Hunting and Trapping Suspended in Epulu Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Hunting and trapping activities have been suspended within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (RFO) in Epulu, located in the Mambasa territory of the Ituri province. This decision, effective from August 1 to November 30, was prompted by a provincial governor's order signed on July 29.

The primary objective of this suspension is to safeguard the wild fauna, thereby encouraging animal reproduction and preventing the disappearance of protected species. The RFO, which spans parts of the Ituri and Haut-Uele provinces, is home to rare and threatened species, including ungulates like deer and wild boars, as well as primates such as okapis and mountain gorillas.

Berce N’Safuansa, director of the Okapi Conservation Project at the RFO, explained the rationale behind the measure. He stated that Congolese law empowers authorities to extend or implement exceptional closures for certain species or regions when necessary for wildlife to regenerate. This action is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity.

This conservation effort comes as three okapis, two males and one female, have been in captivity at the Epulu RFO station for the past eighteen months.

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Congolese law authorizes authorities to extend or implement an exceptional closure for certain species or in certain regions when necessary to allow wildlife to reconstitute. But also, it is necessary to preserve the balance of ecosystems and biodiversity.