The Metapopulation Initiative

The true heroes of cheetah conservation are those who create safe spaces for wild cheetahs to roam freely in their natural habitat. One of those heroes is Quinten Knipping from Mapesu Private Game Reserve, located in the expansive Limpopo Valley Conservancy. Since joining the Cheetah Metapopulation Project in 2017, Mapesu has contributed locally and internationally to range expansion efforts for the cheetahs. Watch the full video by WildWild Journeys: https://lnkd.in/dMjPCB8Z WeWild Africa Mapesu Private Game Reserve (PTY) Ltd. Media: WildWild Journeys

Since reintroducing a breeding cheetah population in 2014, Rietvlei Nature Reserve has contributed invaluably to wild cheetah conservation efforts in Southern Africa. Twelve cheetahs have been made available for relocation to other reserves, resulting in the birth of 47 cubs. The most recent litter relocated from Rietvlei is proving no different. Njozi’s subadult female at Makutsi is doing an exceptional job as a first-time mother to her three, now 4-month-old cubs. At Nyosi, two male cheetahs have sired four 5-month-old cubs, and the Tshukudu males were recently seen interacting with the resident females. Collaborators: WeWild Africa Rietvlei Nature Reserve Makutsi Safari Springs Nyosi Wildlife Reserve Tshukudu Game Lodge Media: Adhi Ramcharan

Cheetahs return to northern Zambia History is being made in Zambia. Five cheetahs were released at LoleLunga Game Ranch, marking the first reintroduction of cheetahs to a private reserve in Zambia. Donated by Dinokeng and Kuzuko Game Reserves, these cheetahs were quarantined at Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. This milestone was achieved through a partnership between LoleLunga, The Metapopulation Initiative, and WeWild Africa, aiming to revive Zambia’s wild cheetah population. LoleLunga has transformed from barren livestock land into a 30,000-hectare wilderness, offering a safe space for wildlife to thrive. The reserve supports local communities by employing former poachers as rangers, providing medical aid, building schools, and ensuring access to clean water. This initiative restores balance to the ecosystem, with elephants, buffalo, and other species returning to their natural habitat. The goal is to make LoleLunga a source population for cheetahs in Zambia, reversing the decline of Africa's most endangered cat. Join us as we create a new era for cheetah conservation in Zambia. For more updates, follow LoleLunga, The Metapopulation Initiative, and WeWild Africa. Read more about this reintroduction on the WeWild Africa website: https://lnkd.in/d-CeP4UG. Collaborators: WeWild Africa LoleLunga Game Ranch Dinokeng Game Reserve Kuzuko Lodge Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre PROVET WILDLIFE SERVICES Peter Rogers Media: Brent Leo-Smith (Painteddog.tv), Shafeeq Mulla, Wiki West (Mosquito Media CO)

Following her helicapture at Rietvlei Nature Reserve in August 2023 and relocation to Makutsi Safari Springs, this female cheetah is overcoming the numerous challenges faced as a first-time mother. Thankfully, she was taught well by her own, Njozi. The Metapopulation Initiative coordinates such relocations to encourage population growth and prevent inbreeding. We are grateful to Makutsi for providing a safe space for cheetahs and for witnessing the continuation of Njozi’s lineage. 📍 Makutsi 📸 Makutsi #cheetah #cheetahconservation #themetapopulationinitiative #africanwildlife #endangeredspecies #willdifeconservation

Cheetah mother & her cubs at Makutsi Safari Springs 🐆 Relocated in August 2023 by The Metapopulation Initiative, the daughter of Njozi at Rietvlei Nature Reserve has given birth to three cubs. This dedicated mother faces extraordinary challenges raising her cubs to independence in the Lowveld, where lion, leopard, and hyena densities are high. #cheetah #cheetahconservation #themetapopulationinitiative #africanwildlife #endangeredspecies #willdifeconservation

Against all odds, the Nyosi Wildlife Reserve team saved four cheetah cubs from imminent starvation after their mother, Nkanyiso, suffered a severe leg injury. Nkanyiso and her cubs have been reunited and will be re-released into the wild once she has recovered. The Metapopulation Initiative is proud to collaborate with the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa and WeWild Africa on this conservation initiative. #cheetah #cheetahconservation #themetapopulationinitiative #africanwildlife #endangeredspecies #willdifeconservation

While solitary by nature, female cheetahs may engage in cooperative cub-rearing with other females. This behaviour, known as allomothering, suggests that cheetahs are more social than previously thought. #cheetah #cheetahconservation #themetapopulationinitiative #africanwildlife #endangeredspecies #willdifeconservation

In a 17-hour capture and translocation effort, The Metapopulation Initiative relocated a female cheetah from Roam Private Game Reserve (Western Cape) to Mabula Private Game Reserve (Limpopo). Roam Private Game Reserve, a 5,700-hectare sanctuary, is now home to many species that once freely roamed the expansive Karoo plains. Since 2018, when cheetahs were reintroduced, Roam has made seven cheetahs available to expand the species’ range. Thank you to all involved in this successful relocation. #cheetah #cheetahconservation #themetapopulationinitiative #africanwildlife #endangeredspecies #willdifeconservation

In a collaborative effort, Dr Andrew Frasier and Dr Sanath Muliya presented on the transcontinental translocation and reintroduction of cheetahs to India at the World Veterinary Association Congress this weekend. The Metapopulation Initiative sponsored Dr Muliya's travels. In 2022/23, 20 cheetahs were translocated from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park, India. The current population consists of 26 individuals. #WVAC24

To avoid losing their kills to other predators, cheetahs can quickly consume large quantities of food, as much as 10 kg, within two hours. #cheetah #cheetahconservation #themetapopulationinitiative #africanwildlife #endangeredspecies #willdifeconservation