Siniaka Minia boasts magnificent granite formations including inselbergs and mountains, with its vegetation varying from shrub to tree savannahs. A wide array of key species can be found here, such as the northern lion, African buffalo, red-fronted gazelle, Kordofan giraffe, the greater kudu, roan antelope, hartebeest, leopard, cheetah, North African ostrich and spotted hyaena.
The first restoration operation of the Siniaka Minia landscape took place in 2022, with the capture and translocation of over 900 buffalo from Zakouma – the largest-ever African buffalo translocation. Despite losses, the translocated herds have seeded a growing founder population, the first significant population seen in Siniaka Minia in over half a century.
African Parks is working with local and nomadic communities to ensure the integrity of the national park and to prepare for further reintroductions of other species in the future.
To establish a baseline for the newly designated Siniaka Minia National Park and inform strategic conservation interventions, an aerial wildlife survey was conducted across the landscape in 2024. In addition, a total of 80 camera traps are deployed across the park to gather data on wildlife presence, diversity and movement. Monthly buffalo population counts are rolled out to monitor population trends and distribution.
The Conservation Law Enforcement Team is focusing on protecting biodiversity in the core zones and will expand its presence after these zones have been secured. Six field rangers are supported by aerial surveillance, a 24/7 operations room and community sensitisation teams.
