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ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has issued more than 2 000 permits to translocate animals from Save to northern parts of the country.
The animals, including 400 elephants, will be translocated from overpopulated wildlife areas by road to a new home, more than 700km away.
Overall, the translocation will involve the movement of 2 000 impalas, 70 giraffes, 50 elands, 50 zebras, 50 buffalos, 10 wild dogs and 10 lions to Sappie Safari Area, Mavuradonha Safari and Chizarira National Park.
This is the second biggest translocation in the history of the country after Operation Noah in the 1950s.
Zimparks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, said the historic process will follow due process to ensure safety of animals and humans.
“We are relieving pressure from where animals are overpopulated and moving them to areas where they are less populated,” he said.
“Before any translocation takes place, we do a thorough assessment.
“We assess the source and the receiving end, and during this assessment, we will look at the vegetation in the area to see if it is suitable.
“We check if the animals will have enough food and we also look at the availability of water, which is very critical for animals.”
Authorities also assess the animals’ security from poaching and conflict with humans.
The translocations will be coordinated by experienced professionals.
“Our programme is being led by our ecologists and botanists so as to sustainably manage our wildlife,” Farawo added.
Online Reporter