Rhinos Return to Uganda’s Kidepo Park After Four-Decade Absence

Rhinos have returned to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park for the first time in more than four decades, marking a major milestone in the country’s conservation efforts.

Two southern white rhinos have been reintroduced to the park after being transported from Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, in what officials describe as the first phase of a broader plan to relocate eight animals to the area.

The species had disappeared from Kidepo in the early 1980s, with the last rhino killed in 1983 during a wave of intense poaching that led to their extinction in the wild across Uganda. At their peak, rhino populations in the country were estimated at around 700.

The initiative, led in part by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, has been described as the beginning of a “new rhino story” for Kidepo, aiming to restore both ecological balance and the park’s natural heritage.

Located in Uganda’s remote northeastern region, Kidepo Valley National Park is known for its vast savannah landscapes and rich biodiversity, making it a key focus for conservation projects.

Despite the progress, officials warn that poaching remains a significant threat, driven by global demand for rhino horns for traditional medicine and status purposes. Conservationists hope the reintroduction will strengthen protection efforts and raise awareness about the need to safeguard endangered species.

Source: Newstimehub