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Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has confirmed that wildfires have scorched over one-third of Etosha National Park, raising serious concerns for biodiversity, local communities, and long-term conservation efforts across the region.
Since the fires began on 22 September in the park’s southwestern region, roughly 775,163 hectares—about 34% of Etosha’s total area—have been destroyed. Additionally, fires have affected another 171,098 hectares of grazing land and communal areas in the adjacent Omusati and Oshana regions.
The ecological toll is already becoming clear. Authorities have found the remains of at least nine antelope in the burned areas, and a pangolin was rescued during emergency response efforts. Officials warn that the true extent of wildlife losses may be far greater, as evaluations are still underway. Etosha, home to a unique salt pan and an array of wildlife, is one of Namibia’s premier conservation zones and a cornerstone of its tourism sector.
In an official statement, the Ministry described the blaze as “a significant threat to Namibia’s biodiversity, local livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.” In response, firefighting efforts have been intensified with the deployment of 40 additional soldiers, a water tanker, and two helicopters. More military reinforcements are expected in the coming days.
This crisis highlights broader environmental challenges facing Southern Africa, where climate change, land use conflicts, and increasingly frequent wildfires complicate conservation efforts. While containment remains the immediate focus, long-term strategies will need to address habitat recovery, enhanced fire prevention, and greater resilience for surrounding rural communities.
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As one of Southern Africa’s most iconic conservation landscapes, Etosha plays a vital role not only in protecting Namibia’s wildlife but also in shaping the continent’s broader biodiversity agenda. The unfolding situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated, cross-border solutions to protect vulnerable ecosystems in an era of escalating environmental threats.