Desert-adapted Elephants

Namibia's desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland and Kaokoland are a biological wonder. These elephants — genetically identical to savanna elephants but adapted to the desert over generations — have developed abilities that no other elephant possesses:

• They wander up to 70 km per day through dry riverbeds in search of water
• Their feet are wider and flatter than those of other elephants — perfect for sandy terrain
• They can go days without water and dig deep holes in riverbeds with their tusks to reach underground water veins — benefiting other animals as well
• They are slimmer and longer-legged than their relatives in water-rich areas

There are only two populations of desert-adapted elephants worldwide: in Namibia (about 600 animals) and in Mali. Their survival depends on peaceful coexistence with farmers — conflicts over water and grazing land are a constant challenge. Community-based conservancies have helped the population grow.