Authority expressed appreciation to all involved in fire rescue
ADDIS ABABA- The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) announced that the number of Ethiopian endemic wild animals is recovering year after year. The Authority also extended its gratitude to those involved in the rescue of the recent fire accident that occurred in some of the national parks.
In a press conference held yesterday, Authority Director General Kumera Wakjira explained to journalists that the number of endemic and other wild animals is improving following the collaborative efforts of the government, community members and other stakeholders.
The unique Walia Ibex found only in Semien Mountain National Park on the earth now reached 1,000, he added. As to him, Red fox, Yedur Ahiya, Grage Zebra, Elephant and Walia were listed in endangered wild animals, but have recovered well since then as a result to the Authority’s community-centered conservation system and other measures.
“Currently, it is believed that the number of the Walia Ibex has reached 1,000, while their number was below 100 twenty years ago.” The Director General said that the issue of Walia Ibex sustainability is hopeful now, adding that the severe scenario towards the extinction of Walia was the main reason for Semein Mountain National Park to be under UNESCO world endangered heritages list, and then to be moved off the list once the Walia number started to recover.
Conservation strategy and action plan is already shaped to enhance wild animal conservation activities throughout the country. Kumera added that conserving endangered wildlife species [flora and fauna] hugely maintains diversified ecosystems and global climate.
Red fox is one of the endemic wild animals in Ethiopia that was severely endangered with canine distemper [dog disease] in recent years, but now recovered well after the remarkable and successive engagements of Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program in partnership with Oxford University, he indicated.
Currently, preparations are finalized to provide technologically assisted vaccination to the Red Foxes to curb dog diseases transmission, according to him. Accordingly, the Authority also extended its appreciation to the Bale and Semein Mountain National Park surrounding community members, stakeholders and all individuals who have played a significant contribution in the fight against the recent fire accident.
The Ethiopian Herald April 10/2019
BY TEWODROS KASSA
