Kidepo plans expansion
May 24, 2004
KIDEPO National Park will soon increase by more than 25% in area if the Government accepts the proposal to turn Zuria Forest Reserve into a national park.
By Gerald Tenywa
KIDEPO National Park will soon increase by more than 25% in area if the Government accepts the proposal to turn Zuria Forest Reserve into a national park.
Dr. Arthur Mugisha (right), the executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), said recently the park’s area would increase from 1,400 to about 2,000 square km.
“We have been engaged in negotiations to take over the forest reserve,’’ he said, adding that the local public and leaders supported the proposal.
UWA sources said the forest was an important migratory route for wild animals crossing from Sudan to northern Kenya.
Christopher Masaba, the the park’s community conservation warden, said Kidepo was the most bio-diverse park, harbouring lions, elephants and the most endangered black rhinos.
He said the wildlife population was being revamped by translocation of wild animals from other parks.
Masaba said the restocking programme covered such species as elands, giraffes and roan antelopes.
He said Zuria forest, currently under the National Forest Authority, though lacking a viable management plan, was not under any threat at the moment.
Masaba said the forest was vital as a cross-border habitat for the wild animals.
He said the interest of the local people should not be ignored.
Ends
KIDEPO National Park will soon increase by more than 25% in area if the Government accepts the proposal to turn Zuria Forest Reserve into a national park.
Dr. Arthur Mugisha (right), the executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), said recently the park’s area would increase from 1,400 to about 2,000 square km.
“We have been engaged in negotiations to take over the forest reserve,’’ he said, adding that the local public and leaders supported the proposal.
UWA sources said the forest was an important migratory route for wild animals crossing from Sudan to northern Kenya.
Christopher Masaba, the the park’s community conservation warden, said Kidepo was the most bio-diverse park, harbouring lions, elephants and the most endangered black rhinos.
He said the wildlife population was being revamped by translocation of wild animals from other parks.
Masaba said the restocking programme covered such species as elands, giraffes and roan antelopes.
He said Zuria forest, currently under the National Forest Authority, though lacking a viable management plan, was not under any threat at the moment.
Masaba said the forest was vital as a cross-border habitat for the wild animals.
He said the interest of the local people should not be ignored.
Ends