The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and United Nation Environment Project Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) say they will now monitor Ethiopian wildlife using the satellite.
The satellite data system strategic point will be stationed at Gambella National Park. The park has the largest wildlife conservation site in the country “with many animals migrating to South Sudan.”
It is estimated that close to 1 million white-eared Kobs and elephants migrate to Boma, South Sudan, from Gambela, Ethiopia. This has raised questions, as it is described as one of Africa’s largest animal movements.
The white satellite collars will be tracking, two white-eared Kobs. The data collected will be used to identify patterns of movement and sites used by the animals.
While launching the Ecological Network in Africa project, CMS acting executive secretary Elizabeth Maruma Mrema said migration is all about connectivity as like humans, animals also migrate. She added that she hopes the “milestone project” would bring people and animals together.
The CMS information gathered will be relevant in improving agriculture and ecological services. The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) was set up by the government to conserve wildlife, which is very important to the nation in sustaining environment, attracting tourists and ensuring survival of different species.
In Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is considered to have the highest number of wildebeest migration on earth estimated at over 1.5 million yearly. Over 250,000 zebras are also known to migrate.
