Luanda - Three more giant sable antelopes, two females, were on Wednesday relocated to Cangandala National Park, northern Malanje province by environmentalists from the wildlife services for reproduction purposes.

The operation was held by wildlife’s experts from Botswana and South Africa, hired by the Centre of Studies and Scientific Research of the Angola Catholic University, as part of an expedition to the National Cangandala Park, which started on July 28.

According to the head of the National Department of Coservation of the Ministry of Environment, Joaquim Lourenço Manuel, the relocation of the giant stable antelope for reproduction, represents a relevant achievement for the sectors of environment, hotels and tourism.

Meanwhile, US environmentalist, Richard Estes, who witnessed the relocation of the antelope at the reproduction sanctuary, expressed delight at the  reappearance of the animal, saying this represents an opportunity for him to carry out his study.

The operation of capture of the sable antelope is supported by the oil firm, ESSO Angola, through its Associates of Bloc 15, the privately owned mobile telephone operator, "UNITEL"  and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). 

The giant sable antelope is evaluated as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Cangandala National Park, in northern Malanje province, was established in 1963 and stretches over an area of 63.000 hectares.

The Luando Reserve that is shared by the provinces of Malanje and Bie (central Angola), was set up in 1938, over an area of 828,000 hectares.