Giant Sable Antelope protection project reinforced

Ambiente, Luanda – The Angolan Ministry of Environment and its partners are working to improve the efficacy and control of the extinction-threatened Giant Sable Antelope at Cangandala Park and Loando Natural Reserve. The goals for this year concerning the protection of the rare specie include improvement of control and management of the Loando Reserve currently holding the largest number of animals estimated at a hundred. According to the national director of the Ministry of Environment for Biodiversity, Paula Francisco, continued efforts are underway for the protection of the Giant Sable Antelope threatened with extinction. “Our action for this year show efforts focused on the Loando Reserve, where there is a potential  for the reproduction of the Giant Sable Antelope,” said Paula Francisco. Other actions in favour of the protection of the animal include the fencing of one of the most sensitive areas of the Cangandala Park and opening of water holes to cater for the animals confined in the sanctuary, she also said. In addition, the source said, the Supervision Committee, in charge of the project, holds regular meetings to approve the plan of activities, respective budget and other actions for the full implementation of the protection project. In August 2011, under the second operation of capture of the Sable Antelope at the Loando Reserve, six females and two males were taken to the Cangandala National Park. There are currently 20 animals confined in the sanctuary, including three calves, two males and 15 females, regularly attended by a veterinary, the official also stated.