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Palanca Fond
The Cangandala Luando National Park in the heart of Angola is the only region in the world which is inhabited by what can be considered the unique and most beautiful antelope of the world, the "PALANCA ROYAL" or Giant Sable Antelope (hippotragus níger variani)
In 1938 the Portuguese Government in Angola proclaimed these animals - which already then were few in number - to be.under full conservation, ie: no killing, no trophy hunting, no catching, no export. This precaution proved successful, as there was a count of approximately 1 200 in 1964.
In 1974 the country was overturned by a revolution and the Portuguese nationals had to leave, which resulted in chaos.
The so-called freedom fight became a civil war, encouraged and supported by foreign powers. Economy, agriculture, and the transport system collapsed completely and the remaining citizens lost their income and thus had no means of livelihood, living off what could be reaped from bush and fields.
During the 1960's I had several opportunities to visit the Cangandala Reserve. At the beginning of 1992, I spoke to the director of the Frankfurt Zoo, Dr Richard Faust, who at the same time was the director of the Frankfurt Zoological Society, about the situation of the 'Palanca Royal' (giant sable) in Angola. After this discussion a count per helicopter was organised in the area where the antelopes occurred, sponsored by the Zoological Society. With a chartered helicopter .the huge areal was systematically combed.
Already on day 3 - at that stage only 7 giant sables had been sighted - the operation had to be abandoned as we were shot at with automatic weapons. We hat to vacate and a dream was shattered. These days safety has been partially restored. It is of great importance to make another attempt to organise and execute another air count.
A fund has been established which is managed by the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). An amount from the sale of each bottle or carton of 'Palanca Royal'.is paid into this fund. The buyer of this exquisite wine thus assists in preserving this uniquely beautiful and proud antelope.
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