Golungo Alto - The Kissama Foundation advocates the construction of a sanctuary to protect elephants, in order to avoid the slaughter of this species.
An animal sanctuary is a place that provides a safe home for species rescued from situations of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Unlike zoos and other places that display animals for entertainment, sanctuaries do not seek profit and animals are not exhibited or trapped.
One of the main characteristics of sanctuaries is the creation of a habitat in which animals feel like they are in nature. The objective is that, at the end of rehabilitation, the animal will be able to live in the external environment in a more natural and healthy way.
Speaking at a workshop on 'Environmental Education', Kissama Foundation technician Graça Catute highlighted the importance of creating the sanctuary to reinforce the protection of elephants.
According to the environmentalist, the foundation has worked with the Government in this regard, by registering the slaughter of elephants by poachers for the ivory trade and meat consumption.
He reported that twenty elephants were killed by poachers in the province of Cuanza Norte in the last four years, an action that is contributing to the extinction of these mammals.
In addition to poaching, he said that elephants have also been run over, leading in many cases to the death of the animal.
The destruction of its natural habitat, according to the expert, also constitutes a threat to the existence or survival of the elephant in the forest.
Graça Catute said that the Kissama Foundation, through the “Nzau” project, has been carrying out actions to protect and monitor elephants since 2019.
Control, he said, is carried out through the placement of collars (GPS), cameras, traps, as well as signage and billboards along national road 230, to warn motorists about the existence of elephants.
The collection of biological material for DNA analysis, awareness-raising and environmental education work in communities, preparation of environmental education materials, remote tracking of elephant collars, are also part of the Nzau project's actions.
According to the environmentalist, the work has already allowed the elaboration of a diagnosis on the current situation of the animal, pointing out solutions to guarantee the conservation of its natural habitat and the protection of the mammal, as well as avoiding land disputes with man.
The geographic distribution areas of Forest Elephants, mainly in the provinces of Bengo, Uíge and Cuanza-Norte.EFM/IMA/ASS/DOJ
