Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA) has transferred two Rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park in a bid to promote the tourism destination, restore endangered wildlife species and strengthen biodiversity.
The southern white Rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are part of eight rhinos that will be transferred to Kidepo which borders East Acholi, Karamoja and South Sudan.
According to Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director at UWA, the Rhinos are being reintroduced to Kidepo after 43 years of absence.
Speaking during the flag off ceremony on Tuesday, Musinguzi said that the Rhinos were reintroduced after a feasibility study which identified Kidepo as one of the most suitable locations for reintroducing rhinos into the wild.
He says that establishment of a secure rhino sanctuary supported by perimeter fencing, access roads, firebreaks, ranger facilities, water infrastructure and monitoring systems were put in places before the reintroduction of the rhinos to ensure effective protection of the animals.
John Makombo, the commissioner for Biodiversity management at UWA notes that the return of the rhinos is a critical step in restoring the park’s ecological completeness.
UWA says the rhino population in Kidepo was wiped out by intense poaching in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
By Justine Muboka
Leave a Reply