By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba— In a significant move to restore and enhance biodiversity, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), in collaboration with the Matusadonha African Parks Network and the Matusadona Conservation Trust, has unveiled a multi-year wildlife translocation program aimed at revitalizing Matusadona National Park (MNP) and its surrounding landscape.
The initiative will see the translocation of 10 eland (Taurotragus oryx) and 50 buffaloes from Tsetse Island, part of the Lake Kariba Recreational Park, to Matusadona.
Additionally, 20 sable antelope will be relocated from the Sibilobilo Safari area, along with other key herbivores such as sable eland and roan antelope sourced from carefully selected populations across the nation.
“This strategic intervention is not just about moving animals; it’s about re-establishing viable, self-sustaining herbivore populations that are crucial for ecosystem restoration,” said Tinashe Farawo, Zimparks spokesperson.
“Our aim is to rewind Matusadona as part of the larger Sebungwe landscape, creating a harmonious balance between wildlife and the ecosystem.”
The program is underpinned by rigorous scientific ecological assessments to ensure the health and sustainability of source populations.
Throughout the multi-year initiative, ZimParks will implement additional measures to enhance conservation outcomes, including bolstered law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring, and community development initiatives aimed at improving local livelihoods.
“Community engagement is essential,” Farawo emphasized. “By integrating local communities into our conservation efforts, we can boost anti-poaching strategies and generate tangible benefits for those living adjacent to Matusadona National Park.”
Matusadona National Park is currently undergoing transformative ecological restoration and stakeholder engagement.
These initiatives are positioning the park as a key national conservation asset once again, ensuring that wildlife populations thrive while preserving ecological, cultural, and economic benefits for current and future generations.
Zimparks and its partners remain committed to responsible, evidence-based conservation practices that uphold biodiversity integrity, ecosystem health, and community well-being.
The translocation program is a vital component of a broader strategy aimed at fostering sustainable coexistence between wildlife and human communities.
As Matusadona embarks on this ambitious journey, the future looks promising, with hopes that it will emerge as a beacon of conservation excellence in Zimbabwe.
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