White rhinos reintroduced in the Garamba wildlife sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a project for the conservation of endangered species
The Garamba National Park located in the province of Haut-Uélé in the North-East of the DRC is one of the oldest areas of biodiversity preservation in Africa. This is why the recent reintroduction of a dozen white rhinoceroses is arousing real enthusiasm.
This project to reintroduce white rhinos into their natural habitat was carried out by “Kibali Gold Mine”, a subsidiary of Barrick Gold, a Canadian company specializing in the exploitation and development of mining sites in the DRC. The first reintroduction operation was successfully carried out on June 9, 2023, and will continue over a period of three years. In all, about sixty white rhinos should be reintroduced.
This initiative aims to create a new population of this endangered species, while enhancing the attractiveness of the park for tourists. Indeed, the conservation of biodiversity is essential for the survival of the planet and plays an important role in the fight against climate change and poverty.
To oversee the project, the company collaborated with African Park and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN). The installation of GPS collars on elephants and lions, satellite connection and veterinary care are also financed by the company.
The relocation of the white rhinos of Garamba is an action in favor of the protection and promotion of biodiversity. This species had almost disappeared as a result of poaching and the various wars that took place in this region.
The governor of Haut-Uélé, Christophe Nangaa stressed that the reintroduction of white rhinos in the wildlife sanctuary of Garamba will help to develop the tourist attractiveness of the region, but will also require infrastructure accordingly.
This reintroduction project is a hope for the preservation of endangered species in the world. The conservation of biodiversity is a crucial issue for humanity, which must redouble its efforts to prevent the disappearance of these species.