Newly posted, Pedro Vaz Pinto’s report of this August’s Giant Sable Capture Operation. Click here to read the Second Semester Report 2011 in English and Portuguese and see some stunning images of the operation in action.

“There must be no doubt that this magnificent creature is in desperate condition, on the verge of extinction.”

The largest giant sable herd, led by the dominant bull.

“As result of the last few months’ efforts we know now much better than ever before, the real situation on the ground. I believe we know how many herds there are left, exactly where they are all located, how many animals in each herd, and even the detailed population structure. There must be no doubt that this magnificent creature is in desperate condition, on the verge of extinction.”

The shepherds setting fire on a poacher's camp in Luando.

“What does come across very clearly is that not only was excessive poaching that reduced the giant sable population to the current condition, but also it is still very active at the moment and has been impacting the population very severely during the last few years.”

Logistics provided by the Angolan Air Force.

“With assistance from the military forces we are implementing action against poaching but also preventive measures against animal theft attempts.”

Not all is bad news in Pedro’s report. More pure giant sable are captured in the Luando Reserve and taken to Cangandala National Park …

Trying to put Ivan on the stretcher to be hand carried to the MI-17!

“It took us 10 men and an enormous effort to carry that beast on a stretcher across 300 meters of tall dead grass, hidden termite mounds and fallen wood. It’s a shame we couldn’t weigh the bull but most guys agreed he may weigh well over 300kg.”

The difference in size is immense.

“The operation was a huge success. We managed to establish a new breeding group in Cangandala, including a new bull and six young females.”