Accra: A rapidly spreading fire is causing significant devastation in the popular Etosha National Park in Namibia, with government reports saying around 30% of the grazing areas of the wildlife reserve have been destroyed.
According to Ghana News Agency, strong winds and dry vegetation have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which Vice President Lucia Witbooi said poses ‘a significant threat to biodiversity and wildlife.’
The fire is believed to have broken out on September 22 in the south-western part of the park, though the cause is still under investigation. The government has now deployed more than 500 soldiers and helicopters, in addition to firefighters and park authorities, to bring the fire under control, explained Witbooi.
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most important nature reserves, covering an area of more than 22,000 square kilometres, which is over half the size of Switzerland. Numerous animal species call the park home, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and many types of antelope. It is also considered an important habitat for endangered black rhinoceroses.
Etosha is renowned for its 130-kilometre-long and 50-kilometre-wide ‘salt pan,’ which attracts thousands of flamingos and other bird species after heavy rains.