The Okavango Delta is one of the largest undisturbed inland deltas remaining in the world. This dynamic riverine environment is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and supplies the arid Kalahari Desert of northern Botswana with life giving waters. As ecotourism continues to develop in Botswana this delicate swamp is under increasing pressure from human activity.As more visitors embark on adventures into this region the instances of animal and human conflicts are also increasing. The hippopotamus are responsible for more deaths than any other mammal in Africa, and in light of recent hippo related fatalities, steps will inevitably be taken to manage the hippos. It is crucial then that their niche in the delta's complex ecosystem be understood prior to the formation of any management plans.

This study focused on both the physical conditions and the micro organisms of the water in relation to the extent of hippo activity. Water samples were taken at areas of high, moderate and low hippo concentration and these samples were tested for seven different compounds. The focus was on the organic compounds that are essential for plant and animal growth and health. It was hypothesized that in area of heavy hippo activity there will be an increase in the levels of these nutrients, thus creating a more favorable environment for many species in the aquatic ecosystem.