Botswana - wsimages.wilderness-safaris.com

BotswanaN A T U R E G U I D E A N D S P E C I E S C H E C K L I S T

We believe our brand of responsible ecotourism will

make a difference to the people of Botswana and the country’s

endangered species.

In t r oduct i onWelcome to the wonderful wildlife of southern Africa.

The idea of this booklet is to enable you, as a Wilderness Safaris guest, to keep a detailed record of the mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians 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 sitatunga, a serval or a Pel’s fishing-owl – 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!

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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 animal 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.

LEOPARD

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HOW TO USE THIS CHECKLIST

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

• The square box 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., snakes and frogs) during the

southern African winter, so they may not be seen during your visit.• Endemic/Near-Endemic species and subspecies to southern Africa 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, shrubs and flowers that may be of interest or in bloom on your safari.

HONEY BADGER

SITATUNGA

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CENTRAL KALAHARI

Maun

Kasane

CHOBE

Vumbura Plains Little Vumbura

Chitabe & Chitabe Lediba

Qorokwe

DumaTau & Little DumaTau Savuti Camp

Mombo & Little Mombo

Xigera

Pelo

Kalahari Plains

MAKGADIKGADI

Jao

KwetsaniTubu Tree & Little Tubu

AbuSeba

LINYANTI

Jacana

Linyanti Tented CampKing’s Pool

OUR BOTSWANA

Areas

6

MAKGADIKGADI

MOMBO45 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 acacia. Towards the edges of the island, regular seasonal flooding creates shallow floodplains dotted with wild date palm islands and riverine forest. Mombo harbours prolific concentrations of general game such as giraffe, zebra, warthog, red lechwe, tsessebe, wildebeest, kudu, elephant, buffalo and impala. Abundant predator sightings include lion, spotted hyaena and leopard. Chief’s Island is home to the core nucleus of the Okavango Delta white and black rhino population. The birding, a result of diverse habitats, is equally attractive.Camps: Mombo, Little Mombo

VUMBURA (KWEDI)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 Kalahari appleleaf stands. The area is known for its scenic beauty and diversity of wildlife. In addition to large herds of elephant and buffalo in seasonally varying degrees of concentration, majestic sable antelope are a highlight here and share the plains and woodlands with zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe, impala, lechwe, kudu and giraffe. Healthy populations of lion, leopard and spotted hyaena occur, while wild dog are a particular feature and cheetah sightings occasional. Birdlife is abundant – Okavango specials such as rosy-throated longclaw, black coucal and long-toed lapwing are present.Camps: Vumbura Plains, Little Vumbura

CHITABE28 000 hectares, in the south-east of the Delta. This concession is separated from the Moremi Game Reserve by the Gomoti Channel. This eastern half of the concession is characterised by grassy floodplains, separating the Channel from acacia and mopane woodland. The western half is bounded by the Santantadibe River with a variety of typical Okavango habitats – seasonal palm-dotted floodplains, wooded islands, tranquil waterways and dry woodland – ensuring a year-round variety of wildlife and birds. It is this diversity of Okavango and Kalahari habitats that allows good concentrations of larger predators – lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, cheetah and wild dog – as well as herbivores like giraffe, buffalo, lechwe, tsessebe, impala and elephant. Birdwatching is equally excellent, including swamp nightjar, African scops owl, Bennett’s woodpecker, rufous-bellied heron, Verreaux’s eagle-owl and southern ground hornbill.Camps: Chitabe, Chitabe Lediba

QOROKWEComprising 26 180 hectares, in the south-eastern Okavango Delta. Habitat mosaic of occasional wetland, seasonal floodplains, riverine forest, groves of real fan palms and dry woodland. Thanks to this habitat diversity predators such as lion, leopard, spotted hyaena and African wild dog are all well represented. Herbivores from southern giraffe, greater kudu and Cape buffalo to hippopotamus are equally abundant making for exciting all-round game viewing. Intriguing smaller mammals such as side-striped jackal and banded mongoose add another element. Qorokwe harbours an interesting mix of dryland and water bird species that favour the acacia, mopane, grassland and shallow inundated Okavango wetland margins of Qorokwe. The birdlist here is extensive and includes crimson-breasted shrike, Kori bustard, Burchell’s sandgrouse, goliath heron, little bee-eater and African hawk-eagle as some of the resident species. Camp: Qorokwe

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ABU173 000 hectares, in the south-west of the Delta. This scenically splendid concession varies from seasonally- inundated floodplains, channels and palm islands in the north-east to the dryer Kalahari ‘Sandveld Tongue’ in the west. Here, trees like Kalahari appleleaf and silver terminalia dominate, adding much contrast to this unique area. Big game is plentiful and includes frequent sightings of giraffe, buffalo, elephant, red lechwe, blue wildebeest, tsessebe, impala, zebra, hippo and warthog. Dominant carnivores include lion and spotted hyaena with occasional leopard and wild dog. For bird enthusiasts, some 380 different species can be found.Camps: Abu, Seba

JAO60 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 the largest dry area locally during the annual floods. Around the Flats, spectacular herds of red lechwe are followed by their predators – lion and leopard. Other game includes wildebeest, impala, tsessebe, giraffe, elephant, hippo and crocodile, spotted-necked otter and occasional sitatunga. The drier west harbours similar species, with greater concentrations of zebra and wildebeest. Birding is exceptional: Vulnerable wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser jacana are found on the eastern side, with the western drier areas hosting crimson-breasted shrike, Dickinson’s kestrel and Meyer’s parrot.Camps: Jao, Jacana, Kwetsani, Tubu Tree, Little Tubu, Pelo

XIGERA4 500 hectares, in the heart of the Delta. Situated on one of the Okavango’s key waterways, it is surrounded by picturesque papyrus swamps and wooded islands and is renowned for the highest density of the elusive sitatunga antelope in the Delta. Not known for big game, mammal sightings do include red lechwe, spotted-necked otter, vervet monkey, elephant, impala and tsessebe, with predators such as leopard, spotted hyaena, and occasionally lion. This concession is a delight for birdwatchers, many of the key swamp-dwelling specialists being present, notably Pel’s fishing-owl, African skimmer, brown firefinch, greater swamp warbler, wattled crane, African pygmy goose, Luapula cisticola and lesser jacana. Camp: Xigera Safari Lodge

LINYANTIThe 125 000 hectare Linyanti Wildlife Reserve borders 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 months. Other species are also abundant – Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, 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 chat, brilliant flocks of southern carmine bee-eaters (seasonal) and red-necked falcon.Camps: DumaTau, Little DumaTau, King’s Pool, Linyanti Tented, Savuti

OUR BOTSWANA

Areas

8

CENTRAL KALAHARI

Maun

Kasane

CHOBEVumbura Plains Little Vumbura


Qorokwe



Xigera

Pelo

Kalahari Plains

MAKGADIKGADI

Jao


AbuSeba

LINYANTI

Jacana

Linyanti Tented CampKing’s Pool

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CENTRAL KALAHARI

Maun

CHOBEVumbura Plains Little Vumbura


Qorokwe



Xigera

Pelo

Kalahari Plains

Jao


AbuSeba

LINYANTI

Jacana

Linyanti Tented Camp

King’s Pool

CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVEFive million hectares (12 million acres); one of the largest protected areas in Africa. A vast flat expanse of scrub-covered fossil dunes interspersed with ancient river valleys and acacia savannah areas that hold significant populations of large predators such as lion, cheetah and brown hyaena. Herbivore aggregations include impressive herds of springbok and gemsbok as well as red hartebeest, wildebeest and eland. The plains game populations move seasonally between 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 regionally threatened and arid-west endemic species such as crimson-breasted shrike, violet-eared waxbill, double-banded courser and southern pied babbler.Camp: Kalahari Plains

