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IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
SA helps neighbouring Mozambique boosts rhino populations with recent translocation
South Africa is helping neighbouring Mozambique boost its rhino populations with recent translocation Image: File CONSERVATIONISTS hope the translocation of 10 additional critically endangered black rhinos to Zinave National Park in Mozambique will secure the first founder population of black rhinos since becoming locally extinct five decades ago. The rhinos, five male and five female, were donated by South Africa's provincial conservation entity, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in collaboration with Mozambique's National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Peace Parks Foundation, with financial support from players of UK People's Postcode Lottery. With 37 rhinos already introduced and thriving, this initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and reinforce the park as Mozambique's only 'big five' national park, setting a new standard for wildlife conservation and ecological restoration. 'This is a significant conservation success. We congratulate the government of Mozambique and its co-management partner, Peace Parks Foundation, on achieving this important milestone. Establishing new founder populations is one of many critical interventions to secure the future of these species,' said Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dion George. Peace Parks Foundation approached Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for a donation of black rhinos to boost the numbers to form a viable breeding population of black rhinos in Mozambique. An agreement was reached on the ten rhinos sourced from Ithala Game Reserve and Ezemvelo's three Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. George said South Africa's successes in rhino conservation and the implementation of anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts have stabilised its rhino populations, thereby placing the country in a position as a source of rhino for range States in Africa which have either lost many or all of their rhino and wish to re-establish populations or augment current populations. ANAC Director General Pejul Calenga said: 'For the year 2025, this will be the first translocation of rhinos to our country, and we are pleased with this process. We thank the South African Government and all partners involved. We would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to protecting Mozambique's conservation areas and to invite all friends of conservation, as well as tourists, to visit our country,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The journey to the translocation began in 2024 when Ezemvelo's renowned Game Capture Unit expertly captured the rhinos selected for the translocation. Ezemvelo chief executive Sihle Mkhize said: 'The animals selected from various game reserves were given the highest level of care whilst kept in holding bomas awaiting favourable conditions for the road transfer. We are proud to have once again translocated healthy and well-cared-for animals, continuing our proud tradition. This accomplishment reaffirms our enduring commitment to secure a future for rhinos in Africa.' said The first rhinos were successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in 2022, in the longest road transfer of rhinos ever undertaken. This initiative, the result of a partnership between Mozambique's ANAC and Peace Parks Foundation, marked the beginning of Mozambique's efforts to rebuild founder white and black rhino populations as part of a national conservation initiative to reintroduce rhinos in the country. To date, 2,540 game animals representing 16 different species have been introduced to Zinave. The establishment of healthy rhino populations at the park is the pinnacle of the wildlife reintroduction programme and an important measure for the survival of the species. CAPE TIMES
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
10 endangered black rhinos sent from South Africa to Mozambique
Rhino (Image credit: AFP) Ten black rhinos have been moved from South Africa to Mozambique to secure breeding of the critically endangered animals that became locally extinct 50 years ago, conservationists said Thursday. The five male and five female rhinos were transferred to Mozambique's Zinave National Park in a 48-hour road trip last week, said the Peace Parks Foundation, which took part in the translocation. "It was necessary to introduce these 10 to make the population viable," communication coordinator Lesa van Rooyen told AFP. The new arrivals will "secure the first founder population of black rhinos since becoming locally extinct five decades ago", South Africa's environment ministry, which was also involved, said in a statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Twelve black rhinos had previously been sent from South Africa to Zinave in central Mozambique but the population was still not viable for breeding, Van Rooyen said. Twenty-five white rhinos, which are classified as less threatened, were also translocated in various operations. The global black rhino population dropped by 96 per cent between 1970 and 1993, reaching a low of only 2,300 surviving in the wild, according to the International Rhino Foundation. Decades of conservation efforts allowed the species to slowly recover and the population is estimated at 6,421 today. Once abundant across sub-Saharan Africa, rhino numbers fell dramatically due to hunting by European colonisers and large-scale poaching, with their horns highly sought after on black markets particularly in Asia. Mozambique's population of the large animals was depleted during the 15-year civil war, which ended in 1992 and pushed many people to desperate measures to "survive in very difficult circumstances", van Rooyen said. Years of rewilding efforts have established Zinave as Mozambique's only national park home to the "Big Five" game animals - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
