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Travel Namibia |
Introduction - The Desert elephants are found predominantly in the Kaokoland and Damaraland regions of north west Namibia and they generally inhabit the ancient, ephemeral riverbeds that are found here. These seasonal rivers are dependent on local rain fall before flowing above ground, however in times of drought, the water still flows, but deep under the desert sand.
There is a debate amongst zoologists and scientists as to whether these desert dwelling animals should be classified as a different species of Elephant. Desert Elephants are apparently very well adapted to living under the particular conditions of the desert. They routinely move great distances between feeding grounds and the scattered waterholes where they drink during the dry season, distances of up to 70 km being regularly traversed.
Vistiors to Namibia interested in the Desert Elephant could join one of the Desert Elephant and Rhino Tracking safaris or stay at a lodge which has a particullar emaphasis on these desert adapted animals, the Palmwag Rhino Camp is a good choice.
Diet - Desert Elephants feed on a wide range of plants, and like elephants elsewhere they take leaves, shoots, bark, flowers, fruit, bulbs, tubers and roots as well as grass and sedges. They have distinct and practical seasonal feeding preferences. During the rains the elephants tend to use more grass, which then becomes abundantly available, and during the dry season they concentrate on browsing. This allows the woody plants a measure of respite for recovering during the summer.
Colouring - Grey
Size - Slightly smaller than the African Elephant