OUR BOTSWANA

Areas

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CENTRAL KALAHARI

Kasane

CHOBE

Qorokwe


MAKGADIKGADI

Livingstone

Victoria Falls

Toka Leya

VICTORIA FALLS – 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 accurately depicts the plume of spray, visible for some distance, caused by the cascading waters of the Zambezi River. This is an area of spectacular scenic beauty: from the Falls themselves to the broad, picturesque course of the Zambezi River upstream. Wildlife also abounds in the area, particularly during the dry season, and can be viewed while boating on the river or on game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park upstream of the Falls. Special birds in the area include Schalow’s turaco, rock pratincole and half-collared kingfisher. Camp: Toka Leya

OUR ZAMBIA

Areas

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Africa Vegetation MapBIOMES

Desert (Namib; Sahara; Danakil)

Semi-desert (Karoo; Sahel; Chalbi)

Arid savannah (Kalahari; Masai Steppe; Ogaden)

Grassland (Highveld; Abyssinian)

Mediterranean Scrub / Fynbos

East African Coastal Forest & Scrub

Dry Woodland (including Mopane)

Moist woodland (including Miombo)

Tropical Rainforest (Congo Basin; Upper Guinea)

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

Granitic Indian Ocean Islands(Seychelles)

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Botswana BIODIVERSITY OVERVIEW

Botswana’s most renowned conservation area is undoubtedly the Okavango Delta – 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 woodlands of the Linyanti and Selinda region to the north of the Delta, while to the south lies the Kalahari Desert. 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 mammal species), there are many other facets of the local fauna to be enjoyed; 593 bird 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 reptile 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.

AFRICAN ELEPHANT

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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 Zambezi River. On the Zimbabwe side, Zambezi National Park protects similar habitat 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.

VICTORIA FALLS

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ORYX/SPRINGBOK HERD

RUFOUS-BELLIED HERON

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GROUND AGAMA

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MammalsBotswana 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.

IUCN RED LIST SPECIES FOUND IN THE OPERATIONAL AREAS OF WILDERNESS SAFARIS IN BOTSWANA:Critically Endangered: Black RhinoEndangered: African Wild Dog.Vulnerable: African Elephant, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin, Giraffe, Leopard, Lion.Near Threatened: Southern White Rhinoceros, Red Lechwe, Spotted-necked Otter, Plains Zebra,African Straw-coloured Fruit Bat, African Clawless Otter, African Buffalo.

AARDWOLF

CHECKLIST KEYBOTS – Botswana; ABU – Abu; CHIT – Chitabe; CKGR – Central Kalahari;

JAO – Jao; LIN – Linyanti Wildlife Reserve; MOM – Mombo; QOR – Qorokwe; VUM – Vumbura; XIG – Xigera; LIV – Livingstone (Victoria Falls)

* Southern African endemic or near-endemic species

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MAMMALS OF BOTSWANA

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

BOTS

ABU

CHIT

CKG

R

JAO

LIN MO

M

QO

R

VUM

XIG

LIV

SHREWS SORICOMORPHASwamp Musk Shrew Crocidura mariquensis o o o o o o o o oLesser Red Musk Shrew Crocidura hirta o o o o o o o o o oReddish-Grey Musk Shrew Crocidura cyanea oGreater Dwarf Shrew Suncus lixus o o oELEPHANT-SHREWS (SENGIS) MACROSCELIDEAShort-Snouted Elephant-Shrew (Sengi) Elephantulus brachyrhynchus o o oBATS CHIROPTERAPeters’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus crypturus o o o o o o o o o oMauritian Tomb Bat Taphozous mauritianus o o o o o o o o o oSundevall’s Leaf-Nosed Bat Hipposideros caffer oEgyptian Slit-Faced Bat Nycteris thebaica o o o o o o o o o o oHildebrandt’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hildebrandti oRuppell’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus fumigatus o o oDarling’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus darlingi o oDent’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus denti o o o o o o oRusty Bat Pipistrellus rusticus o o o o o o o o o oCape Serotine Bat Neoromicia capensis o o o o o o o o o o oBanana Pipistrelle Bat Neoromicia nana o o o o o o o o o oRüppel's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus rueppellii o o o o o o o o o oButterfly Bat Glauconycteris variegata o o o o o o o*Botswana Long-Eared Bat Laephotis botswanae o o o oSchlieffen's Bat Nycticeinops schlieffeni o o o o o o o o o oYellow House Bat Scotophilus dinganii o o o o o o o o o o oEgyptian Free-Tailed Bat Tadarida aegyptiaca o o o o o o o o o oAngolan Mops Bat Mops condylurus o o o oMidas Mops Bat Mops midas o o o oLittle Free-Tailed Bat Tadarida pumila o o o o o o o o oNatal Long-Fingered Bat Miniopterus natalensis o o o o o o o o oPRIMATES PRIMATESChacma Baboon Papio ursinus o o o o o o o o o oVervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops o o o o o o o o o oLesser Bushbaby (Galago) Galago moholi o o o o o o o oPANGOLINS PHOLIDOTATemminck's Ground Pangolin Smutsia temminckii o o o o o o o o oHARES LAGOMORPHAScrub Hare Lepus saxatilis o o o o o o o o o o oRODENTS, SQUIRRELS & GERBILS RODENTIA*South African Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris o oTree (Smith’s Bush) Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi o o o o o o o o o oWoodland Dormouse Graphiurus murinus o o o o o o o o o o oSouthern African Springhare Pedetes capensis o o o o o o o o o o*Damara Molerat (Blesmol) Cryptomys damarensis o o o o o o o o o oPorcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis o o o o o o o o o oGreater (Marsh) Cane Rat Thryonomys swinderianus o o o o o o o o o

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Woosnam’s Broad-Headed Mouse Zelotomys woosnami o o o oSouth African Pouched Mouse Saccostomus campestris o o o o o o o o oFat Mouse Steatomys pratensis o o o o o o o o o o oTiny Fat Mouse Steatomys parvus o o o o o o o o o o oGrey Climbing Mouse Dendromus melanotis o o o o o o o o o oBrant’s Climbing Mouse Dendromus mesomelas o o o o o o o*Cape Short-Tailed Gerbil Desmodillus auricularis o o o o*Hairy-Footed Gerbil Gerbillurus paeba o o o o o oBushveld Gerbil Gerbilliscus leucogaster o o o o o o o o o o o*Highveld Gerbil Gerbilliscus brantsii o o o o o o o o o oRed Rock Rat Aethomys chrysophilus o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Marsh Rat Dasymus incomtus o o o o o oFour-Striped (Grass) Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio o oSingle-Striped Mouse Lemniscomys rosalia o o o o o o o o o o o*Desert Pygmy Mouse Mus indutus o o o o o oAcacia Rat Thallomys paedulcus o o o o o o o o o oGroove-Toothed Swamp Rat Pelomys fallax o o o oMultimammate Mouse Mastomys coucha o o o o o o o o oAngoni Vlei Rat Otomys angoniensis o o oCARNIVORES CARNIVORA*Cape Fox Vulpes chama o oBat-Eared Fox Otocyon megalotis o o o o o o o o oBlack-Backed Jackal Canis mesomelas o o o o o o o o o o oSide-Striped Jackal Canis adustus o o o o o o o o oAfrican Wild Dog Lycaon pictus o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis o o o o o o o o o oSpotted-Necked Otter Hydrictis maculicollis o o o o o o o o oHoney Badger Mellivora capensis o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Striped Weasel Poecilogale albinucha oStriped Polecat (Zorilla) Ictonyx striatus o o o o o o o o oBanded Mongoose Mungos mungo o o o o o o o o o oSelous’s Mongoose Paracynictis selousi o o o o o o o o oLarge Grey (Egyptian) Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon o o o o o o o o oCommon Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus o o o o o o o o o o oMarsh (Water) Mongoose Atilax paludinosus o o o o o o o o oCommon Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula o o o o o o o o o oWhite-Tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda o o o o o o o o o oYellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata o o o o o o o*Suricate (Meerkat) Suricata suricatta o oSmall-Spotted (Common) Genet Genetta genetta o o o o o o o o o oLarge-Spotted (Blotched) Genet Genetta maculata o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Civet Civettictis civetta o o o o o o o o oSpotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta o o o o o o o o o oBrown Hyaena Hyaena brunnea o oAardwolf Proteles cristatus o o o o o o o o o(African) Wild Cat Felis sylvestris o o o o o o o o o o

