Upemba’s Zebra Population Shows Promising Growth: Rangers Lauded for a Remarkable Turnaround

The Upemba National Park has recorded a new milestone in wildlife recovery, with the latest aerial survey estimating the zebra population at 197 individuals, marking an apparent 16% increase from the 170 counted in November 2024. This upward trend represents a significant moment for the last surviving wild population of Equus quagga boehmi in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Once famous for its large herds – some exceeding 300 individuals in the 1940s – Upemba’s zebras suffered a dramatic decline over the decades. The 2025 results therefore signal not only renewed hope but also a testament to the improved protection and monitoring efforts underway.

Conducted on 5 December 2025 by the Biomonitoring Department, the aerial survey relied on a lightweight Bathawk ULM aircraft, piloted by Bright Uzunga with Manuel Weber as observer. Over a 90-minute flight covering 149 km of transects, the team counted four distinct herds across an 8,000-hectare monitoring zone. The survey also detected at least 21 juveniles, an encouraging sign of ongoing reproduction and herd stability.

The absence of indications of zebra poaching in 2025 further strengthens the positive outlook, aligning with expected natural growth rates for populations safe from significant predation.

Beyond zebras, the team observed healthy numbers of reedbucks, baboons, warthogs, a Grimm’s duiker, an oribi, a porcupine, and two wattled cranes – suggesting broader ecosystem resilience in the northern savannas around Lusinga.

This progress is the direct result of the dedication of Upemba’s rangers, whose daily patrols safeguard wildlife under challenging conditions, and the commitment of partners who support monitoring, aviation, and conservation programs.

Upemba National Park extends its deepest gratitude to all rangers, pilots, technicians, researchers, and conservation partners whose hard work made these results possible. Their continued vigilance and collaboration are ensuring that iconic species like the zebra not only survive – but begin to thrive once again in Upemba.

Images: Hugh C. Kinsella, Upemba National Park - 2024