Why in news?
During the state visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Botswana, India and Botswana announced the translocation of eight African cheetahs to India. The decision reflects growing cooperation between the two nations and has sparked interest in Botswana’s geography and resources.
Background
Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It shares borders with Namibia to the north and west, South Africa to the south and southeast, Zimbabwe to the northeast and, at a single point, Zambia to the north. Gaborone is the capital and largest city. Botswana is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
Geographical features
- Regions: The landscape is divided into the Hardveld in the east, consisting of rocky hills and shallow soils; the Sandveld covering much of the centre with deep Kalahari sands; and ancient lake beds in the north that mark the lowest part of the Kalahari Basin.
- Major rivers: The Okavango, Chobe, Limpopo and Molopo rivers define the country’s drainage. The Okavango Delta is a rare inland delta where the river disperses into wetlands without reaching the sea.
- Kalahari Desert: More than 70 percent of Botswana is arid to semi‑arid desert dominated by savannah and shrub land.
- Climate: The climate is semi‑arid with warm winters and hot summers. Rainfall is scarce and highly variable.
- Natural resources: Botswana is rich in diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore and silver. Diamond mining is the backbone of its economy.
Significance of the cheetah translocation
Botswana played a central role in India’s Project Cheetah, which aims to re‑establish cheetahs in the wild after they were declared extinct in India in 1952. By agreeing to send eight cheetahs, Botswana has deepened its wildlife collaboration with India and showcased its conservation expertise.
Sources: The Indian Express, PIB