MAMMALS OF BOTSWANA


BOTS

ABU

CHIT

CKG

R

JAO

LIN MO

M

QO

R

VUM

XIG

LIV

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Small Spotted Cat Felis nigripes o o oServal Leptailurus serval o o o o o o o o oCaracal Caracal caracal o o o o o o o o o oCheetah Acinonyx jubatus o o o o o o o o oLion Panthera leo o o o o o o o o o oLeopard Panthera pardus o o o o o o o o o oAARDVARK TUBULIDENTATAAardvark Orycteropus afer o o o o o o o o o oELEPHANTS PROBOSCIDEAAfrican Elephant Loxodonta africana o o o o o o o o o o oODD-TOED UNGULATES PERISSODACTYLAPlains (Burchell’s) Zebra Equus quagga burchellii o o o o o o o o o oBlack Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis o oWhite Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum o o oWARTHOG ARTIODACTYLA: SUIFORMESCommon Warthog Phacochoerus africanus o o o o o o o o o oBushpig Potamochoerus larvatus o oHIPPOPOTAMUS ARTIODACTYLA: WHIPPOMORPHA

Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius o o o o o o o o o oGIRAFFE, BUFFALO, ANTELOPE ARTIODACTYLA: RUMINANTIASouthern Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis o o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Buffalo Syncerus caffer o o o o o o o o o oCommon Eland Tragelaphus oryx o o oGreater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros o o o o o o o o o oSitatunga Tragelaphus spekii o o o o o o o o oBushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus o o o o o o o o oRoan Antelope Hippotragus equinus o o oSable Antelope Hippotragus niger o o oGemsbok Oryx gazella o oCommon Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus o o o o o o o o oSouthern (Red) Lechwe Kobus leche o o o o o o o o oSouthern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum o o o o o o o o oBlue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus taurinus o o o o o o o o o o oRed Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus caama o oTsessebe Damaliscus lunatus lunatus o o o o o o o o oCommon Impala Aepyceros melampus melampus o o o o o o o o o oSpringbok Antidorcas marsuplialis o oSteenbok Raphicerus campestris o o o o o o o o o o oCommon (Grey) Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia o o o o o o o o o

MAMMALS OF BOTSWANA


BOTS

ABU

CHIT

CKG

R

JAO

LIN MO

M

QO

R

VUM

XIG

LIV

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BirdsThanks to its mosaic of habitat types, Botswana is a superb birding locale with incredible diversity of 595 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 such as southern ground-hornbill and wattled crane. More conspicuous and commonly seen are papyrus swamp specialists like coppery-tailed coucal, brown firefinch, greater swamp warbler, chirping cisticola, swamp nightjar and western banded snake-eagle. 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 lark, 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 francolin 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, kori bustard,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.

IUCN RED LIST SPECIES FOUND IN THE OPERATIONAL AREAS OF WILDERNESS SAFARIS IN BOTSWANA:Critically Endangered: Hooded Vulture, White-backed Vulture, White-headed Vulture.Endangered: Lappet-faced Vulture, Steppe Eagle.Vulnerable: Martial Eagle, Secretarybird, Slaty Egret, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Wattled Crane, Tawny Eagle. Near Threatened: Curlew Sandpiper, African Skimmer, Kori Bustard, Bateleur.

PEL’S FISHING-OWL




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WATTLED CRANE AFRICAN SKIMMER

OSTRICHES STRUTHIONIDAECommon Ostrich Struthio camelus o o o o o o o o oDUCKS AND GEESE ANATIDAE Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor o o o o o o o o o oWhite-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata o o o o o o o o o oWhite-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus o o o o o o oEgyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca o o o o o o o o o oSpur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis o o o o o o o o o oKnob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Pygmy-Goose Nettapus auritus o o o o o o o o o oCape Teal Anas capensis o oAfrican Black Duck Anas sparsa oYellow-billed Duck Anas undulata o o o o o o o o o oCape Shoveller Spatula smithii oRed-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha o o o o o o o o oHottentot Teal Anas hottentota o o o o o o o o o oSouthern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma o o o o o o o o oGUINEAFOWL NUMIDIDAEHelmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris o o o o o o o o oCrested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani oFOWL AND ALLIES PHASIANIDAECoqui Francolin Peliperdix coqui o o oCrested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena o o o o o o o o o oShelley’s Francolin Scleroptila shelleyi o*Red-billed Spurfowl Pternistis adspersus o o o o o o o o o oNatal Spurfowl Pternistes natalensis oSwainson’s Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii o o o o o o o o o oCommon Quail Coturnix coturnix o o o o o o o oHarlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei o o o o o o o o oBlue Quail Excalfactoria adansonii oGREBES PODICIPEDIDAELittle Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis o o o o o o o o o o o

BIRDS OF BOTSWANA


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FLAMINGOS PHOENICOPTERIDAEGreater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus o o o o o o oLesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor o o o o oSTORKS CICONIIDAEYellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus o o o o o o o o o oBlack Stork Ciconia nigra o o oAbdim’s Stork Ciconia abdimii o o o o o o o o o o oWoolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus o o o o o o o o o oWhite Stork Ciconia ciconia o o o o o o o o o o oSaddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis o o o o o o o o o oMarabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus o o o o o o o o o o oIBISES AND SPOONBILLS THRESKIORNITHIDAEGlossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus o o o o o o o o o oHadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Spoonbill Platalea alba o o o o o o o o o oEGRETS, HERONS AND BITTERNS ARDEIDAELittle Bittern Ixobrychus minutus o o o o o o o oDwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii o o o o o o o o o oBlack-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax o o o o o o o o o oWhite-backed Night-Heron Gorsachius leuconotus o o o o oGreen-backed Heron Butorides striata o o o o o o o o o oSquacco Heron Ardeola ralloides o o o o o o o o o oRufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris o o o o o o o o o oWestern Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis o o o o o o o o o o oGrey Heron Ardea cinerea o o o o o o o o o oBlack-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala o o o o o o o o o o oGoliath Heron Ardea goliath o o o o o o o o o oPurple Heron Ardea purpurea o o o o o o o o o o*Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula o o o o o o o o o oBlack Heron Egretta ardesiaca o o o o o o o o o oGreat Egret Egretta alba o o o o o o o o o oYellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia o o o o o o o o o oLittle Egret Egretta garzetta o o o o o o o o o o oHAMERKOP SCOPIDAEHamerkop Scopus umbretta o o o o o o o o o oPELICANS PELECANIDAEGreat White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus o o o o o o o oPink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens o o o o o o o oCORMORANTS PHALACROCORACIDAEReed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus o o o o o o o o o oWhite-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus o o o o o o oDARTERS ANHINGIDAEAfrican Darter Anhinga rufa o o o o o o o o o o


