The Mupa National Park was originally founded in 1964 whilst the area was still a Portuguese colony. The main purpose of the park was to protect a sub species of the giraffe however these were all sadly wiped out: mainly due to landmines left over from the civil war. Other mammals within the park include wild dogs, lions, leopards and hyenas. The park is also a haven for a variety of rare bird life although mineral mining is currently a threat to these species.