In Mozambique's Niassa reserve, a series of brutal attacks by Islamic State-linked extremists has put conservation efforts at risk, leading to at least 10 fatalities, including anti-poaching scouts. The 4.2 million-hectare reserve is home to significant wildlife populations, including lions and elephants. Attacks have halted conservation activities and caused displacement of local communities. Experts warn that over 20 years of conservation work is jeopardized due to ongoing violence and fear, threatening to undo years of progress in protecting this vital wilderness area.
The attacks are brutal: the two carpenters that were killed at the safari camp were beheaded. There is enormous fear from communities from the brutality of the attack, said Colleen Begg.
On Monday, wildlife and community organisations warned that the violence is risking more than 20 years of conservation work in the area.
At 4.2m hectares (10m acres), Niassa is regarded as one of Africa's most important wildlife refuges. It is home to as many as 1,000 lions, 35,000 elephants and numerous other species.
Begg said that the suspension of tourism activities could affect the area for several years. It's one of these beautiful wilderness areas. We've been trying to figure out how to make it a world heritage site and all of that is now at risk because of insecurity.
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