Durban: South Africa's famous Robben Island prison, where former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for more than 25 years, will be closed to tourists for a fortnight next month as authorities conduct a massive culling of rabbits at the island.
The island, which is now a World Heritage Site, is reported to be over-run by tens of thousands of rabbits, first introduced by European sailors in the 17th century.
The interim Chief Executive of Robben Island Museum, Seelan Naidoo said in a statement that culling was necessary to prevent deterioration of the historical sites and to maintain ecological balance.
"While the precise number of rabbits is not known, the current population is so large that it threatens to permanently damage the island's sensitive vegetation and also pose a serious threat to other fauna species, both alien and indigenous," Naidoo said.
"They also threaten historical buildings and heritage sites on the island," he said.
The decision was taken after an intensive consultation process with animal welfare experts, animal rights groups, vets and nature conservation officials.
Since the early 1990s, Robben Island has become one of the most sought after tourist attractions for both local and foreign visitors in South Africa.
Mandela, who became South Africa's first democratic president in 1994,was imprisoned on the island along with hundreds of political prisoners, including Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mahlaba and those of Indian-origin such as Billy Nair, Sonny Singh, Mac Maharaj, Ahmed Kathrada, and Indres Naidoo.
