The giant sable antelope, Angola’s national symbol, remains on the list of critically endangered species, with poaching being the greatest threat to its survival, warned this Thursday the coordinator of the project dedicated to conserving the species.
Pedro Vaz Pinto was this Thursday one of the speakers at the conference “Kissama Foundation 30 Years – Conservation, Research, Training”, taking place this Thursday and Friday in Luanda, and reminded that the giant sable antelope — which was once feared extinct — has endured a century since its discovery (1916) marked by phases of uncontrolled hunting, devastating war and post-war periods, up to the most recent conservation initiatives.
“The giant sable antelope continues to be an endemic and very rare species, which has been in worse condition before. Conservation efforts have been improving, but this does not mean it is out of danger — it is far from it,” he emphasized. Currently, he estimated, the population is around 300 animals, just over 10% of what it was 50 years ago.
“Therefore, we have to do more,” he said.
According to the expert, only when the population reaches around 500 individuals will it be possible to move from the “critically endangered” to “endangered” category, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, which will take at least another five to ten years.
After decades of decline, during which it was considered almost extinct, the species was confirmed in 2005 in Cangandala National Park, followed by the implementation of an in situ conservation program in subsequent years.
This required bringing a male from the Luando Integral Natural Reserve, building a fenced sanctuary, and sterilizing hybrids that had joined the giant sable population. Poaching remains the greatest threat to this animal, with one in four animals immobilized by biologists showing trap injuries, Vaz Pinto reported, adding that this is not a subsistence issue for local communities but a lucrative trade, as dried meat is sold in markets.
He believes that combating poaching depends on more effective enforcement, requiring additional human resources, equipment, and support from judicial authorities to ensure that hunters are punished.
The giant sable antelope exists only in two areas of Angola, both in Malanje province: Cangandala National Park and the Luando Integral Natural Reserve. According to Vaz Pinto, the species’ survival depends on stricter management and proper governance of the parks, including conservation zones with clear rules.
The expert stressed that only in this way can conservation be reconciled with population growth and economic development.
Pedro Vaz Pinto highlighted the importance of making the sable antelope accessible to the Angolan public and developing ecotourism.
“A national park is also a natural museum. I believe it is essential, and a matter of national pride, that we can show the sable to all Angolans. I would like schools in Malanje, members of parliament, ministers, everyone, to be able to see the sable,” he said.
He also emphasized that natural parks are not sustained solely by entrance fees, and that the broader economic impact of nature tourism should be valued.
“This issue of parks must be considered in a holistic way,” he added.
The Kissama Foundation (FK) is a non-governmental organization established in 1995 to promote the protection and conservation of Angola’s fauna and flora.
Linked to the Giant Sable Antelope Conservation Project, the foundation has been implementing research and environmental education actions for the project since 2010. The conference brings together national and international experts, academics, civil society organizations, and representatives of public institutions involved in environmental management to discuss challenges and solutions for biodiversity conservation in Angola.
Source: Lusa
