Buffalo reintroduced into Liuwa Plains National Park

Buffalo released into Liuwa Plains NP. Credit African Parks.

In the words of Craig Reid- Project Coordinator, Liuwa Plain National Park "Conducting any form of operation in Western Zambia is a logistical nightmare, when one includes wild animals in the equation things become even more challenging."

On 9th September 2008, first 6 of a founder herd of Buffalo were successfully reintroduced into Liuwa Plains NP, shortly followed by a further 10 bringing the total number of Buffalo reintroduced in Liuwa PNP to 16 comprising of 10 females and 6 males. Importantly, they are young animals so the group has good breeding potential. The animals were moved from a private ranch outside Lusaka.

These Buffalo will remain in an eight hectare enclosure for the duration of the wet season and will, hopefully, be joined by additional animals in 2009. At this point they will be allowed an opportunity to bond as a group and then be released onto the plains.

It is thought that the original herds were wiped out by poaching, but with anti poaching patrols and the animals that have been reintroduced, it is hoped the population will quickly reach a viable size and the population will be on its way to recovery.

Courtesy of African Parks