In March 2016 the Forever Wild Foundation, in collaboration with Ezemvelo Wildlife and ACT began the task of re-populating Hluhluwe-Imfolozi with cheetah. There are an estimated 1200 adult cheetah in South Africa, with a total population of 7000 spread throughout the sub-continent. Any population strong-hold would be welcomed. As with lions, it is essential that gene pools are not weakened through inter-breeding and that individuals are moved within sanctuaries for diversification.
The first task accepted by the Foundation was to rebuild the ‘Boma’ in the north of the park. It was hoped that introduced females would carve out their territories away from the single collared female in the south. In December 2017 the Foundation purchased a small number of individuals, fitted them with satellite collars and released them into the park.
There are 3 distinct operations involved with the introduction of cheetah. The first is locating animals which meet our requirements, the second is finding the money to pay for them, and the third is their capture, relocation and release. All three stages are as crucial as they are demanding.
Every day ACT monitor teams check on the introduced cats and their location and well-being recorded. Males and females have been introduced into the park, some have produced their own cubs but unfortunately a few have died of natural causes. However the introduction has been a huge success with a viable breeding population numbering more than 18 and more cubs on the way!
There is no room for complacency though. Collars need to be replaced, monitoring equipment is needed and veterinary supplies procured. It is only through the generosity of donors and the professionalism of ACT and Ezemvelo officers that the cheetah population in Zululand has risen like the Phoenix. To keep the project maintained is the greatest challenge of all.
It is only through the generosity of donors and the professionalism of ACT and Ezemvelo officers that the cheetah population in Zululand has risen like the Phoenix.
