Securing migration corridors and vital range habitats for countless species
Siniaka Minia Wildlife Reserve in Chad stretches over 4,643 km2 of extraordinary landscape, set against the impressive backdrop of a massif where the Siniaka River and Tourda River snake through this important savanna ecosystem. Siniaka was originally designated as a reserve in 1965 for harbouring black rhinoceros, but lack of protection and rampant poaching drove the species to local extinction in the late 1970s and has led to other key wildlife species being threatened over the years.
However, following the success of the African Parks partnership in Zakouma National Park, the Government of Chad expanded African Parks’ management agreement in 2017 to incorporate the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem which consists of Zakouma National Park, Siniaka Minia and Bahr-Salamat Wildlife Reserves, and the important wildlife corridors that link all three protected areas.
Our immediate efforts and focus are on securing this vital habitat for the benefit of local communities and wildlife. The reserve contains greater kudu, red-fronted gazelle, oribi, roan, lion and cheetah, all of which will benefit from improved park management.
Key priorities include reducing poaching activity and human-wildlife conflict through the improvement of law enforcement and anti-poaching systems; wildlife monitoring; infrastructure development; recruitment and training of national staff; and an overall contribution to socio-economic growth.
The expansion of African Parks’ footprint in Chad under the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem is a demonstration of what is possible with government action, donor support and effective management. This advancement to include Siniaka is a significant step in securing migration corridors and vital range habitats for countless species and effective protection of our natural resources for both people and wildlife alike.
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