The Introduction, Rewilding and Management of Northeast African Cheetahs

Location:
Kuzuko Private Game Reserve,, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Waterval Private Game Reserve (Eastern, Western and Northern Cape,  South Africa.

Year: 2019 – 2020

Summary:
The Endangered Wildlife Trust identified Kuzuko Private Game Reserve (KPGR), Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, and Waterval Private Game Reserve as suitable rewilding and potential natural breeding venues for the Northeast African (NEA) cheetahs. The reserves intend to implement a cheetah rewilding, release, and translocation project as part of an international conservation effort which aims to save NEA cheetahs currently held in unacceptable conditions after being illegally smuggled or kept as pets in Somaliland.

Undertaking this project required a multidisciplinary approach with collaborative management from many key role-players, including host reserves, sanctuaries, NPO’s, and local and international authorities.

Apex Conservation Services were approached to provide a predator management plan for the rewilding, release, and translocation of the cheetahs on the property. The management plan required compliance to following legislation: 1) National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act no. 10 of 2004) authorising the import, export, re-export or introduction from the sea of species; 2) National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (Threatened or Protected Species Regulations-ToPS); and 3) Operational Policy Guideline of the Chief Directorate of Environmental Affairs. Game Fence Specifications, 2015)

The developed predator management plan aims to ensure the long-term conservation of vulnerable NEA cheetahs, aiding biodiversity conservation on an international scale. The management plan is one of the prerequisites for the permit being granted to the reserves to receive the cheetahs.

The project would rely on three key phases:
1. Initial phase – preparation for receiving the cheetahs
2. Secondary phase – receiving, rewilding, breeding, and monitoring the cheetahs
3. Final phase – the rewilded cheetahs and offspring are successfully relocated to suitable, reintroduction or reinforcement projects in East/ North Africa.