Futi Elephant Corridor Closed by Cyril Squirrel
Futi Elephant Corridor Closed by Cyril Squirrel: In another remarkably typical and senseless move, the ANC government has moved to close off a centuries-old elephant and big game corridor. This corridor is known as The Futi Corridor. The move has been made under the leadership of Cyril the Squirrel. Who has been instrumental in the project’s development.
They are building a friggin concrete wall across the corridor for 160kms!
In the meantime, here is The Sardine News for today the 26 September 2024…
Back to the elephants…
The SIU have been busy. Dodgy tenders and the usual siphoning or looting of the country’s coffers are the real reason for the fence. And to hell with the elephants. Who have been using this vital arterial corridor far longer than any putrid humans have been around.
In fact, the corridor was hailed as a huge success at it’s inception. Way back in 2009. By the very same government!
This is from Transfrontier Conservation Areas | Department of Environmental Affairs (dffe.gov.za)…yes, our very own DAFF…(the same government that’s building the wall)
Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area: 4,195 km2 in extent, of which 317 km2 (8%) is in Swaziland, 2,783 km2 (66%) is in Mozambique, and 1,095 km2 (26%) is in South Africa.
- Background
The Lubombo TFCA is a unique and complex TFCA, consisting of five mini TFCAs. The Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area (TFCA) Protocol was signed between the Governments of Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland on 22 June 2000 . These mini TFCAs are as follows:
- Ndumu-Tembe-Futi TFCA is between Mozambique and South Africa (SA)
- Ponto do Ouro-Kosi Bay Marine and Coastal TFCA is between Mozambique and SA
- Nsubane-Pongola TFCA is between SA and Swaziland
- Lubombo Conservancy-Goba TFCA is between Mozambique and Swaziland
- Songimvelo-Malolotja TFCA is between SA and Swaziland (recently incorporated into Lubombo TFCA)
- Where is the Lubombo TFCA?
- Ndumo-Tembe-Futi TFCA will link the Maputo Elephant Reserve, through the Futi corridor, with the Ndumo Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park in South Africa . Other community conservation areas within this region will be incorporated into this TFCA.
- Ponto do Ouro-Kosi Bay Marine and Coastal TFCA will link the Greater St Lucia Wetlands World Heritage Site with the coastline of Mozambique.
- Nsubane-Pongola TFCA would encompass the Jozini region in SA and the Lavumisa region in Swaziland
- Lubombo Conservancy-Goba TFCA will encompass the Royal Hlane National Park and Mlawula Game Reserve in Swaziland and the Changalane region in Mozambique
- Songimvelo Malolotja TFCA will include the Songimvelo Nature Reserve in SA and the Malolotja Nature Reserve in Swaziland.
- Major features
Significant biodiversity resources exist in the area, some of which are listed below:
- The area represents a substantial proportion of the core area of the IUCN designated Maputoland Centre of plant endemism
- There is an unusually high level of endemism from all high level taxonomic groupings e.g. aves, amphibians, reptilians.
- A diverse landscape which is intact in this geomorphical, hydrological, aquatic, terrestrial and ecological functioning.
- Several established protected areas, namely, Ndumo Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Park, Maputo Elephant Reserve and Sileza Nature Reserve.
- Ndumo Game Reserve, listed as a Wetland of International importance in terms of UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention.
- The Futi Delta is a unique wetland.
- The region has the potential for reestablishment of the natural movement range for elephant and other species.
- Many tropical biota and unique vegetation communities such as sand forests and woody grasslands exist in the area.
- The bird species are also prevalent.
- The World Heritage Site, Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park’s significant features include:
- Coral reefs which include soft corals
- 800 species of marine fish
- Humpback whales pass close to the shore in route to east Africa
- Ragged tooth shark aggregations are popular attractions for SCUBA divers
- Whale sharks and manta rays are sighted frequently.
- Cultural importance
The rich sociological, cultural and historical resources of the areas are as follows:
- The communities practice the unique form of traditional fishing and fishery management ( fonya ).
- There are several ancestral and sacred sites and important cultural associations with certain species of animals.
- The area has a rich history with past linkages with Arab traders, Portuguese and British colonisation.
- There is considerable movement and tribal affiliation of people across the international boundaries.
- Traditional craft markets allow the communities to market their goods.
AND THEN THEY BUILD A FENCE RIGHT ACROSS IT~!
Source: Transfrontier Conservation Areas | Department of Environmental Affairs (dffe.gov.za)
