Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has embarked on translocation exercise of about 15 Rothschild giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, a move that is aimed at re-introducing these unique wildlife species in this magical protected area. They included 10 females and 5 males with the first batch of five Rothschild giraffes successfully translocated.

The move is aimed at establishing a viable, free ranging Rothschild giraffe population in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and also expand the range of the Rothschild giraffes so as to boost the tourism sector in Northeastern Uganda. This in a long run will increase revenue collection and ensure long term survival of these endangered species.

The translocation exercise of the Rothschild giraffes is in accordance with Uganda Wildlife Authority’s strategic objectives that include among others re-introduction of extinct species. Besides, wildlife translocation is recognized globally and serves best as a management tool in conservation.

In efforts to boost the tourism potential of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, over 92 impalas were also translocated to this wildlife reserve last year.

Rothschild giraffes

Scientifically Rothschild giraffes are called Giraffa Camelopardalis and they can easily be spotted in the savanna grasslands and open woodlands of Uganda and Kenya. In Uganda, you can visit Murchison Falls National Park in Northwest and Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. The other sites include Kidepo Valley National Park in the Northeast, Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. Giraffes are the tallest animals and the Rothschild are 5 to 6 meters tall and they weigh 1200kgs-for males and females weigh about 850kgs.  Currently, there are fewer than 1600 Rothschild giraffes left on earth and 700 of them are in captivity then 800 are in the wild. Uganda inhabits the largest number of these unique wildlife species making it an ideal wildlife safari destination.