Siniaka-Minia National Park
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
LocationChad
Area4,260 km2 (1,640 sq mi)
Established1965

The Siniaka-Minia National Park was established as an IUCN Category IV area in 1965 covering an area of 4,260 km2 (1,640 sq mi), due its importance for preserving black rhinoceros.[1][2] Siniaka-Minia has been managed by the nonprofit conservation organization African Parks since 2017 in partnership with Chad's government following the success of the African Parks partnership in Zakouma National Park.

Geography

The park is large plain terrain with a backdrop of a massif which rises to a height of 1,613 metres (5,292 ft). It is drained by the Siniaka River and Dorioum River, which are ephemeral in nature; some water holes remain for use during the summer months.[2]

Flora and Fauna

Vegetation in the southern part of the reserve is of Sudan savanna while in the north it consists of thorny bushes. The reserve, apart from preserving many threatened species, also contains greater kudu, red-fronted gazelle, oribi, roan antelope, lion and cheetah.[2]

In January and February of 2022, African Parks moved over 900 buffalo from Zakouma National Park to Siniaka-Minia, marking the largest buffalo translocation ever undertaken. Many of the animals came from a herd at the outskirts of Zakouma, which was at risk of spilling out of the protected area and into the agricultural lands of nearby communities.

Conservation

Wild animals in the reserve are subject to degree of poaching by well armed hunters which has been difficult to control in view of lack adequate personnel and equipment to carry out effective surveillance operations. It would still need attention as there are sufficient number of mammal species which need to be conserved.[2]

African Parks is currently discussing with the Chadian government to convert this reserve into a national park. This transformation will grant Siniaka-Minia enhanced protection, which is required if its wildlife populations are to survive in the future.

References

  1. ↑ "Siniaka-Minia Faunal Reserve". Protectedplanet.net. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 ""Ecologically Sensitive Sites in Africa. Volume 5: Sahel". Chad. pp. 19–29. Retrieved 20 October 2013.

[1]

  1. ↑ "Tchad : reclassement de la réserve de Faune de Siniaka-Minia en Parc national". Journal Le Pays | Tchad (in French). 2023-12-26. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
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