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SECRETARYBIRD SAGITTARIIDAESecretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius o o o o o o o o oOSPREYS PANDIONIDAEWestern Osprey Pandion haliaetus o o o o oKITES, HAWKS AND EAGLES ACCIPITRIDAEBlack-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus o o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Cuckoo Hawk Aviceda cuculoides o o o o o oEuropean Honey-Buzzard Pernis apivorus o o o o o o oBlack Kite Milvus migrans o o o o o o o o o o oYellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius o o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer o o o o o o o o o oPalm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis o oHooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus o o o o o o o o o o oWhite-backed Vulture Gyps africanus o o o o o o o o o o oCape Vulture Gyps coprotheres o o o oLappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus o o o o o o o o o o oWhite-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis o o o o o o o o o oBlack-chested Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis o o o o o o o o o o oBrown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus o o o o o o o o o o oWestern Banded Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinerascens o o o o o o o o oBateleur Terathopius ecaudatus o o o o o o o o o o oBat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus o o o o o o o o o oCrowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus oMartial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus o o o o o o o o o o oLong-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis o o o o o o o oLesser Spotted Eagle Clanga pomarina o o o o o o o o o o oBooted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus o o oWahlberg’s Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi o o o o o o o o o oSteppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis o o o o o o o o o oTawny Eagle Aquila rapax o o o o o o o o o o oVerreauxs’ Eagle Aquila verreauxii oAfrican Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster o o o o o o o o o oAyres’s Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii o o o o o o oLizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus o o o o o o o o o oGabar Goshawk Microniscus gabar o o o o o o o o o o oDark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates o o o o*Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus o oAfrican Goshawk Accipiter tachiro oShikra Accipiter badius o o o o o o o o o o oLittle Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus o o o o o o o o o oOvambo Sparrowhawk Accipiter ovampensis o o o o o o oBlack Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus oAfrican Marsh-Harrier Circus ranivorus o o o o o o o o oPallid Harrier Circus macrourus o o o o o o o oMontagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus o o o o


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Common Buzzard Buteo buteo o o o o o o o o o o oAugur Buzzard Buteo augur o o oBUSTARDS AND KORHAANS OTIDIDAEDenham’s Bustard Neotis denhami o o oKori Bustard Ardeotis kori o o o o o o o o*Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista o o o o o o o o*Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides o oBlack-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster o o o o o o o oFLUFFTAILS SAROTHRURIDAERed-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa o o o oFINFOOTS HELIORNITHIDAEAfrican Finfoot Podica senegalensis oRAILS, CRAKES AND COOTS RALLIDAEAfrican Rail Rallus caerulescens o o o o oAfrican Crake Crex egregia o o o o o o o o o oCorn Crake Crex crex o o o oBlack Crake Amaurornis flavirostris o o o o o o o o o oBaillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla o o o oAfrican Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis o o o o o o oAllen’s Gallinule Porphyrio alleni o o o o o o o o oCommon Moorhen Gallinula chloropus o o o o o o o o o oLesser Moorhen Paragallinula angulata o o o o o o o o o oRed-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata oCRANES GRUIDAEGrey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum o o o o oWattled Crane Grus carunculatus o o o o o o o o oBUTTONQUAIL TURNICIDAECommon Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus o o o o o o o o o o oTHICK-KNEES BURHINIDAEWater Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus o o o o o o o o o oSpotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis o o o o o o o o o o oSTILTS AND AVOCETS RECURVIROSTRIDAEBlack-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus o o o o o o o o o oPied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta o o o o o o o oPLOVERS AND LAPWINGS CHARADRIIDAELong-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris o o o o o o o o o oBlacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus o o o o o o o o o o oWhite-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps oAfrican Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus o o o o o o o o oCrowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus o o o o o o o o o o oGrey Plover Pluvialis squatarola o o oCommon Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula o o o o o o oKittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius o o o o o o o o oThree-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris o o o o o o o o o oChestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus o o oWhite-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus o


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Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus o o o oPAINTED-SNIPES ROSTRATULIDAEGreater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis o o o o o o o o oJACANAS JACANIDAEAfrican Jacana Actophilornis africanus o o o o o o o o o oLesser Jacana Microparra capensis o o o o o o o o o oWADERS,SANDPIPERS AND SNIPES SCOLOPACIDAEBlack-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa o o o o oBar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica oGreat Snipe Gallinago media o o o oAfrican Snipe Gallinago nigripennis o o o o o o o oCommon Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos o o o o o o o o o oRuddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres o o o o oSanderling Calidris alba oLittle Stint Calidris minuta o o o o o o oPectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos o oCurlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea o o o o oRuff Calidris pugnax o o o o o o o o o oCommon Redshank Tringa totanus o o o oMarsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis o o o o o o o o o oCommon Greenshank Tringa nebularia o o o o o o o o o o oGreen Sandpiper Tringa ochropus oWood Sandpiper Tringa glareola o o o o o o o o o o oCOURSERS AND PRATINCOLES GLAREOLIDAEDouble-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus o o oBronze-winged Courser Rhinoptilus chalcopterus o o o o o o o oThree-banded Courser Rhinoptilus cinctus o o o oTemminck’s Courser Cursorius temminckii o o o o o o o o o oCollared Pratincole Glareola pratincola o o o o o o o o o oBlack-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni o o o o oRock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis oGULLS, TERNS AND SKIMMERS LARIDAEAfrican Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris o o o o o o o oLesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus o o oGrey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus o o o o oWhiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida o o o o o o o o oWhite-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus o o o o o o oSANDGROUSE PTEROCLIDIDAE*Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua o o o o o*Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus o o o o o o o o o o*Burchell’s Sandgrouse Pterocles burchelli o o o o o o o o oPIGEONS AND DOVES COLUMBIDAERock Dove Columba livia oLaughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis o o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens o o o o o o o o oCape Turtle-Dove Streptopelia capicola o o o o o o o o o o o


