Mozambique
Protected areas
The fauna of Mozambique suffered a severe hit during the civil war in 1977, with its ungulates slaughtered to feed the troops and elephants hunted to sell the ivory and buy weapons. The buffalo numbers went from 14,000 to just 50, and from 3,500 zebras there were only 9 left. Since 2002 an ambitious conservation project is underway to return Gorogosa National Park to its former glory, and tourism is returning to the famous park. Animal populations are also increasing in Limpopo National Park. At present there are about 6,000 animals that inhabit this savannah, among them - an important population of elephants. More recently, Mozambique and South Africa joined forces to create the Ponta do Ouro marine protected area, which covers 678 square kilometers and is the largest marine protected area in Africa, as well as home to loggerhead sea turtles.
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Wild animal meat
The recovery of Mozambique´s wildlife is still hampered by the illegal hunting of its animals, since their meat is highly valued in the richest urban centers. TRAFIC counts that each year the country loses some 300,000 dollars that could have been gained thanks to wildlife tourism and this is due to insufficient conservation efforts. By avoiding eating dishes made from wild animals you will therefore be helping not only the animals, but also the local economy that needs to conserve its fauna to grow through tourism.
More information here.
Shark finning
Known for its beautiful beaches, Mozambique is also sadly famous for its shark fin trade. It is expected that the recent creation of the Ponta de Ouro marine protected area will help protect these animals and other species affected by this type of hunting.
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Mozambique:
MAPS- Mozambique Animal Protection Society
