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Project
update - May 2007
 Two
New Baby Rhinos at Mountain Zebra National Park - photo right
shows Dundi and her new calf.
(photo courtesy of Piet Heymans)
FIRST CHEETAH
RELEASED BACK INTO SOUTH AFRICA'S MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK
 Cheetah
were released last week into the Mountain Zebra National Park
near Cradock in South Africa's Eastern Cape, marking the culmination
of over ten years of a joint public-private conservation initiative.
The two male cheetahs, donated by the De
Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust, are the first large predators
to be introduced to the Park. Another two female cheetahs, each
13 months old, will be arriving at the Park later today from Samara
Game Reserve near Graaff-Reinet.
 "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 and two female cheetahs would be followed by the introduction
of two 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 DSWF and other organisations such as the
Barbara Delano Foundation, WildAid, Sasol Limited and Vesta Medicines.
David initiated the fund-raising effort
in 1996 with the donation of two paintings, which raised well
over £200,000 towards park expansion.
 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 five black rhino in 2000
and gemsbok in 2002. One of the reintroduced rhinos was the first
calf born into the wild of a rhino rescued from a life of captivity
in Lisbon zoo by DSWF in 1990 and returned to South Africa. Their
release marked the return of black rhino to this area after an
absence of over 170 years caused by the poaching epidemic.
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.
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
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