Lions have been reintroduced to Rwanda for the first time since being wiped out after the genocide of 1994. Seven lions arrived this week, transported from South Africa to Akagera National Park. However, Claudio Sillero, head of conservation at the Born Free Foundation, suggests that it is better practice to transport lions from nearby locations. Sillero explains that “lions were brought over from southern Africa, drawing some concern from biologists that those lions are not the most immediate genetic relatives of the now extinct Rwanda lions.” But, overall, the move is applauded. “With proper management…the lions in Akagera will breed into a small lion population which will contribute to a healthier and more biodiverse ecosystem,” Sillero added.
Link: CNN