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Poaching in Limpopo Park 'Under Control'

Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo)

August 9, 2004
Posted to the web August 9, 2004

Maputo

Poaching in Mozambique's Limpopo National Park (PNL) is now "under control", according to the park administrator, Gilberto Vicente, cited in Monday's issue of the independent newsheet "Mediafax".

The PNL is Mozambique's contribution to the Greater Limpopo Trans-Frontier Park, alongside the Kruger National Park in South Africa, and the Gonarezhou Park in Zimbabwe.

Vicente said it was coordinated work between the PNL's own game wardens, wardens in the Kruger Park, and South African and Mozambican border police that had cut down the number of poachers operating in the PNL.

He thought that security for wildlife in the park would be further consolidated once eco-tourism operators start bringing tourists into the PNL. Vicente said that some tourism companies have expressed an interest in the PNL, and all that remains for them to do is firm up their business plans. These operators are expected to build the lodges and other infrastructures that tourists will need.

Meanwhile the plans to restock the PNL with animals from South Africa is continuing. By the end of August the number of animals moved from South Africa into the PNL will have reached 3,000, and it is planned to raise this number to 6,000 by 2008.

Last week 10 white rhinoceros were introduced into the PNL.

Currently the most common large mammals in the park are zebra, impala and wildebeest.

Plans are also under way to remove the people living in the park and resettle them. Resettlement is due to begin in 2005, and last for about five years.

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