A “massive” programme to reintroduce black rhino into KZN’s parks is due to enter its third phase in October, with the planned relocation of 11 black rhino into the Emakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park. KwaZulu-Natal agriculture and environmental affairs mec Gabriel Ndabandaba said in his budget speech last week that the initiative in partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, WWF and the Mazda Wildlife Fund has been “hailed as one of the most significant current black rhino conservation initiatives in Africa”. The first relocation took place in 2004 at the Munyawana Game Reserve where 15 black rhino were introduced. The second site was the Zululand Rhino Reserve where 21 black rhino were released in 2005. Barry Marshall, director of Amafa/Heritage says more than half of the heritage park has been fenced. The only remaining obstacle is a section of land falling under land affairs that still needs to be consolidated. Marshall says the process seems to be taking longer than it should and may effect the dates for the black rhino relocation into the park. Sue Lewitton (suel@nowmedia.co.za)