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Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata o o o o o o o o o oEmerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos o o o o o o o o o oNamaqua Dove Oena capensis o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Green-Pigeon Treron calvus o o o o o o o o o oTURACOS AND GO-AWAY-BIRDS MUSOPHAGIDAESchalow’s Turaco Tauraco schalowi o o oRoss's Turaco Musophaga rossae o oGrey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor o o o o o o o o o o oCUCKOOS AND COUCALS CUCULIDAEJacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus o o o o o o o o o o oLevaillant’s Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii o o o o o o o o o o oGreat Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius o o o o o o o o o o oThick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti o o o oRed-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius o o o o o o o o o oBlack Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus o o o o o o o o o oCommon Cuckoo Cuculus canorus o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Cuckoo Cuculus gularis o o o o o o o o o oKlaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus o o oDiderick Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius o o o o o o o o o o oBlack Coucal Centropus grillii o o o o o o o o oCoppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus o o o o o o o o o oSenegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis o o o o o o o o o oWhite-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus o o o o o o o o o oBARN OWLS TYTONIDAEWestern Barn Owl Tyto alba o o o o o o o o oOWLS STRIGIDAEAfrican Scops-Owl Otus senegalensis o o o o o o o o o oSouthern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis granti o o o o o o o o o oSpotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus o o o o o o oVerreaux’s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus o o o o o o o o o oPel’s Fishing-Owl Scotopelia peli o o o o o o o o oAfrican Wood-Owl Strix woodfordii o o o o oPearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum o o o o o o o o oAfrican Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense o o o o o o o o oMarsh Owl Asio capensis o o o o o o o o oNIGHTJARS CAPRIMULGIDAEFiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis o o o o o o o o o o oFreckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma oSwamp Nightjar Caprimulgus natalensis o o o o o o o oSquare-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii o o o o o o o o oRufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena o o o o o oEuropean Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus o o o o o o oPennant-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx vexillarius o o o oSWIFTS AND SPINETAILS APODIDAEBöhm’s Spinetail Neafrapus boehmi o o


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African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus o o o o o o o o o oAlpine Swift Tachymarptis melba o o oMottled Swift Tachymarptis aequatorialis oCommon Swift Apus apus o o o o o o o oAfrican Black Swift Apus barbatus oLittle Swift Apus affinis oHorus Swift Apus horus oWhite-rumped Swift Apus caffer o o oMOUSEBIRDS COLIIDAERed-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus o o o o o o o o o o oTROGONS TROGONIDAENarina Trogon Apaloderma narina o o o o oROLLERS CORACIIDAEEuropean Roller Coracias garrulus o o o o o o o o o o oLilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus o o o o o o o o o o oRacket-tailed Roller Coracias spatulatus o o oPurple Roller Coracias naevius o o o o o o o o o oBroad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus o o o o o o o o oKINGFISHERS ALCEDINIDAEHalf-collared Kingfisher Alcedo semitorquata oMalachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta o o o o o o o o o oGrey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala o o o o o o o o o oWoodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis o o o o o o o o o oBrown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris o o o o o o o o o oStriped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti o o o o o o o o o oGiant Kingfisher Megaceryle maximus o o o o o o o o o oPied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis o o o o o o o o o oBEE-EATERS MEROPIDAEWhite-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides o o o o o o o o o oLittle Bee-eater Merops pusillus o o o o o o o o o oSwallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus o o o o o o o o o o oBlue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus o o o o o o o o o oOlive Bee-eater Merops superciliosus oEuropean Bee-eater Merops apiaster o o o o o o o o o o oSouthern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides o o o o o o o o o oHOOPOES UPUPIDAEAfrican Hoopoe Upupa africana o o o o o o o o o o oWOOD-HOOPOES PHOENICULIDAEGreen Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus o o o o o o o o o oCommon Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas o o o o o o o o o o oGROUND HORNBILLS BUCORVIDAESouthern Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri o o o o o o o o o oHORNBILLS BUCEROTIDAE*Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris o o o o o o o o o o*Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas o o o o o o o o o o o


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Crowned Hornbill Lophoceros alboterminatus o*Bradfield’s Hornbill Lophoceros bradfieldi o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus o o o o o o o o o oTrumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator oAFRICAN BARBETS LYBIIDAEYellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus o o o o o o o o o o*Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas o o o o o o o oBlack-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus o o o o o o o o o oCrested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii o o o o o o o o o oHONEYGUIDES AND HONEYBIRDS INDICATORIDAEGreater Honeyguide Indicator indicator o o o o o o o o o oLesser Honeyguide Indicator minor o o o o o o o o o oBrown-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus o o o oWOODPECKERS PICIDAEBennett’s Woodpecker Campethera bennettii o o o o o o o o o oGolden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni o o o o o o o o o oCardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens o o o o o o o o o o oBearded Woodpecker Chloropicus namaquus o o o o o o o o o oOlive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus oKESTRELS AND FALCONS FALCONIDAELesser Kestrel Falco naumanni o o o o oRock Kestrel Falco rupicolus o o oGreater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides o o o o oDickinson’s Kestrel Falco dickinsoni o o o o o o o o oRed-necked Falcon Falco chicquera o o o o o o o o o o oRed-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus o o o o o o oAmur Falcon Falco amurensis o o o o o o o o oSooty Falcon Falco concolor oEurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo o o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Hobby Falco cuvierii o o oLanner Falcon Falco biarmicus o o o o o o oPeregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus o o oTaita Falcon Falco fasciinucha oPARROTS PSITTACIDAEGrey-headed Parrot Poicephalus fuscicollis oMeyer’s Parrot Poicephalus meyeri o o o o o o o o o oBATISES PLATYSTEIRIDAEChinspot Batis Batis molitor o o o o o o o o o o*Pririt Batis Batis pririt o oVANGAS VANGIDAEWhite-crested Helmet-Shrike Prionops plumatus o o o o o o o o oRetz’s Helmet-Shrike Prionops retzii o o o o o o oBUSHSHRIKES, BOUBOUS & TCHAGRAS MALACONOTIDAEOrange-breasted Bush-Shrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus o o o o o o o o o oGrey-headed Bush-Shrike Malaconotus blanchoti o o o o o o o o o oBrubru Nilaus afer o o o o o o o o o o o


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Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla o o o o o o o o o oBlack-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus o o o o o o o o o o oBrown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis o o o o o o o o o o oTropical Boubou Laniarius major oSwamp Boubou Laniarius bicolor o o o o o o o o o*Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus o o o o o o o o o oCUCKOOSHRIKES CAMPEPHAGIDAEWhite-breasted Cuckooshrike Coracina pectoralis o o o oBlack Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava o o o o o o o o o oSHRIKES LANIIDAERed-backed Shrike Lanius collurio o o o o o o o o o o oLesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor o o o o o o o o o o oSouthern Fiscal Lanius collaris o o o oMagpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus o o o o o o o o o o*Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens o o o o o o o oORIOLES ORIOLIDAEEurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus o o o o o o o o o oAfrican Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus o o o o o o o o o oBlack-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus o o o o o o o o o oDRONGOS DICRURIDAEFork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis o o o o o o o o o o oMONARCHS MONARCHIDAE African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis o o o o o o o o o oCROWS AND RAVENS CORVIDAECape Crow Corvus capensis o oPied Crow Corvus albus o o o o o oWhite-necked Raven Corvus albicollis oTITS PARIDAE*Southern Black Tit Melaniparus niger o o o o o o o o o o*Ashy Tit Melaniparus cinerascens o oPENDULINE-TITS REMIZIDAE*Cape Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus minutus o o o oGrey Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus coroli o o o o o o oLARKS ALAUDIDAEMonotonous Lark Mirafra passerina o o oRufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana o o o o o o o o oFlappet Lark Mirafra rufocinnamomea o o o o*Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata o o*Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota o o o o o oFawn-coloured Lark Calendulauda africanoides o o o o o oDusky Lark Pinarocorys nigricans o o o o o o o o*Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata o oChestnut-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix leucotis o o o o o o*Grey-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix verticalis o o o o o oRed-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea o o o o o o o o


