| Information sur la photo |
Copyright: Maria Petersen (pisces)
![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 18 W: 0 N: 54]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-n-g.gif) (330) |
| Genre: Lieux |
| Média: Couleur |
| Date de prise de vue: 2007-10 |
| Appareil photographique: Sony Cybershot DSC H9 |
| Versions: version originale |
| Date de soumission: 2008-08-01 1:30 |
| Vue: 424 |
| Points: 0 |
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| [Ligne directrice - Note] Note du photographe |
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a large wetland which is surrounded by the Kalahari Desert. Millions of years ago tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to backup and form what is now the Delta... This has created a unique system of waterways that now supports a vast array of animal and plant life that would have otherwise been a dry Kalahari savanna.
It's headwaters start in Angola’s western highlands, with offshoots joining to form the Cubango River. The water then flows through Namibia (called the Kavango) and finally enters Botswana, where it is then called the Okavango. Instead of flowing into the sea, the annual flood of fresh water flows inland, spreading over 15 000km² of the Kalahari sand into a maze of lagoons and channels.
The Okavango Delta presents a unique ecosystem with countless islands that emerge from its waterways. The environment has large numbers of animal populations that are otherwise rare, such as crocodile, red lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo, wattled crane and the water supports many kinds of fish and more common mammals and bird life. Conservationists have taken a great interest in the preservation of the Delta, as it is such an exceptional area.
This picture was taken from the air when spotting an elephant bull crossing the enormous green spaces of the Delta! |
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