12 Cheetahs

The first 3-4 months post release is the most critical period for the survival of translocated cheetahs. This is when post-release exploratory movements are seen. During this time, the cheetahs familiarize themselves with the wider area and are therefore more vulnerable. Sadly, we lost three individuals during this period. In December we were able to release two more females. These are valuable additions to the founder population.

Interestingly, in the Zambeze Delta, more frequent and longer exploratory movements have been displayed by males than females. These have often taken them into areas where there is little to no prey present and there is a risk of snaring. Monitoring these individuals closely and deciding when to intervene has posed quite a challenge to the Zambeze Delta Conservation team.

With less than 7,000 remaining, the cheetah is one of the most endangered big cat species

Few reintroductions into large, unfenced systems have been attempted and with each event we learn how to better manage such reintroductions in the future. As space and suitable habitat for cheetahs becomes more and more limited, it is likely that this information will be crucial to their conservation in the future.