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BULBULS AND GREENBULS PYCNONOTIDAEDark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor o o o o o o o o o o*African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans o o o o o o o o o oYellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris o o o o oTerrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris o o o o o o o o oSWALLOWS AND MARTINS HIRUNDINIDAESand Martin Riparia riparia o o o o o o o o o o oBrown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola o o o o oBanded Martin Riparia cincta o o o o o o o oGrey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga o o o o o o o o oBarn Swallow Hirundo rustica o o o o o o o o o o oWhite-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis o o o oWire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii o o o o o o o oPearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata o o o o o o o o o o oSouth African Cliff-Swallow Hirundo spilodera o oGreater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata oLesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica o o o o o o o o o oRed-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa o o o o o o o o o oMosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis o o oRock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula oCommon House-Martin Delichon urbicum o o o o o oCROMBECS MACROSPHENIDAELong-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens o o o o o o o o o o oLEAF WARBLERS AND ALLIES PHYLLOSCOPIDAEWillow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus o o o o o o o o o o oREED WARBLERS AND ALLIES ACROCEPHALIDAEGreater Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens o o o o oLesser Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris o o o o o o o oSedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus o o o o oEurasian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus oAfrican Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus o o o o o oMarsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris o o o oGreat Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus o o o o o o oOlive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum o o o o o o oIcterine Warbler Hippolais icterina o o o o o o o o o o oGRASSBIRDS AND ALLIES LOCUSTELLIDAERiver Warbler Locustella fluviatilis oLittle Rush-Warbler Bradypterus baboecala o o o o o o o oSYLVIID WARBLERS SYLVIIDAEGarden Warbler Sylvia borin o o o o o o o o o oCommon Whitethroat Sylvia communis o o o o o o o*Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler Sylvia subcaerulea o o o o o o o o oCISTICOLAS AND ALLIES CISTICOLIDAERed-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops oLazy Cisticola Cisticola aberrans oRattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana o o o o o o o o o o o

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Tinkling Cisticola Cisticola rufilatus o o oLuapula Cisticola Cisticola luapula o o o o o o o oChirping Cisticola Cisticola pipiens o o o o o o oNeddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla o o o o o o oZitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis o o o o o o o o o oDesert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus o o o o o o o oTawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava o o o o o o o o o o*Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans o o o o o o oGrey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata o o o o o o o o o o*Barred Wren-Warbler Calamonastes fasciolatus o oStierling’s Wren-Warbler Calamonastes stierlingi o o oYellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida o o o o o o o o o oYellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis o o o o o o oGreen-capped Eremomela Eremomela scotops o o o o oBurnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis o o o o o o o o oLAUGHINGTHRUSHES LEIOTHRICHIDAEHartlaub’s Babbler Turdoides hartlaubii o o o o o o o o o*Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor o o o o o o o oArrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii o o o o o o o o o oWHITE-EYES ZOSTEROPIDAESouthern Yellow White-eye Zosterops anderssoni o o o o o o o o oSTARLINGS STURNIDAERed-winged Starling Onychognathus morio oMiombo Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis elisabeth o*Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens o o o o o o o o o oGreater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus o o o o o o o o o*Burchell’s Starling Lamprotornis australis o o o o o o o o o*Meves’s Starling Lamprotornis mevesii o o o o o oViolet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster o o o o o o o o o oWattled Starling Creatophora cinerea o o o o o o o o o o oOxpeckers BuphagidaeYellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus o o o o o o o o o oRed-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus o o o o o o o o o oTHRUSHES TURDIDAEGroundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa o o o o o o o o o oKurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyana o o o o o o o o oROBINS, CHATS & OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS MUSCICAPIDAE

White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini o o o o o o o o oRed-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis oCollared Palm-Thrush Cichladusa arquata o o o o oBearded Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata oWhite-browed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys o o o o o o o o o o*Kalahari Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas paena o o o o o oAfrican Stonechat Saxicola torquatus o o o o o o o oCapped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata o o o o o o

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BIRDS OF BOTSWANA

Short-toed Rock-Thrush Monticola brevipes o oFamiliar Chat Oenanthe familiaris o*Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora o o o oArnot’s Chat Myrmecocichla arnoti o o o oMocking Cliff-Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris oPale Flycatcher Melaenornis pallidus o o o*Chat Flycatcher Melaenornis infuscatus o o*Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis o o o o o o o o oSouthern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina o o o o o o o o oSpotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata o o o o o o o o o o oAshy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens o o o o o o o o o oGrey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus o o o o o o o o o oThrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia oSUNBIRDS NECTARINIIDAEAmethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina o o oScarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis o o o o o o o o o oCollared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris o o o o o o o o oVariable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus oWhite-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala o o o o o o o o o oCopper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus oMarico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis o o o o o o o o o oPurple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus oOLD WORLD SPARROWS PASSERIDAEHouse Sparrow Passer domesticus o oGreat Sparrow Passer motitensis o oNorthern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus oSouthern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus o o o o o o o o o o oYellow-throated Bush Sparrow Gymnoris superciliaris o o o oWEAVERS AND WIDOWBIRDS PLOCEIDAERed-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis niger o o o o o o o o o o oWhite-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali o o o o o o o o o o*Scaly-feathered Finch Sporopipes squamifrons o o o o o o o o oLesser Masked-Weaver Ploceus intermedius o o o o o o o o o o oSpectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis o o o o oAfrican Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops o o o o o o o o o oSouthern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus o o o o oSouthern Masked-Weaver Ploceus velatus o o o o o o o o o o oVillage Weaver Ploceus cucullatus o o o o o oRed-headed Weaver Anaplectes melanotis o o o o o o o o oRed-billed Quelea Quelea quelea o o o o o o o o o o oYellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer o o o o o o oSouthern Red Bishop Euplectes orix o o o o o o oYellow Bishop Euplectes capensis oFan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris o o o o o o o oWhite-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus o o oThick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons o o o o o o


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BIRDS OF BOTSWANA

WAXBILLS AND ALLIES ESTRILDIDAEOrange-breasted Waxbill Amandava subflava o o o o oQuailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis o o o o o o o o o oCUT-THROAT FINCH AMADINA FASCIATA O*Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala o oBlack-faced Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos o o o o o o o o oCommon Waxbill Estrilda astrild o o o o o o o o o*Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatina o o o o o o oBlue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis o o o o o o o o o o oRed-throated Twinspot Hypargos niveoguttatus oGreen-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba o o o o o o o o o oOrange-winged Pytilia Pytilia afra oRed-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala o o o o o o o o o oBrown Firefinch Lagonosticta nitidula o o o o o o o o oJameson’s Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia o o o o o o o o o oBronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata o o oMagpie Mannikin Lonchura fringilloides oINDIGOBIRDS AND WHYDAHS VIDUIDAEPin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura o o o o o o o o o oBroad-tailed Paradise-Whydah Vidua obtusa oLong-tailed Paradise-Whydah Vidua paradisaea o o o o o o o o o o*Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia o o o o o o oVillage Indigobird Vidua chalybeata o o o o o o o o o oPurple Indigobird Vidua purpurascens o o o o o o o o oCuckoo Finch Anomalospiza imberbis o o oWAGTAILS, LONGCLAWS AND PIPITS MOTACILLIDAEAfrican Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp o o o o o o o o o oCape Wagtail Motacilla capensis o o o o o o o oWestern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava o o o o o o oRosy-throated Longclaw Macronyx ameliae o o o oAfrican Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus o o o o o o o o o o oStriped Pipit Anthus lineiventris oPlain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys o o o o o o o oBuffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis o o o o o o o o oCANARIES AND SEEDEATERS FRINGILLIDAEYellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambicus o o o o o o o o o oBlack-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis o o o o o o*Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris o o oBUNTINGS EMBERIZIDAE*Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani o o o o oCinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi o o oGolden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris o o o o o o o o o


