remains the chosen alternative in an economic sense to less sustainable industries such as , agriculture, farming, hydroelectric schemes and others that irrevocably damage biodiversity, wilderness and ecosystem processes. • Creating a profitable, ethical and responsible business that others are able to imitate and implement in regions where we are not active or cannot make a difference ourselves.

We understand this role as that of building sustainable conservation economies.

The Wilderness Safaris sustainability strategy is one that is neatly encapsulated by the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Commerce is of course the C that underpins the sustainability of the business and industry in general. The tenets of each of the remaining three Cs are elucidated briefly below.

Conservation Conservation is comprised of two equally important elements: i) Environmental Management Systems concerns the management of our camp and office operations in the most sustainable and environmentally sensitive way possible through the use of minimum standards, measurement, efficiencies and mitigation, renewable energy technologies and education of our staff and guests to ensure the lowest possible carbon footprint. Water usage, waste treatment and recycling, and construction and rehabilitation of old lodge sites are all important additional aspects. ii) Biodiversity Conservation covers the measurement and understanding of our biodiversity footprint and its management, and where relevant the enhancement of indigenous species richness through reintroductions (of absent indigenous species) and rehabilitation (through vegetation management and anti-poaching), as well as research projects – in short, the fulfilling of our obligations as custodians of more than 3 million hectares (8 million acres) of wild areas in Africa.

Community The honest, mutually beneficial and dignified engagement of our rural community partners (staff, equity partners, landlords, neighbours) in ways that ensure sustainability beyond the lifespan and aegis of our organisation and which deliver a meaningful and life-changing share of the proceeds of responsible ecotourism to all stakeholders. These mechanisms include community-centric employment, joint ventures (equity, revenue share, traversing fees), education (children’s camps; bursaries) and training, social benefits, capacity building and infrastructure development (e.g. schools, crèches, clinics).

Culture Culture is a multifaceted element that governs respect for the culture of all employees as well as remote rural communities surrounding the conservation areas. This is reflected in: a healthy social environment in camp; area appropriate camp design, decor, entertainment and meals; respect for traditional rights within and surrounding the conservation area; guest visits to traditional villages and homesteads; communication of the area’s traditional culture to guests and staff.

36 LION

WHITE RHINOCEROS

RUFOUS-BELLIED HERON CHACMA BABOON SOUTHERN GIRAFFE

GUINEA SHOVEL-NOSED FROG SOUTHERN CARMINE BEE-EATER GREATER KUDU

Copy: Martin Benadie and Chris Roche Design: Mary-Anne Van Der Byl Photographers: Dana Allen, Grant Atkinson, Martin Benadie, Caroline Culbert, Russel Friedman, Derek de la Harpe, Lets Kamogelo, Marleen Le Roux and Mike Myers.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS With appreciation to all who have contributed to this species checklist, including all camp and Explorations guides, but particularly: Grant Atkinson, Martin Benadie, Victor Horatius, Glynis Humphrey, Cathy Kays, David Kays, Martin Kays, Dave Luck, Monwedi, Angela Morgan, Tony Reumerman, James Rawdon, Chris Roche, Brian Rode, Chantal Venter and James Weiss. If we have left anyone out, this was unintentional. Please accept our sincere apologies.

COVER IMAGES (Top to Bottom) Front: Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Serrated Tent Tortoise, Red Lechwe, African Pygmy-Goose, Serval, Long Reed Frog. Back: Hippopotamus, Tsessebe, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Aardwolf, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. www.wilderness-safaris.com www.wildernesstrust.com www.childreninthewilderness.com www.wilderness-the4cs.com

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