Harare [Zimbabwe], July 5: Zimbabwe will relocate a batch of wild animals, including elands, buffaloes and sable antelopes, to Matusadona National Park (MNP) to help restore its biodiversity, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) announced Friday.
ZimParks, in partnership with the African Parks Network and the Matusadona Conservation Trust, will implement a rewilding program in the national park, which has experienced wildlife losses over the years due to various challenges, including poaching, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said in a statement.
According to Farawo, ZimParks has issued permits to translocate 10 elands and 50 buffaloes from Tsetse Island, part of Lake Kariba Recreational Park, to MNP, which lies in Mashonaland West Province.
Additionally, 20 sable antelopes, alongside other key herbivores, including roan antelopes sourced from carefully selected populations across the country, will also be relocated to the park, he said, adding the animals are being selected through scientific ecological assessments to safeguard the health and sustainability of the source populations.
"ZimParks and its partners remain committed to responsible, evidence-based conservation practices that uphold biodiversity integrity, ecosystem health, and community well-being," Farawo said.
Throughout the rewilding program, additional measures will be implemented to strengthen conservation outcomes, including enhanced law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring, and community development initiatives aimed at improving local livelihoods and boosting anti-poaching efforts, Farawo added.
MNP is one of the largest national parks in Zimbabwe, serving as a vital sanctuary to protect many endangered species, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and zebras.
Source: Xinhua
