This week, PeaceParks.TV sees Mozambique’s Zinave National Park from the passionate perspective of Osvaldo Abrao. Here, a hidden network of camera traps reveals the park’s thriving biodiversity. Through the lens, he shares a story of revived wilderness and wildlife, and what it means to be part of Zinave’s remarkable journey. “I see on cameras the result of all the conservation efforts that have been made here,” says Osvaldo. “It’s something unique.”
Osvaldo is Peace Parks Foundation’s Carnivore Reintroduction Project Coordinator in Zinave. Here he plays a crucial role in monitoring populations and identifying individual animals. From curious hyenas and loping leopards to lesser-known civets and caracals, these sightings signify that predators are settled and well-supported by prey in the park. There is a healthy abundance of plains game, including the magnificent eland – Africa’s second largest antelope.
Osvaldo recalls how, when he first visited Zinave 15 years ago as a student, even a long game drive didn’t guarantee sightings. The park was reeling from the impacts of conflict, rampant poaching and a collapse in management, leaving it devoid of life. Even then, it left a great impression on him, but the greatest changes were yet to come.
Since 2015, Mozambique’s @National Administration for Conservation Areas and Peace Parks have worked to jointly restore, develop and protect the park, which has since come to life. Without the support of partners, funders and donors, none of this would have been possible. These collaborations have brought about a transformation from a silent to vibrant protected area, a testament to ecosystem restoration and rewilding efforts.
A total of 2,540 animals have been rewilded to Zinave so far, as reported in the latest aerial wildlife count. These numbers have seen a healthy increase, with a 20% growth every year in most of the common species, including impala, blue wildebeest, buffalo, waterbuck and zebra. Other species, such as lion, have been making their own way into the park naturally as more food is available and the landscape is safer for them.
Osvaldo has witnessed this progress and been inspired to keep up his dedicated work. “Now, I am sure that every day you will be able to see more, and much more – it’s so exciting,” says Osvaldo. “Today everything is different. My eyes fill with tears of emotion when so many species in the park appear on cameras.” It is a privilege for Zinave’s teams to be playing a key role in this astonishing success story as they continue on their own personal journeys.
Keep watching PeaceParks.TV to see the ongoing developments in Zinave National Park.
