Securing the lion king… and tourists

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

The overall height of the fence was raised to over 2 meters. Live wires near the ground were installed over the entire distance of the park.

The overall height of the fence was raised to over 2 meters. Live wires near the ground were installed over the entire distance of the park. All essential upgrades to the 120-kilometer-long perimeter electric fence.

In order to prevent the big cats from either jumping over the fence or else trying to dig underneath it, Akagera National Park’s lion relocation project is reaching completion. These upgrades will ensure the elimination of conflict with the villages near the park boundary and secure the safety of tourists visiting the area.

Work was also finished on a lion boma, where the big cats, when they arrive, will be kept for a few weeks for monitoring before being released into the park itself. Set in the center of the park, the boma location is thought ideal to introduce the lions to the park environment with sufficient water and game after a period of observation lasting several weeks. It is understood that the lions will be collared to allow for constant monitoring of their positions.

The work was carried out by park staff – the park is managed by the Akagera Management Company, a joint venture between African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board – and supporters of the park keen to see a return of lions to Akagera to enrich the safari experience for visitors to Rwanda’s only savannah park.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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