Tanzania and Kenya have agreed to swap roan antelopes for female black rhinoceros in an effort to boost reproduction in both species.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said at the State House that Tanzania would offer Kenya 20 roan antelopes in response to a request from Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was in town.
Following discussions between the two leaders, Hassan stated that Tanzania would deliver the 20 roan antelopes to Kenya by Christmas.
“Currently, Tanzania has approximately 4,000 roan antelopes, while Kenya has only 12 of the species.”
“President Kenyatta has also accepted our request for a black female rhinoceros to be sent to the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania,” he said.
He stated that there are two black male rhinoceros in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and that the female rhinoceros would aid in reproduction.
Kenyatta, who was on a two-day official visit to Tanzania, confirmed in his remarks that Kenya had accepted Tanzania’s request for female black rhinoceros to boost reproduction.
He did not specify how many female black rhinoceros would be sent to Tanzania.
The offer, according to Kenya’s president, will help to increase the number of roan antelopes and boost the tourism industry.
He expressed gratitude to Tanzania for supplying his country with the 20 roan antelopes.