Banhine National Park, located in Mozambique’s southern province of Gaza, has entered a new phase of wildlife revitalization with the reintroduction of 400 animals from various species. This operation is part of a historic ecosystem restoration plan that aims to reintroduce around 1,100 animals by the end of next year.
According to Abel Nhabanga, the park’s administrator, in an interview with the Mozambican Information Agency (AIM), the animals come from other conservation areas, including Maputo National Park, where populations have reached sustainable ecological levels. “We are witnessing a historic moment. Banhine was once known as the ‘Little Serengeti’ because of its extraordinary diversity of habitats and wildlife,” he said.
The operation is coordinated by the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), which manages all conservation areas in the country, and the Peace Parks Foundation, an international organization dedicated to creating transfrontier parks to protect biodiversity. It also received support from the ComON Foundation, which funds conservation projects, and the German Postcode Lottery, a lottery that supports environmental initiatives.
The ecological restoration program, estimated at 350,000 USD (22.1 million meticais), includes the creation of a 6,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary. This area is equipped with boreholes, dams, and secure fencing to ensure the survival of the relocated species. Among the animals reintroduced are zebras, wildebeests, reedbucks, hartebeests, and impalas — species that had disappeared from the region.
“Feasibility studies have shown that the park has favorable environmental conditions to host these species and maintain a balance between herbivores and predators,” explained Nhabanga, highlighting the positive ecological impact of the operation. Covering an area of 7,256 square kilometers, Banhine Park is vital for migratory birds due to its seasonal wetlands. It also plays a strategic role in connecting Kruger, Limpopo, and Zinave parks. “Without Banhine, these parks would be isolated, and large-scale conservation would be compromised,” he warned.
In recent years, the park has invested in new infrastructure, ranger training, and community development programs. In 2024, 35 new rangers were integrated, including 17 women, strengthening the protection of sensitive zones. Aerial surveys conducted in 2023 confirmed the return of elephants, buffaloes, and predators — a clear sign of ecological recovery.
Despite these advances, challenges remain due to the scarcity of water typical of the region’s semi-arid climate. “We have no permanent rivers. That’s why we need to drill boreholes and build dams to ensure the animals’ survival during the dry season,” said Nhabanga. He also stressed the importance of sustainable tourism as a source of revenue and social inclusion.
“The increase in wildlife will attract more tourists and bring direct benefits to local communities, which receive 20% of the park’s revenue,” he added. Banhine already offers camping areas and is open to new private concessions. The park’s management focuses on dialogue with 15 neighboring communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict and make the park self-sufficient, covering up to 20% of its operational costs through sustainable activities.
Source: Diário Económico