SA sends 10 critically endangered black rhinos to Mozambique
Ten additional black rhinos have been successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique to help secure the first founder population of black rhinos since becoming locally extinct 50 years ago. The rhinos, including five males and five females, were donated by South Africa's provincial conservation entity, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in collaboration with Mozambique's National Administration for Conservation Areas and Peace Parks Foundation. The translocation was made possible through funding from the United Kingdom's People's Postcode Lottery. By reintroducing wildlife to areas where the species once thrived, biodiversity is restored. The preservation of natural ecosystems is one of the most effective tools in mitigating climate change. Through the creation of ecosystem 'carbon sinks', these ecosystems can increase global carbon uptake by up to 12 times. With 37 rhinos already introduced and thriving, this initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and reinforce the park as Mozambique's only 'big five' national park, setting a new standard for wildlife conservation and ecological restoration. Peace Parks Foundation approached Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for a donation of black rhinos to boost the numbers to form a viable breeding population of black rhinos in Mozambique. An agreement was reached on the ten rhinos sourced from Ithala Game Reserve and Ezemvelo's three Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. The rhinos were initially relocated to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, where they were housed in specially prepared holding facilities in preparation for the 48-hour journey to Zinave. The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, described this as a significant conservation success. Goerge commended the Government of Mozambique and its co-management partner, Peace Parks Foundation, on achieving this important milestone, noting that establishing new founder populations is one of many critical interventions to secure the future of these species. 'South Africa's successes in rhino conservation and the implementation of anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts have stabilised its rhino populations, thereby placing the country in a position as a source of rhino for range states in Africa which have either lost many or all of their rhino and wish to re-establish populations or augment current populations, as is the case with this translocation. 'The export and import of these valuable black rhinos have been done in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora's legislation of both countries,' the Minister said yesterday. To ensure successful translocation and compliance with all the required permits, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment management inspectors (MIs) and officials from the Border Management Authority played a crucial role during the loading and endorsement of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits at the ports of exit. During the loading this week, the departmental MIs ensured that all the allocated microchip numbers, as prescribed in the CITES permits, correspond with those inserted in the live rhino. The first rhinos were successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in 2022, in the longest road transfer of rhinos ever undertaken. This initiative, the result of a partnership between Mozambique's National Administration for Conservation Areas and Peace Parks Foundation, marked the beginning of Mozambique's efforts to rebuild founder white and black rhino populations as part of a national conservation initiative to reintroduce rhinos in the country. In 2023, Peace Parks received a funding award of £800 000 (approximately R18 720 000) raised by players of the UK People's Postcode Lottery towards the translocation of ten more black rhinos to Zinave, which enabled this critical next phase in rhino rewilding. 'Supporting the rewilding of critically endangered species like the black rhino is at the heart of what we believe in – creating lasting impact for people and planet. I am delighted that players of People's Postcode Lottery have been able to support Peace Parks Foundation. 'This historic translocation to Zinave National Park simply wouldn't have happened without player-raised funding. It's a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together across borders to restore nature and protect our shared future,' MD of UK People's Postcode Lottery, Clara Govier said. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
4 days ago
- General
- The South African
SA sends 10 endangered black rhinos to Mozambique: Will they be safe from poachers?
