A coal mining project in Hwange Park threatens endangered black rhinos, prompting ZimParks to urge its cancellation. The project compromises ecological conditions vital for wildlife survival and contributes to extinction risks. With a declining black rhino population and significant elephant numbers in the area, the mining operations could severely disrupt local ecosystems and water sources.
A proposed coal mining project in Hwange Park, Zimbabwe, poses a significant threat to the endangered black rhino population, as stated by the national parks management authority, ZimParks. The project is located near the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, prompting ZimParks to call on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development for cancellation of the application and future proposals.
ZimParks serves the crucial role of restoring at least 30 percent of degraded land and ecosystems by 2030. They expressed that the planned mining would increase the risk of extinction for the black rhino, hindering efforts for population recovery. The area is classified as critical habitat for these rhinos, which have been experiencing a population increase, as recognized by international agreements on endangered species.
Chinese firm Sunny Yi Feng has filed for coal prospecting in a region covering over 16,000 hectares, only five miles from the protected rhino zone. ZimParks highlighted that mining activities would compromise essential ecological conditions necessary for the survival and reproduction of wildlife.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature categorizes black rhinos as “endangered,” with a global population of approximately 6,400, having decreased by one percent last year due to poaching. Hwange National Park also hosts Africa’s second-largest elephant concentration with about 65,000 elephants, and ZimParks cautioned that mining could disrupt vital groundwater flow, threatening local wildlife’s essential water sources. Past mining discussions, particularly involving Tongmao Coal Company, had previously led the government to suggest a ban on mining operations in nature reserves.
The proposed coal mining project in Hwange Park presents a critical risk to the endangered black rhino population and overall wildlife environment. ZimParks has advocated for the cancellation of this project, emphasizing the need to protect essential habitats and restore ecosystems. The ongoing threat from poaching and habitat disruption underscores the urgency of conservation efforts within Zimbabwe’s national parks.
Original Source: punchng.com
