In a significant conservation effort, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), a leading conservation NGO with over 50 years of experience in southern Africa, in collaboration with the Greater Makalali Nature Reserve (GMNR), is spearheading a project aimed at revitalising the cheetah population in the GMNR. This initiative is part of the broader Carnivore Range Expansion Project, which focuses on species conservation across South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The EWT’s Cheetah Range Expansion Project Coordinator and Coordinator of Cheetah Advisory Group, Olivia Sievert says the success of the EWT’s work involves collaboration with various reserves—both private and governmental—throughout South Africa. These partnerships extend to Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi.

“Cheetahs are facing a multitude of threats, including habitat loss, conflict with humans, and competition with other predators,” said Olivia. “Relocation efforts are crucial to maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the species’ viability.”
Discussions began with the Makalali team two years ago, following a dramatic decline in the local cheetah population due to an overabundance of lions in the area, which had led to significant predation on cheetahs and a population crash around 2018.

A project like this one, involves carefully selected cheetahs being relocated to reserves where they can thrive and contribute to genetic diversity. There is an immense amount of ecological, habitat, predator and animal population data considered for any cheetah relocation – it’s not a matter of ‘we don’t have them, let’s put them in’.

As of 2023, with only two cheetahs remaining on the reserve, a new plan had to be developed. Antony Collett, the Warden of GMNR was already in discussion with EWT concerning relocation of cheetah onto the reserve. With only two resident individuals there was little chance that the population would bounce back. GMNR took the decision, in consultation with EWT, to initiate a program to bolster the dwindling cheetah numbers by relocating individuals from larger reserves that had experience with lion interactions.

Four cheetah – a female, her two sub-adult daughters and a male – were identified and successfully relocated from Tswalu Nature Reserve to GMNR. While the male cub tragically fell victim to a leopard, the remaining females have adapted well to their new environment and are now ready to be sired.

To strengthen the population, a coalition of four male cheetahs, led by Stompie (so called because of his short tail), was identified and moved from Inkomazi Game Reserve near Barberton, and recently released onto the GMNR. Stompie joined the coalition of three males – he is unrelated, and formerly a lone male – and they have all been together for the lasty five months. The relocation process involved a meticulous planning and execution phase, with the cheetahs being carefully transported and acclimated to their new surroundings. The hope is that the coalition will successfully integrate into the GMNR ecosystem and contribute to the growth of the cheetah population.

“We are committed to protecting the endangered species that call our reserve home,” stated Antony. “The introduction of these cheetahs is a strategic step towards restoring the balance of the ecosystem and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our wildlife.”

Cheetah cubs typically stay with their mothers for 13 to 16 months, forming strong sibling bonds until they are ready to establish their own territories. This relocation strategy ensures that the males remain a cohesive unit, promoting social stability and survival in their new home.