First Cheetah Released in Mountain Zebra National Park

The first cheetah has been released in South Africa's Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock in the Eastern Cape

Tuesday, 20th of February 2007, saw the release of cheetah in Mountain Zebra National Park, situated near Cradock in the Eastern Cape, marking the culmination of over ten years of a joint public-private conservation initiative.

The two cheetahs, donated by the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust, are the first large predators to be introduced to the Park.

"The introduction of cheetah will restore the predator-prey balance as well as enrich biodiversity in Mountain Zebra National Park," said Lucius Moolman, Regional Manager.

Moolman added that the introduction of the two male cheetahs would be followed by the introduction of four more cheetahs into the park within the next six months.

The introduction of cheetah represents the climax of an expansion and re-introduction programme that has been made possible by the fund-raising efforts of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and other organizations such as the Barbara Delano Foundation, WildAid, Sasol Limited and Vesta Medicines.

David Shepherd initiated the fund-raising effort in 1996 with the donation of two paintings, which raised well over one million rand towards park expansion, thanks to the efforts of SABC's 50/50 programme which broadcasted this story.

Funds raised were used to purchase land - nine properties in total - to expand the 6 536-hectare national park to 28 412 hectares. South African National Parks matched all funds that were raised by the private organizations.

Expansion of Mountain Zebra National Park was driven by the aim to reintroduce species like the critically endangered black rhino, as well as buffalo, gemsbok and large predators.

Buffalo were reintroduced in 1998, followed by black rhino and gemsbok in 2002. The increase of these animal populations is testament to the success of the reintroductions, with the buffalo population increasing from an original 24 to 124 today.

Preparation for the release of cheetah included the construction of a 72-kilometre long predator-proof fence around 21 031 hectares of the park.

Source: Addoe Elephant Park

Molo says: "Find similar news in our 'Wildlife and Nature' section; read about the Cheetah Outreach Project at Spier in our "Active in Nature" section and don't forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more South African news and events".

"You can also touch a cheetah at Aquila Game Reserve close to Cape Town."