Capital

Gaborone

Official Language

English & Setswana

Fun Fact

Home to the largest elephant population

National Animal

Zebra

National Bird

Kori Bustard

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Botswana

The Animal Laws of Botswana PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Botswana. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Botswana

Kori Bustard

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

The Kori Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, inhabiting the grasslands, savannas, and open plains of eastern and southern Africa. Recognized by its mottled brown-and-white plumage and impressive size, this ground-dwelling bird feeds on insects, small reptiles, seeds, and other plant material. During courtship displays, males puff out their feathers and perform elaborate rituals to attract mates. As an iconic species of Africa’s open landscapes, the Kori Bustard plays an important role in maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems.

Plains Zebra

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

The Plains Zebra is the most widespread and common zebra species in Africa, inhabiting grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands across eastern and southern Africa. Recognized by its striking black-and-white striped coat, each individual has a unique pattern that helps with identification and social bonding. Living in family groups and large migratory herds, Plains Zebras play an important role in maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems through their grazing habits and serve as one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species.

Red Lechwe

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

The Red Lechwe is a graceful antelope native to the floodplains, marshes, and wetlands of south-central Africa. Perfectly adapted to life in watery habitats, it has long legs and specially shaped hooves that allow it to move easily through shallow water and soft mud. Males are distinguished by their rich reddish-brown coats and elegant, lyre-shaped horns. By grazing on aquatic vegetation, Red Lechwe help maintain healthy wetland ecosystems and contribute to the biodiversity of Africa’s freshwater landscapes.

Lion

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Lions are among the most iconic and recognizable animals in the world, inhabiting grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands across parts of Africa. Known as the “king of beasts,” they are the only truly social big cats, living in family groups called prides that cooperate in hunting and raising young. With their powerful build, impressive roars, and important role as apex predators, lions help maintain ecological balance and symbolize the strength and majesty of Africa’s wild landscapes.

African Elephant

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

African Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, roaming a variety of habitats including savannas, forests, grasslands, and wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa. Known for their intelligence, strong family bonds, and remarkable memory, these gentle giants play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems by dispersing seeds, creating water access points, and maintaining habitats used by countless other species. As keystone animals and symbols of Africa’s natural heritage, African Elephants are vital to the health and biodiversity of the landscapes they inhabit.

Bat-eared Fox

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Bat-eared Fox is a small and distinctive canid native to the grasslands and savannas of eastern and southern Africa. Named for its oversized ears, which help it detect prey underground and regulate body temperature, this unique fox feeds primarily on insects, especially termites and beetles. Social, adaptable, and well suited to life in dry environments, the Bat-eared Fox plays an important role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance within its habitat.