Game translocations boost wildlife recovery
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has completed the translocation of hundreds of wild animals from Etosha National Park to conservancies in Kunene and the Nyae Nyae area as part of ongoing efforts to restore wildlife populations, improve biodiversity and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Between 22 and 29 June 2026, the Ministry translocated 256 springboks and 190 gemsboks to Kunene. A further 90 plains zebras were relocated to Nyae Nyae Conservancy, while 15 gemsboks and 24 plains zebras were moved to Uukwaluudhi Conservancy. The translocations were undertaken to replenish wildlife populations that declined during prolonged droughts. The initiative is also intended to provide a sustainable prey base for predators such as lions, helping to reduce human-wildlife conflict while enhancing biodiversity in the recipient areas.
The Ministry said the programme will continue in the coming months, with plans to translocate a further 150 gemsboks to Kunene, as well as 20 giraffes and 200 common impalas to Nyae Nyae. The latest relocation forms part of the Ministry's broader wildlife management efforts aimed at restoring ecological balance and strengthening the resilience of wildlife populations in affected conservancies.
