Threat of Coal Mining on Endangered Black Rhinos in Zimbabwe’s Hwange Park
A coal mining proposal in Hwange Park threatens Zimbabwe’s endangered black rhinos. ZimParks urges cancellation due to potential ecological risks. The black rhino population, already endangered, may face increased extinction risks from such developments. The situation highlights conflicts between conservation efforts and mining activities in the region.
A proposed coal mining project in Zimbabwe’s Hwange Park threatens the endangered black rhino population, as reported by the national parks management authority. The project poses significant risks to the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone, prompting ZimParks to call for its cancellation by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. The authority expressed concerns that such developments could elevate extinction risks and hinder the recovery of black rhino populations.
The black rhino’s critical habitat, where their numbers have been increasing, is recognized in international conventions on endangered species. A Chinese firm, Sunny Yi Feng, has sought permission to explore for coal on over 16,000 hectares located less than eight kilometers from the protected zone. ZimParks emphasized that mining would jeopardize essential ecological conditions necessary for wildlife survival and reproduction.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature categorizes black rhinos as endangered, with fewer than 6,400 individuals reported globally as of September, reflecting a one percent decrease from the previous year due to poaching incidents. Hwange National Park supports a diverse ecosystem, including 65,000 elephants, the second-largest concentration in Africa. ZimParks warned that mining activities could disrupt groundwater flow, compromising vital water sources for local wildlife.
A similar case with Tongmao Coal Company in 2020 led the Zimbabwean government to announce a ban on mining within nature reserves, highlighting the ongoing tension between industrial development and wildlife preservation in the region.
The proposed coal mining initiative in Hwange Park poses severe risks to the endangered black rhino population and the ecological balance of the area. ZimParks advocates for the project’s cancellation, citing its potential to exacerbate the extinction risk of black rhinos and disturb the region’s wildlife. The ongoing challenges underscore the critical need for measures safeguarding the habitat and water sources essential for local fauna.
Original Source: punchng.com
