One of the driest areas in the world is the Kalahari Desert. This arid desert stretches across Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Its extreme climate has allowed it to be home to a variety unique animals.
The Kalahari is an inland desert that has lasted since the Cretaceous period (65-135 million years ago). It was also during this time period that the Makgadikgadi Depression in northern Botswana was formed. The dry riverbeds of the Makgadikgadi Depression are evidence of times when it was wetter.
A Desert is an area that receives less then 10 inches of precipitation each year. It is possible that the Kalahari's Southwest receives more than that. However, evaporation often outweighs precipitation.
The Kalahari's animals are well-adapted to desert conditions. Many of these endemic species have developed ways to survive days without water, and others obtain their necessary supplies from plants that have survived the arid climate.
Some of these plants are cacti, while others include herbs and grasses. Some plants, such as the hoodia cactus are edible while others, including wildwatermelons or tsamma melon melons, are not. Gemsbok cucumbers are another example.
Due to the dry climate, the people have had difficulty living in villages. To survive, they have created a variety strategies including raising goats and cattle. They also cultivate crops like corn, wheat, sorghum or pumpkins.
There are a variety of plants growing in the kalahari, including cacti and shrubs, as well as many trees, such as the camel thorn tree. These trees can grow up 30 feet high and are very tough.
They are often used for making "braaivleis," Afrikaans for barbecue. Some of these trees are considered protected and require permission to be cut.
You will see a variety species of birds in the kalahari. They range from owls or herons to kites or kestrels. Some birds spend only part of the year there, while others are migratory.
Other animals that live within the kalahari include elephants. giraffes. zebras. You will also find predators like lions and leopards. There are also smaller rodents like badgers. Hares and porcupines are common.
The kalahari desert is located in southwestern Botswana, southeastern Namibia, and southwestern South Africa. It is bordered by both the Orange River to its west and the Zambezi River towards the east.
FAQ
What is the most important tool for survival?
Sharp knives are the best tool for survival. It is not enough to just have any knife. If you don't know how to use it properly, it won't help much.
A knife without a blade can be dangerous. A knife with a dull edge is dangerous.
The best knives are made by master craftsmen who understand their actions. They take great pride in their workmanship and ensure each knife is perfect.
They maintain their blades and sharpen them frequently.
Make sure the knife feels comfortable in your hands before you purchase it. You should feel at ease with the knife in your hands.
You shouldn't notice any rough spots on the handle.
Ask the seller to repair any such defects if you find them. Accept a knife if it doesn't feel comfortable in your hand.
What is the difference in a fixed-blade and a folding knife?
Folding knives can be folded compactly so they fit in a backpack or pocket. The blade folds away when not in use.
Fixed-blade knives have a fixed blade that can be used for normal tasks. They are usually longer than folding knives.
Fixed-blade knives have a greater durability, but are also more portable.
How to Navigate With or Without a Compass?
While a compass won't show you where you are, it will help you locate your way home if you lose track of your direction.
There are three ways to navigate:
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By landmarks
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By magnetic North (using an compass).
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By stars
Landmarks are objects that you can recognize when they appear. These can be trees, buildings, rivers, and so on. They are useful as they can be used to show you where you are.
Magnetic North is simply the direction in which the Earth's magnetic field points. If you look up at a skyline, you will notice that the sun seems to be moving across it. However, the earth's magnet field causes the sun to move about the earth. So, while the sun seems to move across the sky, it really moves around the horizon. The sun is directly overhead at noon. At midnight, you will see the sun directly below. Because the earth's magnetic field changes constantly, the exact direction of its magnetic North pole is always changing. This can mean that you could be off track for a few days.
Another method of navigation is to use stars. Stars appear to rise and set over the horizon. These points are in space and can be used to locate your position relative to other places.
Statistics
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
- The Dyrt PRO gives 40% campground discounts across the country (thedyrt.com)
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
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How To
How to Purify Drink Water in Emergencies
When natural disasters strike, the most important activity is water purification. Filtration, disinfection and storage are the steps involved in purifying drinking waters. Clean drinking water has saved many lives in times of need. It is also a faster way to recover from disasters.
Purified water should always be stored properly and kept away from direct sunlight. Purified water should be stored in a container that does not contain oxygen. You can use plastic bags and bottles to store purified water if there are not enough containers. Keep the water at 4°C (40°F) or less. Avoid freezing water as ice crystals could form within the water.
When preparing purified water, follow these steps:
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Boil water till it boils. By straining the boiling water through an a strainer, you can remove any impurities.
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For every 2 gallons water, add 1 teaspoon of iodine. Stir thoroughly before adding the iodine.
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Place the water in a sealed container. Keep the water refrigerated for not more than three days.
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You should label the container with the date, type and amount of water.
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Make sure your water supply is safe