AFP Copyright: AFP Buffaloes are among the "big five" animals in Africa Image caption: Buffaloes are among the "big five" animals in Africa

Conservationists have launched an operation to capture nearly 100 buffaloes which crossed into Mozambique from South Africa.

This will be a huge relief to Mozambicans along the border as the buffaloes have devastated their crops.

The buffaloes left a South African game park because of a drought, and entered southern Mozambique's Matutuine district in search of food and water.

The captured buffaloes are not going to be sent back to South Africa.

Instead, they are to be relocated to the Maputo Special Reserve in the hope that they will attract tourists.

The head of the reserve, Natercio Ngovene, said:

Quote Message: The Maputo Special Reserve had few buffalos – only five. So, this operation to bring invading buffaloes from South Africa will increase the number of the species. In addition, it will increase the tourism potential of the Maputo Special Reserve.” The Maputo Special Reserve had few buffalos – only five. So, this operation to bring invading buffaloes from South Africa will increase the number of the species. In addition, it will increase the tourism potential of the Maputo Special Reserve.”

Buffaloes - along with lions, leopards, rhinos and elephants - are referred to as the "big five" beasts of Africa.