In 1996 some 21% of the the prime wetland habitats for reedbuck, waterbuck, lechwe and puku were cleared for agriculture (Mendelsohn & Roberts 1997, p 18; Figures 13-15). Martin (2004) extrapolated to the probable situation in 2004 assuming that the rate of land clearance is directly proportional to human population growth. Using a growth rate of 4% per annum (Mendelsohn and Roberts 1997, p 15), the present percentage cleared has been derived by multiplying the percentage cleared in 1996 by a factor of 1.37 (Table 5). This suggests that in 2004 72% of the wetland habitats remained.

Martin's analysis suggest the disappearance of the "Kavango/Kwando valley woodland" habitat type. However, a small proportion remains protected in Mahango, the western core area of the West Caprivi Game reserve, the 'Golden Triangle and the conservancies on the eastern bank of the Kwando River. This analysis does not take into account the additional pressure on these habitats caused by cattle grazing. Waterbuck, in particular, avoid overgrazed areas.