For the first time in over four decades, rhinos have returned to Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda, after being wiped out by poaching in the early 1980s
Two southern white rhinos were released into the park after being transported from Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, marking the beginning of a larger effort to reintroduce eight animals into the area
The last rhino in Kidepo was killed in 1983, part of a wave of poaching that led to the species’ extinction in the wild across Uganda, where populations once reached around 700
The reintroduction effort is being led in part by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, with officials calling it the start of a “new rhino story” for the park and a step toward restoring its natural heritage
Kidepo, located in the remote northeastern region of the country, is known for its vast savannah landscapes and rich biodiversity, making it a key site for conservation efforts
However, poaching remains a serious threat, driven by ongoing demand for rhino horns in some parts of the world for traditional medicine and as status symbols
Conservationists hope the return of rhinos will not only help restore ecological balance but also boost awareness and protection of endangered species in Uganda
Source: TRT Africa
