Harar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Harar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the Babille Elephant Sanctuary) is a protected area in Ethiopia. It is located in the Misraq (East) Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Region, south of Babille, with a central latitude and longitude of 8°45′N 42°38′E / 8.750°N 42.633°E / 8.750; 42.633Coordinates: 8°45′N 42°38′E / 8.750°N 42.633°E / 8.750; 42.633.

Encompassing 6,982 square kilometres, the Sanctuary embraces the valleys of the Erer, Daketa and Fafen as well as the Gobele and Borale rivers; all are tributaries of the Shabelle River. Elevations range from 1000 to 1750 metres above sea level, with the lowest elevations at the southern part of the protected area.[1]

The Sanctuary was created to for the conservation of the native elephant sub-species (Loxodonta africana oleansie), and is also home for the lion.[2] Conditions at this sanctuary are primitive, and it is not equipped for tourists,[3] although the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced plans to remedy this shortcoming.[4]

Notes

  1. ↑ "BirdLife IBA Factsheet: Babille Elephant Sanctuary", Birdlife International website (accessed 31 August 2009)
  2. ↑ "Natural attractions", Oromia Region website (accessed 11 Jan 2007)
  3. ↑ Philip Briggs, Ethiopia: The Bradt Travel Guide, 3rd edition (Chalfont St Peters: Bradt, 2002), p. 367
  4. ↑ "Babile Elephants Sanctuary to become tourist destination" (Walta Information Center)
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