The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is implementing a multi-year wildlife translocation program aimed at restoring biodiversity and enhancing ecological resilience within Matusadona National Park and its surrounding landscape.
The initiative seeks to re-establish viable, self-sustaining herbivore populations, a critical step towards ecosystem restoration and the rewilding of Matusadona as part of the broader Sebungwe landscape.
“The authority issued permits to translocate 10 eland (Taurotragus oryx) and 50 buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) from Tsetse Island, part of the Lake Kariba Recreational Park, to Matusadona. Additionally, 20 sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) will be relocated from Sibibilolo Safari Area, alongside other key herbivores—including sable, eland, and roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) sourced from carefully selected populations across the country,” ZimParks said in a statement.
The initiative is being undertaken in partnership with the African Parks Network and the Matusadona Conservation Trust.
Underpinned by scientific ecological assessments, ZimParks said the program also includes enhanced law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring, and community development initiatives, all designed to boost anti-poaching efforts and generate benefits for local communities.
ZimParks said the efforts are underpinned by scientific ecological assessments to safeguard the health and sustainability of source populations.
“Throughout the duration of this multi-year program, additional measures will be implemented to strengthen 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,” ZimParks said.
It added that such integrated approaches are essential to promoting coexistence and ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts.
“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,”ZimParks said.
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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