Big horn talk at FNCC

AN expert in the conservation of the black rhino will give a presentation on the biological management of the black rhino in Etosha National Park in Windhoek at the end of this month.

The rate of decline of the black rhino has been well documented since the 1980s. However, intense biological management of the species has resulted in an increase in the population.On May 31, Chief Conservation Scientist and Rhino Co-ordinator in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Pierre du Preez, will give a presentation on the biological management of black rhino in Etosha National Park at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre.Entrance will be free.This presentation is part of the Park Talk series of ongoing discussions organised by the Strengthening the Protected Area Network (SPAN) project of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.SPAN recently secured N$8,2 million from the Global Environment Facility to improve the management of protected areas.The SPAN project will try to improve national policy and planning for conservation by supporting new laws, establishing sustainable park fencing and designing a practical plan for integrated park management.The project will also work towards improving site-level management demonstration PA sites – the Bwabwata-Mamili-Mudumu complex in the Caprivi Region, the Skeleton Coast Park, Ai-Ais Hot Springs Park and the Sperrgebiet National Park.Namibia’s protected areas cover some 114 000 square kilometres and are the cornerstone of the country’s conservation efforts, guaranteeing the survival of wildlife resources that can benefit rural communities and the tourism industry.However, intense biological management of the species has resulted in an increase in the population.On May 31, Chief Conservation Scientist and Rhino Co-ordinator in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Pierre du Preez, will give a presentation on the biological management of black rhino in Etosha National Park at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre.Entrance will be free.This presentation is part of the Park Talk series of ongoing discussions organised by the Strengthening the Protected Area Network (SPAN) project of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.SPAN recently secured N$8,2 million from the Global Environment Facility to improve the management of protected areas.The SPAN project will try to improve national policy and planning for conservation by supporting new laws, establishing sustainable park fencing and designing a practical plan for integrated park management.The project will also work towards improving site-level management demonstration PA sites – the Bwabwata-Mamili-Mudumu complex in the Caprivi Region, the Skeleton Coast Park, Ai-Ais Hot Springs Park and the Sperrgebiet National Park.Namibia’s protected areas cover some 114 000 square kilometres and are the cornerstone of the country’s conservation efforts, guaranteeing the survival of wildlife resources that can benefit rural communities and the tourism industry.