Desert-Adapted Elephants of the Hoanib & Hoarusib

Only one of two desert elephant populations on earth (the other is in Mali). Approximately 180 individuals in north-west Namibia, roaming the Hoanib, Hoarusib, Uniab, Huab and Ugab riverbeds across 115,000km² — entirely outside national parks. Adapted over generations: flatter feet for sand, ability to go days without water, travelling up to 70km a day along ancient dry riverbed routes. Not a different species — a unique learned behavioural ecotype.