Zimbabwe to relocate plains game to Equatorial Guinea

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is set to capture and translocate a limited number of selected plains game species to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

The exercise is being carried out under an approved Government-to-Government conservation cooperation arrangement between the two nations.

Plains game refers to non-dangerous, huntable sub-Saharan African animals. This includes almost all African antelopes, such as the Impala and Kudu, plus other herbivores like zebras and warthogs.

ZimParks confirmed the development in a press statement saying the initiative is a direct response to a formal request from the Equatorial Guinean Government for technical support to restore wildlife populations and strengthen biodiversity conservation within its protected areas.

This comes as the two countries have been deepening ties, with senior officials recently calling for stronger collaboration on African-led solutions to development challenges, including successful partnerships in wildlife management .

“Prior to implementation, ecological and habitat suitability assessments were conducted by wildlife experts, confirming that the proposed release sites are appropriate and that the programme will support long-term conservation, ecotourism development and sustainable community livelihoods,” read the statement.
The species involved are described as common plains game found in healthy and sustainable populations in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks has moved to allay any fears regarding the impact on local biodiversity, stressing that the removals were guided by scientific assessments to ensure no adverse effects on the country’s ecological integrity.

ZimParks further advised that the species being translocated are not threatened or endangered.
“Capture, handling, and transportation processes are being carried out by experienced wildlife professionals in accordance with Zimbabwe’s law, internationally accepted animal welfare standards, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations.”

The Authority reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to responsible wildlife management and to working with sister African nations in advancing practical conservation solutions.

“ZimParks reassures all stakeholders that the current operation is lawful, planned and professionally managed, and remains committed to providing accurate information on matters of national conservation interest,” reads the statement.