Lubango – Reinforcement of control measures, signaling of some areas and the use of iodated salt in the lakes is leading to the massive return of some species of animals that had vanished from the Bicuar National Park, in southern Huila province, during the war.

This was said Sunday to Angop in Lubango by the park administrator, José Maria Kandungo.

The official explained that the above mentioned measures are permitting the return in large scale of such animals as elephants, zebras, lions, leopards and others.

The administrator stated that the return of those animals is also being stimulated by a stricter control over the area and poaching mostly carried out by people out of survival.

José Maria Kandungo also said that the park’s management is also noting the return of species that used to migrate to other remote localities in search of tranquility and better habitat.

"We are happy with the return of herds of elephants into the municipalities of Quipungo, Matala and Gambos, as the animals are recognising their habitat and are reproducing inside the park,” he stressed.

According to the official, the park’s management, together with the Department of Natural Sciences of the Lubango Higher Institute of Education is investigating the whereabouts of the mascot of the park, which is the red buffalo.

With an area of 7,900 square kilometres, the National Park of Bicuar was created in 1953 to protect and defend the wild animals in the region limited by the territories of the municipalities of Quipungo, Matala and Gambos.