Ten additional black rhinos have been successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique to help secure the first founder population of black rhinos since becoming locally extinct 50 years ago. The rhinos, including five males and five females, were donated by South Africa's provincial conservation entity, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in collaboration with Mozambique's National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Peace Parks Foundation. The translocation was made possible through funding from the United Kingdom's People's Postcode Lottery. It's a curious move considering the vast majority of poachers apprehended in the Kruger National Park are either Mozambican or have crossed over into South Africa through the porous fence that separates the two countries. By reintroducing wildlife to areas where the species once thrived, biodiversity is restored. The preservation of natural ecosystems is one of the most effective tools in mitigating climate change. Through the creation of ecosystem 'carbon sinks', these ecosystems can increase global carbon uptake by up to 12 times. With 37 rhinos already introduced and thriving, this initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and reinforce the park as Mozambique's only 'big five' national park, setting a new standard for wildlife conservation and ecological restoration. Peace Parks Foundation approached Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for a donation of black rhinos to boost the numbers to form a viable breeding population of black rhinos in Mozambique. An agreement was reached on the 10 rhinos sourced from Ithala Game Reserve and Ezemvelo's three Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. The rhinos were initially relocated to Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, where they were housed in specially prepared holding facilities in preparation for the 48-hour journey to Zinave. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, described this as a significant conservation success. George commended the Government of Mozambique and its co-management partner, Peace Parks Foundation, on achieving this important milestone, noting that establishing new founder populations is one of many critical interventions to secure the future of these species. 'South Africa's successes in rhino conservation and the implementation of anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts have stabilised its rhino populations, thereby placing the country in a position as a source of rhino for range States in Africa which have either lost many or all of their rhino and wish to re-establish populations or augment current populations, as is the case with this translocation. 'The export and import of these valuable black rhinos have been done in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora's legislation of both countries,' the Minister said. To ensure successful translocation and compliance with all the required permits, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Management Inspectors (EMIs), together with officials from Border Management Authority (BMA), played a crucial role during the loading and endorsement of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits at the ports of exit. During the loading this week, the departmental EMIs ensured that all the allocated microchip numbers, as prescribed in the CITES permits, correspond with those inserted in the live rhino. The first rhinos were successfully translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in 2022, in the longest road transfer of rhinos ever undertaken. This initiative, the result of a partnership between Mozambique's National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Peace Parks Foundation, marked the beginning of Mozambique's efforts to rebuild founder white and black rhino populations as part of a national conservation initiative to reintroduce rhinos in the country. In 2023, Peace Parks received a funding award of £800 000, raised by players of the UK People's Postcode Lottery towards the translocation of 10 more black rhinos to Zinave, which enabled this critical next phase in rhino rewilding. 'Supporting the rewilding of critically endangered species like the black rhino is at the heart of what we believe in – creating lasting impact for people and planet. I am delighted that players of People's Postcode Lottery have been able to support Peace Parks Foundation. 'This historic translocation to Zinave National Park simply wouldn't have happened without player-raised funding. It's a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together across borders to restore nature and protect our shared future,' Managing Director of UK People's Postcode Lottery Clara Govier said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Rhino relocation: 10 giants successfully moved from South Africa to Mozambique
South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, hailed the achievement as a significant conservation success. New home: A rhino is released in Zinave's inner sanctuary, which is protected using high-tech security against potential poachers. No rhinos have been lost since the first batch was translocated from South Africa in 2022, with 47 now relocated here. ©Peace Parks Foundation Ten critically endangered black rhinos have been successfully transported from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Mozambique this week. This marks a crucial milestone in efforts to restore the species to areas where it became locally extinct five decades ago. The translocation brings the total number of rhinos at the park to 47, establishing what conservationists hope will become a viable breeding population. The initiative represents a collaborative effort between South Africa's Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Mozambique's National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), and Peace Parks Foundation, with funding provided by the United Kingdom's People's Postcode Lottery. The five male and five female rhinos were donated by the South African provincial