Two environmental organisations in Botswana have been praised for helping to save numerous species living on the Makgadikgadi Pans.

According to the Reporter, the country's minister of environment, wildlife and tourism has congratulated the Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS) and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks for their efforts.

Kitso Mokaila said that their joint project, which involved creating boreholes for wildlife to drink from during the dry season, was "significant".

Animals have suffered from a lack of steady water supply in the Makgadikgadi area since 1992 when the Boteti River ceased to flow.

Mr Mokaila spoke at the handing over of the boreholes ceremony which marked the end of the two-year venture.

The project also involved the digging of a pool for a group of hippos which inhabit the area.

KCS chairman Neil Fitt said: "After considering research work previously undertaken in the area and after being updated by the current subcontractors, the new information became available and we agreed that the location of the boreholes and the water points were to be along and in the vicinity of the Boteti River between Sukwane and Moreomaoto."

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