ZimParks to Translocate Over 100 Herbivores in Major Rewilding Drive

ZimParks to translocate over a 100 herbivores from selected reserves to other wildlife sanctuaries dotted around the country.

The multi-year program buttresses, ZimParks efforts to safeguard the health and sustainability of source populations.ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo said the program is set to re-establish viable, self sustaining herbivore populations.

He said the objective is set to contribute in the rewilding of Matusadona as part of the larger Sebungwr landscape.

“A massive translocation partnership with the African Parks Network and The Matusadona Conservation Trust, will be implementing a comprehensive, multi-year wildlife translocation program to restore biodiversity, enhance ecological resilience, and support sustainable natural resource management within Matusadona National Park (MNP) and its broader landscape.

“The authority issued permits to translocate 10 eland (Taurotragus oryx) and 50 buffalos (Syncerus caffer) from Tsetse Island, part of the Lake Kariba Recreational Park, to Matusadona.

“Additionally, 20 sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) will be relocated from Sibilobilo Safari Area, alongside other key herbivores — including sable, eland, and roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) sourced from select, well-established populations across the country,” said Mr Farawo.

Under this initiative ZimParks has set a raft of measures to support conservation outcomes.

“These include enhanced law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring, and community development initiatives aimed at improving local livelihoods, boosting anti-poaching efforts, and generating tangible conservation benefits for communities living adjacent to Matusadona National Park.

“Such integrated approaches are essential to promoting coexistence and ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts,” he said.

Mr Farawo said Matusadona National Park is currently undergoing a transformative phase, driven by substantial investments in infrastructure, ecological restoration, and stakeholder engagement.

“These initiatives are positioning the park once again as a key national conservation asset.

“The translocation program is a vital component of this broader strategy, ensuring that wildlife populations thrive and that the ecological, cultural, and economic benefits are preserved for present and future generations.

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