South Africa Sends 10 Black Rhinos to Mozambique for Conservation Efforts.

Ten critically endangered black rhinos have been moved from South Africa to Mozambique's Zinave National Park to secure breeding and make the population viable. The five male and five female rhinos were transferred in a 48-hour road trip. The new arrivals will ensure the first founder population of black rhinos since they became locally extinct in Mozambique five decades ago.

In a significant conservation milestone, ten critically endangered black rhinos have been successfully translocated from South Africa to Mozambique's Zinave National Park. This move aims to establish a viable breeding population and enhance the park's biodiversity, marking the first time black rhinos have been reintroduced to Mozambique in over five decades [1].

The relocation, part of a broader rewilding initiative led by the Mozambican government with support from the Peace Parks Foundation and partners, involved five male and five female black rhinos. The animals were carefully transported over a 48-hour journey, covering approximately 4092 kilometers. The translocation was made possible by financial support from players of the UK People’s Postcode Lottery, who contributed £800,000 towards the effort [1].

The black rhinos were initially captured in South African game reserves and then transported to holding facilities in preparation for the long journey to Zinave. The successful translocation is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the South African government, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and the Mozambican National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC), as well as the Peace Parks Foundation [1].

This initiative is part of a long-term co-management agreement between ANAC and Peace Parks, signed in 2015, to rewild the park and create a healthy ecosystem. The broader objective is to introduce viable wildlife populations, attract tourists, and support the livelihoods of local communities. To date, 2,540 game animals representing 16 different species have been introduced to Zinave, with the rhino translocation being a key component of this effort [1].

The successful reintroduction of black rhinos to Zinave National Park is a significant step towards the preservation of the species and the restoration of natural ecosystems. The park now hosts viable breeding populations of both black and white rhinos, which is a remarkable conservation recovery just a few years in the making. This initiative not only enhances biodiversity but also reinforces Mozambique's commitment to establishing its only 'big five' national park [1].

The translocation was conducted in compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) legislation, ensuring the ethical and legal transfer of the animals. The extensive rewilding and restoration program at Zinave has transformed the landscape, breathing new life into the park for the benefit of both people and nature [1].

References:

[1] https://www.peaceparks.org/black-rhino-founder-population-return-to-mozambique/