HARARE – Zimbabwe’s wildlife authority has moved to reassure the public that no endangered species are being exported under a conservation agreement with Equatorial Guinea, saying the ongoing translocation involves only common plains game drawn from healthy populations.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) issued the clarification amid public interest in an operation to capture and relocate selected wildlife species to the Central African nation.
ZimParks spokesperson Luckmore Safuli said the exercise was based on scientific assessments and would have no negative impact on Zimbabwe’s biodiversity.
“The species being translocated are not threatened or endangered. The capture, handling and transportation processes are being carried out by experienced wildlife professionals in accordance with Zimbabwean law, internationally accepted animal welfare standards, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations,” Safuli said.
He said the transfer forms part of an approved government-to-government conservation cooperation agreement, following a request by Equatorial Guinea for assistance in rebuilding wildlife populations in its protected areas.
“The capture and translocation initiative is being undertaken in response to a formal request from the government of Equatorial Guinea for technical support to restore selected wildlife populations and strengthen biodiversity conservation within its protected areas,” Safuli said.
ZimParks has not said what type of animals are being transferred. Common plains animals can include lions, hyenas, zebras, elephants, antelope and cheetahs.
According to ZimParks, wildlife experts conducted ecological and habitat suitability assessments before the programme was approved, to ensure the animals would be introduced into suitable environments.
“The species involved are common plains game found in healthy and sustainable populations in Zimbabwe. Their removal has been guided by scientific assessments to ensure there is no adverse impact on Zimbabwe’s biodiversity, ecological integrity or wildlife populations,” he said.
Safuli added that Zimbabwe remains committed to responsible wildlife management and to working with sister African nations in advancing practical conservation solutions that promote resilient ecosystems and sustainable development.
Zimbabwe has one of Africa’s richest wildlife populations.
