The Panyame Cheetah Project
A Remarkable Discovery
BRINGING CHEETAHS BACK TO PANYAME
In 2022, a remarkable chapter began in the Panyame Wildlife Conservancy with the discovery of a distinct cheetah track. This sign, the first in decades, hinted that these elusive felines, long thought to be locally extinct, might still be present in the area. For years since our arrival in 1993, cheetahs had become part of local folklore, more myth than reality. But this perception was about to change dramatically.
Shortly after the discovery of the track, our team spotted a lone male cheetah. This sighting challenged our long-standing belief in their absence and brought a sense of excitement and hope to the conservancy. The appearance of this single cheetah symbolized not just the return of a species but also a new opportunity for conservation and understanding.
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Without hesitation, 'The Cheetah Re-introduction Project' was started. This project addresses the urgent need to increase cheetah populations, which have been drastically declining across Southern Africa. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the realization of the cheetah's near extinction and their fragile genetic situation spurred proactive conservation efforts. Our project is a critical part of this movement, aiming to reintroduce cheetahs to an area where they've disappeared, helping to restore the species and enrich biodiversity in the region.
Photos Courtesy of: Wiki West - Mosquito Media
Project Overview
DURATION: 3 YEAR PROJECT | ONGOING
Building on the thrilling discovery of a lone male cheetah in the Panyame Wildlife Conservancy, our ambitious Cheetah Re-introduction Project is set to commence. This initiative aims to relocate up to 8 cheetahs from reserves in South Africa and Namibia to their new home in Mozambique. This significant move involves not just the transportation of these magnificent animals but also comprehensive measures to ensure their successful integration and thriving in the conservancy.
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Key Components:
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Transportation and Relocation: Safely moving cheetahs across international borders.
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Infrastructure Development: Constructing bomas (enclosures) for initial housing and adaptation.
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Technology and Monitoring: Equipping each cheetah with GPS collars for tracking and employing helicopter surveillance for ongoing monitoring.
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Anti-Poaching & Enhanced Protection: Existing law enforcement will be enhanced to ensure the protection of the relocated animals.
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The first Cheetah track that was spotted in the conservancy
Feasibility & Action Plan
PROJECT PROGRESS & NEXT STEPS
As of January 2024, the Panyame Wildlife Conservancy has successfully completed both the comprehensive feasibility study and the detailed planning documents for the Cheetah Re-introduction Project. These milestones affirm the conservancy as an ideal habitat for cheetahs, thanks in large part to our rigorous anti-poaching efforts. These initiatives have not only ensured a safer environment for wildlife but have also led to an increase in the abundance of prey species, setting the stage for a successful cheetah reintroduction.
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With these critical planning phases behind us, the project now moves into an important phase of acquiring all necessary importation documents for transferring cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to the conservancy. The presence of a lone male cheetah within the conservancy has been instrumental in expediting this process, demonstrating the area's suitability for these animals.
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Upon the cheetahs' arrival, scheduled for June 2024, they will be initially placed in specially constructed bomas for safe housing and gradual adaptation to their new environment. These enclosures are designed to provide a secure and controlled setting for the cheetahs to acclimate while minimising stress. During this phase, each cheetah will be equipped with a GPS collar, enabling precise tracking and close monitoring of their movements and behaviour.
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When deemed appropriate, these cheetahs will be released into the wider conservancy. Post-release, their adaptation and survival will continue to be closely monitored. The use of GPS collars, coupled with helicopter surveillance, will provide critical data on their movements, habitat preferences, and interaction with the ecosystem. This intensive monitoring approach is crucial to ensure their successful adaptation and long-term survival in the new environment.
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In addition to these monitoring efforts, an ongoing research program will be integral to the project. This program will not only track the progress of the reintroduced cheetahs but also contribute valuable insights into cheetah behaviour, health, and conservation strategies. The information gathered through this research will be vital in shaping future conservation initiatives and understanding the dynamics of cheetah populations within the conservancy.
Our Partners
WITHOUT WHOM THIS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE
