KAMPALA — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has commenced the relocation of four endangered Nubian giraffes from the Murchison Falls Conservation Area to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in West Nile as part of efforts to expand the species’ habitat, restore ecosystems and promote tourism.
The translocation is part of UWA’s long-term conservation strategy aimed at protecting the Nubian giraffe, a species whose global population has significantly declined due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures.
Uganda currently hosts the largest remaining wild population of Nubian giraffes, making the country’s conservation efforts critical to the survival of the species.
The exercise is being led by UWA Assistant Commissioner for Veterinary Services, Dr Patrick Atimnedi, who said the relocation is being conducted in line with internationally recognised wildlife conservation standards.
Dr Atimnedi said the process involved detailed scientific assessments, including habitat suitability studies, disease risk evaluations, stakeholder consultations and plans for continuous monitoring after the animals are released.
He said the guidelines ensure that relocated animals are introduced into environments capable of supporting healthy and sustainable populations.
Ajai Wildlife Reserve was selected as a suitable destination after ecological assessments confirmed that the area provides favourable conditions for giraffes, particularly its extensive acacia woodlands, which serve as an important food source for the species.
Conservation experts believe the return of giraffes to the reserve will contribute to ecological restoration by supporting natural vegetation management and restoring wildlife diversity in the area.
The relocation builds on previous successful giraffe conservation initiatives implemented by UWA over the years. In 2015, the authority conducted Uganda’s first giraffe translocation, moving 15 Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls Conservation Area to Lake Mburo National Park.
Similar conservation exercises have since been carried out in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC).
The current operation is being implemented under UWA’s Giraffe Conservation Strategy with technical support from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, which has provided specialised training to UWA staff, including advanced wildlife translocation skills.
Beyond conservation, UWA expects the presence of giraffes in Ajai Wildlife Reserve to enhance tourism potential in the West Nile region by attracting more visitors and creating economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
The authority said increased tourism activity could support local businesses, employment opportunities and community participation in conservation efforts.
UWA further noted that expanding giraffe populations across different protected areas helps reduce risks associated with concentrating the species in one ecosystem, including disease outbreaks, habitat degradation and other environmental challenges.
Officials said the translocation demonstrates Uganda’s commitment to science-based conservation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable tourism development while safeguarding one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species for future generations