Oribi introduced in Addo

FIVE pairs of oribi, an antelope classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, have been released in the Addo Elephant National Park on the Langvlakte Contractual property. Oribi numbers have declined as a result of habitat loss to farming and forestry as well as overgrazing and poaching. This is the first time oribi have been introduced into the park, but according to historical distribution records they would have occurred naturally on grasslands in the Eastern Cape. The antelopes’ new home is adjacent to the coastal area of the Addo Elephant National Park on a 1 000-hectare area contractually included into the park. The five-star Intsomi Lodge is located in the area. Sue Lewitton (suel@nowmedia.co.za)