The Desert Elephants

"The Desert elephants are found predominantly in the Kaokoland and Damaraland regions of north west Namibia and they generally inhabit the ancient, ephemeral riverbeds that are found here. These seasonal rivers are dependent on local rain fall before flowing above ground, however in times of drought, the water still flows, but deep under the desert sand". [1]

"There is a debate amongst zoologists and scientists as to whether these desert dwelling animals should be classified as a different species of Elephant. Desert Elephants are apparently very well adapted to living under the particular conditions of the desert. They routinely move great distances between feeding grounds and the scattered waterholes where they drink during the dry season, distances of up to 70 km being regularly traversed".

They are trudging across the sands, dry river-beds and rocky outcrops of Damaraland in Namibia, where they will use their trunks to burrow deep into the arid ground in search of lifegiving water. [2]

Pictures courtesy of Michael Poliza

More info: 1, 2 /See also: The Swimming Elephants