Zinave National Park remains committed to bringing an end to poaching and authorities have reported the seizure of thousands of wire snares used to trap animals.
Now Zinave is welcoming dozens of elephants that have come to join over two hundred others. The elephants attract tourists, but unfortunately poachers will also note the introduction and that’s why it’s so important to reinforce control. Adequate protection is always the priority and strategies are constantly evolving as threats increase. Already around 31,000 snares have been removed from the bush, so that is a huge win for the animals. This week saw the elephants from the Maputo River landscape just outside the Maputo Special Reserve finally resettled in Zinave. With more animals in Zinave, among them the elephants, hopes are that this conservation area becomes one of the leading tourist attractions in Mozambique.
In total, Zinave National Park covers 408,000 hectares. Of this, 18 600 hectares is a wildlife sanctuary with extra protection that fosters the multiplication of animals. It is a project spearheaded by the Mozambican government, initiated in 2015 in partnership with Peace Parks Foundation. This relationship is secured under a 20-year co-management agreement with the restoration and reintroduction of wildlife as one of the main goals. So far, over 10 species have been introduced, totalling more than 2000 animals.
With an increase in the species and this collaboration with Peace Parks and partners, the park has gained a new dynamic in terms of local tourism, unlocking new employment opportunities for the communities living close the Zinave.