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ReptilesBotswana’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 skinks, sand lizards, geckos, chameleons and agamas. The Okavango Delta itself is home to over 70 reptile species alone, which includes sizeable populations of Nile crocodile, water monitor, Okavango mud turtle, 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




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TORTOISES TESTUDINIDAELeopard Tortoise Geochelone pardalis o o o o o o o o o o oSerrated (Kalahari) Tent Tortoise Psammobates oculiferus o oSpeke’s Hinged Tortoise Kinixys spekii o o o oTERRAPINS PELOMEDUSIDAE, TRIONYCHIDAE

Marsh Terrapin Pelomedusa subrufa o o o o o o o oPan Hinged Terrapin Pelusios subniger o o o o o o o*Okavango Hinged Terrapin Pelusios bechuanicus o o o o o o oMashona Hinged Terrapin Pelusios rhodesianus o o oBLIND SNAKES TYPHLOPIDAESchlegel’s Beaked Blind Snake Rhinotyphlops schlegelii o o o o o o o oTHREAD SNAKES LEPTOTYPHLOPIDAEPeters’ Thread Snake Leptotyphlops scutifrons o o o o o o oPYTHONS PYTHONIDAE*Southern African Python Python natalensis o o o o o o o o o o oAFRICAN BURROWING SNAKES ATRACTASPIDIDAESouthern (Bibron’s) Burrowing Asp Atractaspis bibronii o o o o o o o o o oCommon Purple-glossed Snake Amblyodipsas polylepis o o o o o*Kalahari Purple-glossed Snake Amblyodipsas ventrimaculata o o o o o o o o oBicoloured Quill-snouted Snake Xenocalamus bicolor o oElongate Quill-snouted Snake Xenocalamus mechowii o o o o o o o oLAMPROPHIID SNAKES LAMPROPHIIDAEBrown House Snake Boaedon fuliginosus o o o o oCape Wolf Snake Lycophidion capense o o o oMOLE SNAKES PSEUDASPIDIDAEMole Snake Pseudaspis cana o o o o o o o o oSHOVEL-SNOUT SNAKES PROSYMNIDAE*Two-striped Shovel-snout Prosymna bivittata o oAngola Shovel-snout Prosymna angolensis o oAFRICAN SAND SNAKES PSAMMOPHIIDAEOlive Marsh Snake Natriciteres olivacea o o o o o o o o o oEastern Striped Swamp Snake Limnophis bangweolicus o o o o o o o o o oEastern Bark Snake Hemirhagerrhis nototaenia o o oGrey Grass Snake Dromophis lineatus oThree-lined Grass Snake (Striped Skaapsteker) Psammophylax tritaeniatus o o o o o o oGrey-bellied Grass Snake (Skaapsteker) Psammophylax variabilis oFork-marked Sand Snake Psammophis leightoni o oJalla’s Sand Snake Psammophis jallae o oWestern Yellow-bellied Sand Snake Psammophis subtaeniatus o o o o o o o o o oDwarf Sand Snake Psammophis angolensis o o o o o o o oOlive Grass Snake Psammophis mossambicus o o o o o o o o o oTYPICAL SNAKES COLUBRIDAESemiornate Snake Meizodon semiornatus oSpotted Bush Snake Philothamnus semivariegatus o o o o o o o o o oGreen Water Snake Philothamnus hoplogaster oOrnate Green Snake Philothamnus ornatus o o o o o

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Western Green Snake Philothamnus angolensis o o o o o oCommon Egg Eater Dasypeltis scabra o o o o o o o o o o oHerald Snake Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia o o o oBarotse Water Snake Crotaphopeltis barotseensis o o o oEastern Tiger Snake Telescopus semiannulatus o o o o o o o oBoomslang Dispholidus typus o o o o o o o o oVine Snake Thelotornis capensis oatesii o o o o o oCOBRAS, MAMBAS AND ALLIES ELAPIDAE*Shield-nose Cobra Aspidelaps scutatus o o o o o oAngolan Garter Snake Elapsoidea semiannulata o o oBoulenger’s Garter Snake Elapsoidea boulengeri o o o oSundervall’s Garter Snake Elapsoidea sunderwallii fitzsimonsi o o o oSnouted Cobra Naja annulifera anchietae o o o o o o o o*Cape Cobra Naja nivea o oMozambique Spitting Cobra Naja mossambica o o o o o o o o o oBlack Mamba Dendroaspis polylepsis o o o o o o o o o o oVIPERS VIPERIDAECommon (Rhombic) Night Adder Causus rhombeatus o o o o o o o o oSnouted Night Adder Causus defilippii oPuff Adder Bitis arietans o o o o o o o o o o* Horned Adder Bitis caudalis o oWORM-LIKE LIZARDS AMPHISBAENIDAEKalahari Round-headed Worm Lizard Zygaspis quadrifrons o o o o o o o o*Black Round-headed Worm Lizard Zygaspis nigra o*Anchieta’s Spade-snouted Worm Lizard Monopeltis anchietae o o o o*Kalahari Spade-snouted Worm Lizard Monopeltis leonhardi o o*Slender Spade-snouted Worm Lizard Monopeltis sphenorhynchus o o o o o oBlunt-tailed Worm Lizard Dalophia pistillum o o o o o oLong-tailed Worm Lizard Dalophia longicauda oSKINKS SCINCIDAE*Striped Legless Skink Typhlosaurus lineatus lineatus o o*Kalahari Burrowing Skink Typhlacontias rohani o o o o o oSundevall’s Writhing Skink Mochlus sundevallii o o o o o o oCape Skink Trachylepis capensis o oStriped Skink Trachylepis striata o o o o o o o o oVariable Skink Trachylepis varia o o o o o o o*Variegated Skink Trachylepis variegata punctulata o o o o o o*Spotted-neck Snake-eyed Skink Panaspis maculicollis o o o o o oSAND LIZARDS & RELATED SPECIES LACERTIDAEBlack and Yellow Sand Lizard (Bushveld Lizard) Heliobolus lugubris o o o o o o o o oCape Rough-scaled Lizard Ichnotropis capensis o o o o o o o o oCommon Rough-scaled Lizard Ichnotropis squamulosa o o o o o o o o*Spotted Sandveld Lizard Nucras intertexta o o*Namaqua Sand Lizard Pedioplanis namaquensis o o



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PLATED LIZARDS GERRHOSAURIDAEYellow-throated Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus flavigularis o o oRough-scaled Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus major oKalahari Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus multilineatus auritus o o o o o o o o oBlack-lined Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus o o o oMONITORS VARANIDAERock (White-throated) Monitor Varanus albigularis o o o o oWater Monitor Varanus niloticus o o o o o o o o o oAGAMAS AGAMIDAEGround Agama Agama aculeata aculeata o o o oBlue-headed Tree Agama Acanthocercus atricollis o oCHAMELEONS CHAMAELEONIDAEFlap-neck Chameleon Chamaeleo dilepsis o o o o o o o o o oGECKOS GEKKONIDAE*Kalahari Ground Gecko Pachydactylus wahlbergii o o o o o oCommon (Cape) Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus capensis o o o o o o o o o o o* Okavango Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus chobiensis o o o*Cape Thick-toed Gecko Pachydactylus capensis o oTurner’s Thick-toed Gecko Chondrodactylus turneri o o o o o o o o o oSpeckled Thick-toed Gecko Pachydactylus punctatus o o o o o o o o o oO’Shaughnessy’s Thick-toed Gecko Pachydactylus oshaughnessyi o*Common Barking Gecko Ptenopus garrulus garrulus o oCROCODILES CROCODYLIDAENile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus o o o o o o o o o o



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AmphibiansThe term ‘amphibian’ 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 an adult 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 to its variety of available niches. From the low vantage that a mokoro trip offers, one often sees the likes of Angolan and large-nosed reed frog, 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 Tandy’s sand frog 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.

