Exploring Local Elephant Knowledge in the Boteti River Region, Botswana

The African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) and humans are experiencing conflict surrounding the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in Botswana, Africa. In 2009, at the Western border of the park, there was a resurgence of the Boteti River (Evans, 2006). Consequently, elephants and humans are competing over both land and water. There are three major elephant conservation organizations in Botswana with aims of preserving biotic life and mitigating conflict due to resource competition. Elephants for Africa (EfA) studies the social dynamics, environmental influences, and behavioural patterns of elephants. One of the gaps within elephant conservation research is the under-utilization of local ecological knowledge (LEK). LEK is important to explore as it often complements scientific ecological knowledge (SEK). Using an approach that uses LEK as a tool in social science research is advantageous due to the researcher’s ability to gather information about an area's current ecological condition. In comparison, a scientific research approach generally takes more time and is less cost-effective in gathering the same targeted data. Coupling LEK with scientific inquiry, however, optimizes data collection and is an example of an interdisciplinary approach that is lacking in conservation management. Preserving ecological knowledge and conserving wildlife could be eased through the amalgamation of social science and conservation biology disciplines. This research study is conducted in affiliation with EfA and explores local elephant knowledge, specifically in Moreomaoto and Motopi (Boteti villages). Using a series of key informant discussions, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, qualitative data were collected in the research study area. Data reveal that there is local elephant knowledge within Boteti that compliments previously gathered SEK. Utilizing LEK as a tool in conservation management could help in alleviating the tensions of resource competition.