Babanango Game Reserve has welcomed two cheetah brothers onto KZN soil after a long journey from the Eastern Cape.
The cheetahs arrived on 10 May and were released into a boma. They will remain there for about six to eight weeks as they acclimate to their new environment.
The acquisition of these two big cats is part of Babanango’s many rewilding projects. Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
In addition to invasive plant species and disease, human interference and hunting pose the biggest threats to cheetah populations.
More cheetahs will arrive in the coming months.
The reserve has also recently welcomed buffalo, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, ostrich, hartebeest, zebra, impala, and oribis.
Babanango’s rewilding projects strengthen its role in ensuring the survival of endangered wildlife in South Africa.
Ostriches, hartebeests, and oribis are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though their populations are steadily decreasing.
Both buffalo and plains zebra are considered Near Threatened, while giraffe are also considered Vulnerable.
Pictures: Supplied
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