“Under a proposal negotiated by elephant range states and passed by the conference, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe will be allowed to conduct a one-time sale of ivory stocks collected from elephants that died of natural causes and elephants taken by governments to protect villages. The United States has serious reservations about allowing Zimbabwe to be part of the sale because of doubts about its conservation record and commitment to combating poaching, but decided to support the agreement. Zimbabwe will have to demonstrate the effectiveness of its conservation program before it will be allowed by the CITES Standing Committee to proceed with the sale.” – All American Patriots

“International trade in elephant ivory was banned in 1990, due to plummeting elephant stocks. But in 1997, CITES allowed South Africa, Botswana and Namibia ? where elephant numbers were growing ? to sell stocks of ivory taken from poachers or dead elephants. That sale took place in 1999.” – New Scientist

“South African professional hunter Christo Kaiser has been killed by an elephant in Botswana.” – IOL

” Three elephants whose tracks were spotted in the Tswapong and Mahalapye areas last week may have followed their ancient route to their former habitat, according to the Central District Council (CDC) senior wildlife biologist, Balisana Marotsi. ” – Mmegi Online

“Elephants are reported to be causing havoc in the northern part of Botswana, by destroying field crops and farm properties.” – BOPA Daily News

“Francistown Magistrate Court has fined 76-year-old Mbako Mongwa P2000 or three months imprisonment in default of payment for the unlawful possession of an elephant tusk.”- BOPA Daily

“In other kgotla meetings at Tsokatshaa and Zoroga, the residents said they were losing hope in farming because elephants always destroyed their crops.” – BOPA Daily News

“This elephant safari is for those who want to escape and feel alone and at one with the magnificent creatures of Botswana at the same time as contributing to further conservation and research.” – Response Source

“A pact for a new transfrontier game park straddling the borders between Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe was signed on Thursday.” – Mail & Guardian Online

“Oregon Zoo Deputy Director Mike Keele, an elephant expert who has traveled extensively in Africa, will lead an 11-day excursion to Botswana. The tour takes place Nov. 7-18, 2006, and is timed to take advantage of the annual flooding of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. Each year, after the rainy season, the delta floods, and animals from across the savanna flock there to mate and raise their young alongside its plentiful banks. Antelope, zebra, lion, hyena, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, giraffe and elephant are just some of the species that may be seen.” – KATU 2

“Botswana has to wait for the next conference of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 2007 to know whether it will be allowed to sell its ivory stockpiles. ” – Mmegi Online

“North West District Council secretary, Paulos Nkoni failed to reach his destination recently when an enraged elephant gored a vehicle he was travelling in near Kachikau village. His driver who dodged a possible head on collision with the animal immediately caught flu, he said. ” – Mmegi Online

“An ancient but now lethal migration route for elephants is to be demined in Angola, paving the way for swelling herds in neighbouring Botswana and Zambia to expand their range, the United Nations said on Thursday.” – Planet Ark

“Botswana’s sale of about 20 tonnes of ivory sanctioned by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has been suspended because some countries have failed to meet one of the preconditions.” – Latest News – Republic of Botswana

“Namibia’s veterinary authorities will launch a vaccinating campaign from next week against an anthrax outbreak that was confirmed to have spread from neighboring Botswana, according to sources reaching here from Windhoek.” – Xinhuanet

“Botswana’s wildlife authorities have closed Chobe National Park to tourists after an anthrax outbreak that threatens buffalo and elephants in one of the country’s largest game reserves, a spokesperson said on Monday.” – IOL: SADC

“Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in the world, and a visit to Kanana Camp in the Okavango Delta gives you the chance to get up close and personal with these remarkable pachyderms.” – IOL: Africa

“Speaking during a courtesy call by Botswana’s honorary consul in Malaysia Dr Mohan Swami, Minister Merafhe suggested that Botswana should sell some of its huge stock of elephants to Malaysia.” – Latest News – Republic of Botswana