Rhinos have returned to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park for the first time in more than four decades, marking a significant milestone in the country’s conservation efforts.
Two southern white rhinos have been successfully reintroduced after being relocated from Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, in the first phase of a broader plan to establish a population of eight animals in the park.
The species had disappeared from Kidepo in the early 1980s, with the last rhino killed in 1983 during a period of intense poaching that wiped out wild populations across Uganda. At their peak, rhino numbers in the country were estimated at around 700.
The initiative, led in part by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is being described as the beginning of a “new rhino story,” aimed at restoring ecological balance and reviving the park’s natural heritage.
Located in Uganda’s remote northeastern region, Kidepo is known for its vast savannah landscapes and rich biodiversity, making it a critical site for conservation.
Despite the progress, officials warn that poaching remains a persistent threat, driven by global demand for rhino horns. Conservationists hope the reintroduction will strengthen protection efforts and raise awareness around endangered species.
Source: Newstimehub
