Animals and waterThe Okavango Delta shows animal behavior not seen in many other wilderness areas of Africa. Due to the annual flooding of the delta huge pieces of the home ranges of animals are covered by water, but instead of moving away from the area the animals often use the water to their advantage.
Buffalo will spend long hours in the shallows of the floodplains feeding from the soft vegetation in the water. Lions of the Okavango, sometimes referred to as swamp cats, will use the water to get closer to their prey, where, instead of stalking across land, they will keep out of site by rounding an island through the water.
Personal observations have included most mammals of the delta walking or swimming across floodplains and channels when the water is high. The threat of crocodiles on the floodplains, although present, is limited due to the shallowness of the water.
Baboons show interesting behavior when crossing water with a variety of styles being exhibited. Some will run across screaming constantly, others will feel their way slowly whilst others simply get up on their hind legs and walk across. Mothers with babies will walk swiftly across with the baby getting a good dunking
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