Nile Lechwe - Uses and Conservation

Uses and Conservation

Nile lechwe may help reduce grass fires by trampling the grass when grazing, making a natural firewall. They are a highly prized trophy to an African hunter and may be traded for food or other resources. They were also traditionally hunted as a source of food. This endangered species (as of 2008) is gradually becoming rare due to excessive hunting and habitat loss. Still, conservation efforts are being made. According to the IUCN, in Sudan, the Nile lechwe occurs in three protected areas: Zeraf (however here the situation for wildlife is likely to worsen as a result of oil exploration and exploitation in the region), Fannyikang and Shambe, and in Ethiopia the species occurs in Gambela National Park. A special license is required to hunt these animals in Sudan. In Ethiopia, only six animals per year are allowed to be captured with a special license.