New wild dogs for Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve

I was lucky enough to be at Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve on the day that two new wild dog males (Lycaon pictus) were released into the boma by the EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust). As we sat waiting anxiously at 06h00 for the precious cargo to be lifted off the truck, everyone was getting really excited. Then finally EWT researcher John Power and intern Nick Pilfold carefully lifted open the doors of the boxes and one by one two beautiful new wild dogs shot out into the bush of the boma. It was all over in seconds but not many people get to watch animals being released into a new environment. Almost felt like being in a wildlife documentary on telly, it was such a privilege, a fantastic morning!

Rachelle Levett, volunteer, UK

New wild dogs for Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve

Cheetah plans for Karongwe

One of the female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) on Karongwe Game Reserve, Nyelethi, has two cubs that are nearing adulthood. They are a male and a female. In order to prevent too much in-breeding among the cheetahs on the reserve, as well as to assist with general regional management of cheetah genetics, these two youngsters are soon to be removed to other reserves, and in turn, there are plans to import two young males (a male coalition) which are currently on the De Wildt cheetah project but were previously free-living cheetah captured on a cheetah-unfriendly farm in Northwest Province, to avoid them being shot by the farmer. So, we lose two animals and gain two animals. Those who remember and had the priviledge of seeing Koba and Shungu (a previous male coalition) roaming Karongwe in years gone by will be excited at the prospect of two new youngsters coming in to assume a similar role on the reserve. Timing is uncertain as to when all of this will take place but we'll keep you updated. The plan is for all of it to happen on the same day using the same wildlife vet to bring the males from De Wildt and dart and crate Nyelethi's sub-adults.

Cheetah plans for Karongwe