Siniaka Minia was declared a Wildlife Reserve in 1965 to protect the black rhinoceros and other species remaining in the area. However, by the late 1970s, the rhino had become extinct, due to inadequate protection measures and rampant poaching. In 2017, it was incorporated into the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem and in 2024 designated as a National Park by the Chadian government. It now has the highest protection status of any protected area in Chad.
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 some 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 near future.
A total 21 of camera traps are active in Siniaka Minia National Park.
The Conservation Law Enforcement department focuses on protecting biodiversity in the core zones and will expand its presence after these zones have been secured. The teams on the ground are supported by aerial surveillance, a 24/7 operations room and community sensitisation teams.
Overall, no rhino or elephant were poached in the GZE during 2023.