By Bisola Adeyemo
Illegal activities in Kibirizi-Muyira Natural Forest in Namibia has led to wildlife migration, Isaac Ngango a resident of Muyira sector in Nyanza district said.
Kibirizi-Muyira Natural Forest is located in Amayaga Region that experiences dry spells due to deforestation.
According to news time, witnesses stated that charcoal production, hunting, illegal logging, cultivation among others have triggered huge losses in biodiversity richness.
“The forest was there during the kingdom. We used to see different animals such as antelopes, gazelle, duiker, leopard, panther among many others but due to hunting the species are no longer there. currently, the only visible animals in the forest include birds, monkeys, and rabbits among others”
“This forest is very important in our region because the little rain we get starts from this forest. We hope that when it will have been restored we will benefit a lot. Surrounding community should play a big role,” he said.
The illegal activities had reduced the forest by two-thirds,” said Aimable Nsengimana in charge of Environment in Nyanza District.
“After restoration, the forest will have 420 hectares in total,” he said, adding the forest also accommodates medicinal plants.
He said the tourism project is also being mulled in the area.