ANGOLAN REED FROG




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LARGE-NOSED REED FROGGIANT BULLFROG

TOADS AND PYGMY TOADS BUFONIDAE*Power's Toad Sclerophrys poweri o o o o o o o o oGarman's Toad Sclerophrys garmani oGuttural Toad Sclerophrys gutturalis o o o o o o o o o o oKavango Pygmy Toad Poyntonophrynus kavangensis o o o o o oFenoulhet's Pygmy Toad Poyntonophrynus fenoulheti oLemaire’s Toad Sclerophrys lemairii o o o o o o o o oSouthern Flat-backed Toad Sclerophrys pusilla o o o o o o o o o oRed Toad Schismaderma carens oSHOVEL-NOSED (PIGLET) FROGS HEMISOTIDAEGuinea Shovel-nosed (Piglet) Frog Hemisus guineensis o o oMarbled Shovel-nosed (Piglet) Frog Hemisus marmoratus o o o o o o o o oREED FROGS AND KASSINAS HYPEROLIIDAEBenguella Reed Frog Hyperolius benguellensis o o o o o o o o o oAngolan Reed Frog Hyperolius parallelus angolensis o o o o o o o o oLarge-nosed Reed Frog Hyperolius nasutus o o o o o o o o oSenegal Kassina Kassina senegalensis o o o o o o o o o oTREE FROGS AND SQUEAKERS ARTHROLEPTIDAEBocage's Tree Frog Leptopelis bocagii oCommon Squeaker Arthroleptis stenodactylus o o oRAIN FROGS BREVICEPTIDAEBushveld Rain Frog Breviceps adspersus o o o o o oPower's Rain Frog Breviceps poweri oRUBBER FROGS MICROHYLIDAEBanded Rubber Frog Phrynomantis bifasciatus o o o o o o o o o o

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PLATANNAS (CLAWED FROGS) PIPIDAECommon Platanna (African Clawed Frog) Xenopus laevis o o oMüller’s Clawed Frog Xenopus muelleri o o o o o o oPeters’ Platanna Xenopus petersii o o o o o o o oPUDDLE FROGS PHRYNOBATRACHIDAEMababe Puddle Frog Phrynobatrachus mababiensis o o o o o o o o o oSnoring (Natal) Puddle Frog Phrynobatrachus natalensis o o o o o o o o o oORNATE FROGS & GRASS FROGS PTYCHADENIDAECommon (African) Ornate Frog Hildebrandtia ornata o o oAnchieta's Grass Frog Ptychadena anchietae o o o o o o o o o oGuibe’s Grass Frog Ptychadena guibei o o o o o o oMascarene Grass Frog Ptychadena mascareniensis o o o o o oMozambique (Broad-banded) Grass Frog Ptychadena mossambica o o o o o oSharp-nosed Grass Frog Ptychadena oxyrhynchus o o o o o oSpeckle-bellied Grass Frog Ptychadena subpunctata o o o o o o oSouthern Dwarf Grass Frog Ptychadena taenioscelis o o o o o o o o oBULLFROGS, CACOS & SAND FROGS PYXICEPHALIDAEGiant Bullfrog Pyxicephalus adspersus o o o o o o o o o oAfrican (Edible) Bullfrog Pyxicephalus edulis oCryptic Sand Frog Tomopterna cryptotis o o o o o o o o o oKnocking Sand Frog Tomopterna krugerensis o o o o o o o o o oMarbled Sand Frog Tomopterna marmorata oTandy’s Sand Frog Tomopterna tandyi o o o o o o o oTRUE FROGS RANIDAEDarling’s White-lipped Frog Amnirana darlingi o o oFOAM-NEST FROGS RHACOPHORIDAESouthern Foam-Nest Frog Chiromantis xerampelina o o o o o o o o o o

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LIVGUINEA SHOVEL-NOSED (PIGLET) FROG

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TRAVEL NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1 Day 2

Day 3 Day 4

Day 5 Day 6

Day 7 Day 8

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RECOMMENDED FIELD GUIDES

Stuarts’ Field Guide to Mammals of Southern AfricaChris and Mathilde Stuart. Struik NatureISBN: 9781775841111Comprehensive field guide covering greater southern Africa. APP: eGuide to Mammals of Southern Africa

The Kingdon Pocket Guide to African MammalsJonathan Kingdon. Bloomsbury Natural History.ISBN: 9781472924384In compact format – the field guide of choice to take on African safaris.

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa – 4th EditionIan Sinclair; Phil Hockey; Warwick Tarboton. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 9781770079250The all-in-one guide to the birds of southern Africa.APP: Sasol eBirds of Southern Africa

Roberts Bird Guide – 2nd EditionHugh Chittenden, Ingrid Weiersbye and Greg Davies. Jacana Media.ISBN: 9781920602017Concise and portable, this revised edition is an excellent field guide for southern Africa.APP: Roberts Multimedia Birds of SA

**A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa

Vincent Carruthers and Louis Du Preez. Struik Publishers

ISBN: 9781775845447

This guide offers the most authoritative and comprehensive treatment of frogs of the region.

APP: Frogs of Southern Africa

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

APP: eSnakes of Southern Africa

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Copy: Martin Benadie and Chris RocheDesign and artwork: Mary-Anne Van Der BylPhotographers: Dana Allen, Grant Atkinson, Martin Benadie, Caroline Culbert, Russel Friedman, Mike Myers and Marleen Le Roux. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWith 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, Moa 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.

ABOUT

Wilderness SafarisFounded in 1983, Wilderness Safaris is widely acclaimed as the continent’s foremost ecotourism operator. We offer our guests life-changing journeys in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa, and in so doing help conserve Africa’s spectacular biodiversity and share ecotourism’s benefits with the communities that live alongside these areas.

After more than 35 years in business, it is sometimes hard to remember why you started out and what you originally hoped to achieve. However, at Wilderness Safaris, our purpose is today even more firmly defined and entrenched than ever before. The company knows why it exists and what it is trying to achieve. Simply put, Wilderness Safaris is dedicated to conserving and restoring Africa’s wilderness and wildlife by creating life-changing journeys and inspiring positive action. Its model is responsible and sustainable, changes people’s perspectives on the planet, and inspires those exposed to it to effect positive change in their own lives and own spheres of influence.

Behind everything Wilderness does there is a Purpose, whether it is conserving endangered species, ensuring the benefits of ecotourism reach the people that live in or near the areas in which it operates, or inspiring positive change in the lives of staff, guests and other stakeholders.

Wilderness Safaris prides itself on offering guests a transformative experience with a Purpose, one that offers a truly life-changing journey based upon the company’s 4Cs sustainability ethos of Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation. Each ‘C’ is as important as the other, demonstrating the company’s commitment to driving a sustainable and successful ecotourism business in order to make a meaningful contribution to Africa’s wilderness, wildlife and people.

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