Treaty improves conservation in three countries
The treaty objectives sought to enhance ecosystem integrity and remove artificial barriers impeding wildlife movement.
A treaty signed by South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe in 2002 has brought into being the Greater Limpoporans-frontier Conservancy (GLTFCA).
The GLTFCA covers three countries, South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
International coordinator Piet Theron said the treaty objectives sought to enhance ecosystem integrity and remove artificial barriers impeding wildlife movement.
Another objective was to support local economic development through a rise in tourism.
A youth programme was started last year to create awareness and promote conservation.
It also highlighted economic opportunities associated with conservation.
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Theron said 4,837 animals had so far been translocated from Kruger National Park to Parque Nacional do Limpopo.
From this year until 2019, the idea was to translocate between 6000 and 7,500 animals to restock Zinave National Park in Mozambique.
Next year, 4×4 cross-border trails would be introduced as well as a Shingwedzi Cliffs Willderness trail and adventure camp.
Mission area manager in Kruger National Park, Mbongeni Tukela, said rhino poaching in the first quarter of 2016 stood at 196.
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At present it stood at 114 since January this year, which was a significant decrease.
The number of elephants poached had, however, risen – from 13 last year to 16 since January this year.
The number poachers arrested in 2016 in the first quarter came to 85 compared to 40 in the same period this year.
A total of 22 firearms were seized last compared to 19 in the first quarter of this year.
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