conservation entity as part of an ambitious rewilding program that has already seen 2,550 animals of 16 different species relocated to create Mozambique's first 'big five' national park. Building a foundation population The recent translocation builds upon previous conservation efforts that began in 2022 with the longest road transfer of rhinos ever undertaken. Since then, 37 rhinos have been successfully introduced to Zinave National Park and are reportedly thriving in their new environment. The addition of these ten animals is designed to strengthen genetic diversity and increase the chances of establishing a sustainable breeding population. Peace Parks Foundation specifically approached Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to secure additional black rhinos for this purpose. The foundation stated that the animals were sourced from Ithala Game Reserve and Ezemvelo's Black Rhino Range Expansion Project before being temporarily housed at Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in specially prepared holding facilities. This careful preparation process ensured the animals were ready for the demanding 48-hour journey to their new home. ALSO READ: SA is in the forefront of saving rhinos from poaching Government support and international collaboration South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, hailed the achievement as a significant conservation success. 'We congratulate the Government of Mozambique and its co-management partner, Peace Parks Foundation, on achieving this important milestone,' George stated. 'Establishing new founder populations is one of many critical interventions to secure the future of these species.' The minister emphasised South Africa's evolving role in continental rhino conservation, explaining that 'South Africa's successes in rhino conservation and the implementation of anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts have stabilised its rhino populations, thereby placing the country in a position as a source of rhino for range states in Africa which have either lost many or all of their rhino and wish to re-establish populations or augment current populations, as is the case with this translocation.' George also confirmed that 'the export and import of these valuable black rhinos have been done in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora's legislation of both countries.' ALSO READ: Illegal side hustle gone wrong: Teens try to sell R20k python for R2k Mozambican leadership and vision According to the Peace Parks Foundation, Pejul Calenga, Director General of ANAC, expressed gratitude for the international partnership that made the translocation possible. 'For the year 2025, this will be the first translocation of rhinos to our country, and we are pleased with this process,' Calenga said. 'We thank the South African Government and all partners involved. We would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to protecting Mozambique's conservation areas and to invite all friends of conservation, as well as tourists, to visit our country.' The translocation aligns with Mozambique's broader conservation strategy to restore biodiversity and establish the country as a significant wildlife tourism destination. Zinave National Park's designation as the nation's only 'big five' park represents a major achievement in this regard. ALSO READ: PICTURES: Funniest photos so far in 2025 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Operational excellence and compliance The foundation acknowledged the complex logistics of moving large, endangered animals across international borders required meticulous planning and regulatory compliance. According to the foundation, Sihle Mkhize, CEO of Ezemvelo, highlighted the organisation's expertise in this area. 'The journey to the recent successful translocation began in 2024 when Ezemvelo's renowned Game Capture Unit expertly captured the rhinos selected for the translocation,' Mkhize explained. 'The animals selected from various game reserves were given the highest level of care whilst kept in holding bomas awaiting favourable conditions for the road transfer. We are proud to have once again translocated healthy and well-cared-for animals, continuing our proud tradition. This accomplishment reaffirms our enduring commitment to secure a future for rhinos in Africa.' Management Inspectors from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, working alongside Border Management Authority officials reportedly ensured full compliance with international wildlife trade regulations. These officials verified that microchip numbers implanted in each rhino matched those specified in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species permits, maintaining the strict chain of custody required for such valuable animals. ALSO READ: Rhino whisperer fights poaching with drone campaign Environmental impact and climate benefits The translocation was made possible through substantial financial support from the UK People's Postcode Lottery. ' In 2023, Peace Parks received a funding award of £800,000, raised by players of the UK People's Postcode Lottery towards the translocation of ten more black rhinos to Zinave, which enabled this critical next phase in rhino rewilding,' the foundation explained. Beyond species conservation, the rhino reintroduction serves broader environmental objectives. The restoration of natural ecosystems through wildlife reintroduction is recognised as one of the most effective tools for climate change mitigation. These restored ecosystems function as carbon sinks, potentially increasing global carbon uptake by up to 12 times compared to degraded landscapes. The success of the Zinave initiative demonstrates how targeted conservation efforts can yield multiple benefits, from biodiversity restoration to climate action and economic development through tourism. As these rhinos establish themselves in their ancestral habitat, they represent both a conservation victory and a symbol of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. READ NEXT: 70 South African white rhinos to be relocated to Rwanda
