World

Hundreds of buffaloes drown ‘fleeing lions’ in Botswana

November 08, 2018
Buffalo carcasses are seen in the Chobe river, Nambia, on the country’s border with Botswana, on Thursday.
Buffalo carcasses are seen in the Chobe river, Nambia, on the country’s border with Botswana, on Thursday.

GABORONE, Botswana — Around 400 buffaloes drowned after stampeding into the Chobe River along the border between Botswana and Namibia, possibly while running away from lions, the tourism ministry said.

The Chobe River flows along the northeastern border of the Chobe National Park, known for the large breeding herds of elephants, giraffe, sable and African buffalo, which make it a major tourist attraction in Southern Africa.

Initial investigations Botswana and Namibia suggest that an exceptionally large buffalo herd was grazing in Namibia before they stampeded into the Chobe River. The buffalo trampled on each other and fell into the river from its steep banks, the ministry said in a statement.

“The cause of the stampede is still uncertain and under investigation. However, initial indications are that they were being chased by a pride of lions,” Botswana’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism said.

“This is not an unusual occurrence as mass drownings have occurred before in the Chobe River notably off Sedudu Island.”

“Initial indications are that they were being chased by a pride of lions,” it said.

“It is estimated that more than 400 animals drowned due to the massive movement of buffalo trampling, and falling from steep river banks.”

Buffalo river drownings are not uncommon in the region, but the numbers are usually small.

Namibia’s Environment Minister Pohamba Shifeta said that the incident was “unfortunate” but due to natural causes.

About 1,000 buffalo had struggled to get over a riverbank when the stampede started, he said. Three lions were seen in the area.

Namibia said the buffalo meat would be donated to the local community and carcasses were being collected. — Agencies


November 08, 2018
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