Maputo, 9 Jun (AIM) – The Zinave National Park (PNZ), in the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane, recently received nine female white rhinos, a historic milestone for the recovery of national biodiversity.
The operation was coordinated by the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), in partnership with Peace Parks Foundation and Exxaro Resources, with the support of the South African Department of Forests, Fisheries and Environment.
This is one of the most important wildlife conservation operations carried out in Mozambique in recent decades. The translocation represents a historic milestone for the recovery of national biodiversity and reinforces efforts to restore viable rhinoceros populations in the country, over 40 years after their local extinction.
With the arrival of this latest group, Zinave now has 39 white rhinoceroses and 22 black rhinos, forming the first founding populations of both species established in a Mozambican national park, which means that both populations are already reproducing.
According to Pejul Calenga, ANAC Director-General, this is a decisive moment for conservation in the country because “the current translocation marks a chapter of pride and hope in the trajectory of conservation in Mozambique.”
“By returning the white rhinos to Zinave, we are not only guaranteeing the future of a keystone species, but also restoring the balance of ecosystems and creating investment opportunities in the wildlife economy,” he stated.
For his part, António Abacar, PNZ Administrator, said that the arrival of the nine females represents another important step in the process of restoring the biodiversity of the conservation area.
“The arrival of this latest group of nine white rhinos represents an important step in the process of restoring the park’s biodiversity and reinforces our commitment to protecting endangered species. The operation also strengthens Zinave’s position as a national benchmark in wildlife conservation”, he said.
“With this translocation, Zinave strengthens its rhinos’ population and consolidates itself as the only national park in Mozambique where it is possible to find the Big Five – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros”, he added.
Exxaro Resources was responsible for the donation of the animals through its partnership with the PPF, in an initiative that aims to expand safe areas for rhinoceros conservation beyond South African borders.
“Exxaro is proud to collaborate with the Peace Parks Foundation and other partners in promoting its strategy of sustainable growth and positive impact”, said the company’s CEO, Ben Magara.
Considered among the most complex wildlife conservation operations, the translocation of rhinoceroses involved months of preparation and technical coordination, actions carried out by specialized teams, veterinary care, adapted means of transport, and continuous monitoring after the animals’ release.
Currently, rhinos are protected in a high-security area created specifically to guarantee their survival, supported by investments in surveillance, monitoring systems, monitoring technologies, and specialized infrastructure.
(AIM)
PC/Am/
