Hula: The first animal census in Bicuar National Park, located in the province of Hula, hinges on securing 4 million US dollars. The funds are necessary for acquiring essential equipment and resources to facilitate the comprehensive census.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the funds will be allocated towards purchasing communication radios, protective vests, tactical flashlights, uniforms for rangers, portable GPS devices, computers, environmental management software, printers, office supplies, and solar energy equipment for remote areas. These resources are vital for enhancing the technical capacity required to manage the conservation area effectively.
Bicuar National Park spans 7,900 square kilometers and has been maintained as a preserved national heritage site. The park administration has noted a growth in its existing fauna. Park administrator Jos© Maria Candungo highlighted the need for helicopters, surveillance drones, and communication equipment to track the animals from the air as part of the census process.
Despite the absence of strategic investments to strengthen wildlife monitoring and unlock tourism potential, Candungo remarked that the park’s infrastructure remains functional. He also mentioned that the park hosts large herds of animals that continue to reproduce without interference from poaching, which has been eradicated. In an effort to balance the ecosystem, four lions were introduced two years ago, resulting in a population increase to seven this year.