First steps taken towards restocking national park
IN A historic first bid to restock Malawi’s Kasungu National Park, conservationists have begun translocating zebra and waterbuck to the 240 000 hectare² wildlife reserve.
The first seven zebra – four mares and three stallions – arrived at Kasungu last week.
In total, 12 zebra and 14 waterbuck are being moved from Kuti Wildlife Reserve in Salima by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw).
“The relocation of the wildlife is to be celebrated. It means that Kasungu National Park is finally a safe place for wildlife to roam free without the threat of poaching, and it speaks to our successes in restoring and safeguarding the park,” said Ifaw director of law enforcement, Mike Labuschagne.
In 2015, Ifaw began efforts to rebuild Kasungu National Park’s infrastructure, train an effective and efficient wildlife ranger force and end rampant poaching of wildlife that saw elephant populations dip to about 50, from a historical high of more than 1 000 in the 1970s.
Populations of most other wildlife such as antelope, zebra and other plains game were virtually extinct.
“Five years ago, only six zebra remained alive in the park, down from around 500 individuals.
“The population of waterbuck, which used to number 300, were poached to local extinction by the 1990s,” said Labuschagne.
“Working with the DNPW and with the support of the community, we’ve managed to virtually stamp out poaching altogether in Kasungu, and we are seeing a steady rise in populations of elephant as well as regular sightings of other animals such as wild dog, leopard and even lions.”
Jason Bell, Ifaw vice-president for Conservation and Animal Rescue, said Ifaw-trained DNPW rangers conducted the translocation together with a wildlife veterinary team.
“We are building increased capacity and empowering governments and local people not only to participate in, but also own the future of conservation in their countries. This is the only sustainable option for Africa,” said Bell.
Brighton Kumchedwa, director of the DNPW, said the translocation was an important step in restoring Kasungu National Park to its former glory as a popular tourist attraction.
“The decision by DNPW and Ifaw to reintroduce waterbuck and add to the small existing herd of zebra means we’re confident these animals will be able to thrive safe from danger.
“Additionally, zebra are a key attraction for tourists. In turn, that will provide much-needed economic stimulus to local communities,” said Kumchedwa.