The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has commenced its exercise of translocating a total of 200 kobs from Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve in Hoima to Kidepo valley national park in northern Uganda. The exercise is aimed at transferring a total of 30 male kobs and 170 female kobs.
According to John Makombo, the conservation director for Uganda Wildlife Authority who flagged off the exercise at the Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve in Hoima; the exercise will last two weeks. The whole exercise is expected to cost around 100 million Uganda shillings.
The first batch of 30 kobs were successfully delivered to Kidepo valley national park. According to John Makombo; Uganda Wildlife Authority seeks to provide easier hunt animals to Kidepo valley lions in order to reduce the chances of lions dying in the battle with buffaloes which are their main source of food at the moment.
Secondly, Kabwoya wildlife reserve is one of the places that might be affected once oil drilling commences in Hoima. In his submissions at the flag off; Mr John Makombo said that the transfer of Kobs to Kidepo is also an attempt to create a safe haven where they can relocate kobs from in case Kabwoya wildlife reserve is affected by oil spilling.
In regard to the population of the Kobs in Kabwoya wildlife reserve; Mr John Makombo highlighted the issue of a huge population growth among kobs in this wildlife reserve which is also causing a survival threat in the reserve. He said that the translocation will reduce on the demand for pasture in the reserve. Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve hosts an estimated 8000 kobs and other wildlife.
It should be noted that this is not the first time Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is translocating kobs to Kidepo valley national park. In 2017, a total of 110 kobs were moved to Kidepo valley national park and they have successfully breed in the Kidepo National Park.
The exercise also aims at boosting the ecosystem of Kidepo Valley National Park, a conservation area that has been rated among the best national parks in Africa.
Kidepo National Park is one of the most scenic and unspoiled national parks in Uganda. Though located in the remote district of Kaabongo, it is one of the best destinations visited by tourists who take Uganda safaris through the northern circuit trail. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The translocation of Kobs to Kidepo National Park is expected to boost the park’s tourism potential and provide a new habitat for the Kobs.
Kobs are a type of antelope that are commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their distinctive physical features, including long, spiraled horns and reddish-brown fur. Kobs are herbivores and feed on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. They are also part of Uganda’s national emblem.
The translocation of Kobs to Kidepo National Park is a significant milestone in Uganda’s conservation efforts. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting and preserving the country’s wildlife population.
UWA executive director Sam Mwandha says that the translocation of kobs will help boost the numbers of kobs in Kidepo. He said “the current population of kobs in Kidepo is not what we want. Therefore, we have to reinforce it”.
Oil Drilling Part of the Reason?
Hoima city is mainly known for its large oil reserves that will be drilled in a couple of years from now. However, this poses a threat to wildlife in case oil spills in the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. According to Mr. John Makombo the director of conservation at UWA; the translocation is a protection measure in case of calamities such as wild fires or an oil leak.
In conclusion, the translocation of 200 Kobs to Kidepo National Park is a positive step towards the conservation of Uganda’s wildlife. It is an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect and restore the country’s national parks. The success of this translocation will encourage further conservation efforts and inspire others to get involved in protecting the pearl of Africa’s unique and diverse wildlife.
