Post by sianski

Some positive long term conservation work with Antelope seen in CNN’s Goodstuff

Keeping a precious symbol alive

It's no wonder Angola chose the giant sable antelope as its national animal. The majestic creature is endemic only to the southwest African country and is a majestic sight. However, poaching rendered the giant sable antelope nearly extinct in the late 20th century. Thanks to conservation efforts, though, populations are bouncing back. The species' endurance is a great example that these efforts can make a difference work, and it represents a wonderfully patriotic effort by Angolan conservationists. Renowned Angolan conservationist Pedro Vaz Pinto established the Giant Sable Conservation Project two decades ago, working directly on the ground to rehabilitate, breed and observe these animals. He says he hopes every Angolan gets the opportunity to see a giant sable up close. “It’s a very powerful experience and I can see people change after that. They become enormously more in tune with the need to protect the antelope and (understand) the environmental efforts that we are doing,” he says.