The Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency is the management authority of the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR). The ECPTA plans to reintroduce elephant to the Great Fish River Nature Reserve, primarily to reinstate the ecological processes associated with this keystone species, but also to support other objectives, such as tourism development. The reintroduction will comprise two family groups from the Addo Elephant National Park and two adult bulls (possibly from Kruger National Park or from private reserves) and is envisaged to occur in within the next two years. The reintroduction will supplement the existing population of two female elephant on the reserve. The elephant will be managed to limit their impact by maintaining low densities through immunocontraception. The reintroduction of elephant onto GFRNR is subject to the requirements of South African legislation and policy, including the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004), the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) and the Norms & Standards for the Management of Elephants in South Africa (2019). A management plan and a reintroduction assessment has been prepared by ECPTA scientific and management staff, and according to the requirements of the Norms & Standards, to guide the reintroduction. This plan has been developed through a process that involved elephant experts, community partners and other stakeholders.
DOWNLOAD: Elephant Management Plan for Great Fish River Nature Reserve (12 Jan 2021)_ii
