Phalaborwa lions have returned to their pride location, confirms LEDET
There have been many historical records of previous wildlife movements into the Phalaborwa surroundings.
POLOKWANE –Â The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) earlier confirmed that the lions found roaming around the Phalaborwa Foskor Mine have returned to their usual pride location.
Read more:Â UPDATE: Kruger Park rangers locate fourteen roaming lions in Phalaborwa
Department spokesperson, Zaid Kalla, says Phalaborwa is one of the very few large residential areas directly adjacent to a protected area network.
“There have been many historical records of previous wildlife movements into the Phalaborwa surroundings. LEDET as a conservation authority has the mandate to timeously respond to such sightings, and to evaluate the risks. Following MEC Thabo Mokone’s visit to the area, supported by a thorough briefing with both LEDET management and Kruger National Park Sector Ranger and Conservation management teams, it was discovered that the area where the lions were spotted is a well-known roaming area for various wildlife within the region. Co-habiting between wildlife and humans has always been monitored and well preserved by both LEDET and management of various facilities within the area,” he explained.
Kalla added that visibility of wildlife throughout the province is one of the key components of tourist attractions to this part of the SADC region.
“The Department hereby confirms that the lions have now returned to their usual pride location. The department also confirms that the animals will be kept within the area. The Department’s role is to enforce control where human lives are threatened and the lions have not been of any threat to humans,” Kalla’s statement concluded.
