Wildlife in Zaïre

Abstract

The first part of Dr Verschuren's survey of Zaïre's wildlife, which appeared in the last issue of Oryx, April 1975, surveyed the main wildlife areas and described the conservation policy of the Zaïre Government under President Mobutu Sese Seko, one of the most forward-looking and conservation-minded governments in Africa. This second article discusses the status of the major large mammals. The author concludes that, largely because Zaïre has maintained very large areas of forest intact, the wildlife situation on the whole is good. Most encouraging is the fact that the highest authorities in Zaïre appreciate the value of their wildlife heritage. The photographs in this article are by the author.