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. This desert is rarely lifeless and harbours mythical destinations such as Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari. 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. Enjoy your journey! 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 km 2 of verdant channels, lagoons, swamps and islands. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 2 Africa vegetation map Biomes DESERT (Namib Sahara Danakil) SEMI-DESERT (Karoo Sahel Chalbi) ARID SAVANNAH (Kalahari Masai Steppe Ogaden) GRASSLAND (Highveld Abyssinian) MEDITERRANEAN SCRUB / FYNBOS SEYCHELLES 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)ģ Introduction Welcome to the wonderful wildlife of southern Africa.
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