Analysis of the Ecological Recognition of the Maputo Elephant Reserve. Limits - Errors and Proposals

Several errors were found in the reserve limits implemented in 1932, at the ecological level of ecosystems, fauna mainly elephants, water systems and even at the level of local populations.

The limits did not include the Manhoca region, the marginal forests and forests of the Futi River, forests between the Futi River and the Maputo River, downtown Nhambsé. The implementation of the fence divided, leaving part outside the Reserve, the forest between the Mechingane landmark and the Gala, the arboreal and shrub formations of the Chingute and Piti lagoons, as well as the southern part of the Piti lagoon. These errors in the implementation of the limits led to the facilitation of poaching in certain areas that, although they had several animals, were not part of the Reserve itself and therefore were not protected. On the other hand, the animals themselves that naturally circulate on their routes through forests, woods, ponds, or exceed the limits, destroying the fence, or are prevented from reaching the regions where they originally obtained food, water, shelter. There are still conflicts between fauna and farmers and inhabitants of the villages near the limits. Animals destroying fences, invading farmland and villages, people to protect themselves or to keep them away resorted to the slaughter of animals. However, this method did not prevent the animals from continuing to leave the reserve and even the inhabitants themselves exceeded the limits to graze cattle inside the Reserve.

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• Analysis of the Ecological Recognition of the Maputo Elephant Reserve. Limits - Errors and Proposals