16/04/2026
Vildhundarna är åter på Zimanga. Efter att alfahonan dog blev det kaos i flocken. Under de år vildhundarna var på Zimanga hann Zimanga bidra till att 13 nya flockar kunde bildas på olika håll i södra Afrika, områden där vildhundarna funnits men försvunnit eller minskat. En bevarandeinsats som Charl på Zimanga berättar om nedan.
And the moment so many have been waiting for, as the dogs are back... Two weeks ago we received three African Wild Dogs to create another pack and potential breeding group in KZN. Not too long ago the province was down to only 4 packs but reintroductions have now boosted it to 6 again.
Many of you might not be aware but over the years a total of 13 new packs of wild dogs were formed through dogs originating from Zimanga and moved all over Southern Africa. What makes the story even better is that our newly arrived females originate from Tswalu Game Reserve, which was an original recipient of wild dogs from Zimanga around 15 years ago. How the wheel turned and unbeknownst to us that conservation action from so long ago is now bearing fruit as "original" Zimanga dogs are back here again! This underscores how well the metapopulation approach works and how wild dog conservation actions from so long ago resonated far beyond our boundaries to assist in maintaining a viable and genetically diverse population in Southern Africa, and Zimanga now being on the receiving end of another successful wild dog introduction. Never in a million years did I foresee that would be the case, yet here we are!
The conservation future for this endangered species looks positive with the incredible team of professionals involved, and a massive thank you goes out to Chris Kelly from Wildlife ACT with whom the idea was first discussed last year, as well as their staff from Kay and Chris for permits applications and collars, Eugene from EWT, the Bateleurs and pilot Nick Lincoln for flying the dogs from Tswalu to Zimanga in his beautiful Beechcraft Baron, Ivan Carter for sponsoring the move, Ryan the vet, and our various Wild Dog Management Groups in South Africa. I am probably forgetting about someone so please forgive me!
Matt spent some time with the dogs still in boma where they are acclimatising and provided this beautiful image of one of the females. We estimate to keep them in boma another month or so, and with two of the dogs fitted with GPS collars we will be able to efficiently monitor their movements post release. Early mornings will be extra exciting and everyone on the reserve cannot wait to be following the dogs again in the near future. Stay safe and hope to see you again soon!
