In conjunction with the De Wildt Wild Cheetah Project, Makulu Makete is a Cheetah Conservation Area, for the relocation of wild cheetahs. Wild cheetahs, confiscated from illegal trappers or removed from farms where they were a problem to stock, are released into the reserve, after spending three months in a special enclosure (called a "boma"), where they are habituated to their new surroundings and the non-threatening presence of human beings. Wearing radio collars, they resume their life as wild cheetahs, successfully hunting for themselves. So far, two litters of wild cheetah cubs have been born at Makulu Makete, the first in February 2006 and the second in November 2006. (See Bush Diary for March, April and December 2006). Bubbles Website

Using telemetry, the cheetahs are monitored on foot on a daily basis by our staff.

The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust, our partner in cheetahs.

CHEETAH META-POPULATION PARTICIPATION

All natural or conservation habitats of a suitable size to support a viable number of cheetahs in South Africa, currently have functioning populations, and so are not suitable for introducing further animals. There are, however, a great many smaller reserves, such as Makulu Makete, that are too small to hold a sustainable population by themselves, but are suitable habitat for cheetahs. By introducing smaller numbers to many of these reserves, and managing the population carefully, another viable population can be created in South Africa. This so-called meta-population is physically scattered across the country, but genetically continuous by being managed as a whole. As appropriate, individuals may be moved between Makulu Makete and other meta-population reserves to ensure genetic diversity. This effectively greatly expands the area available to cheetahs in South Africa, by including reserves that would previously have been considered too small. An added bonus for cheetahs is that one of the major threats to their survival is also addressed. They have very low genetic diversity, which puts them at high risk of diseases wiping out an entire population. By being separated into many sub-populations, this prevents spread of disease, should it occur, as only healthy animals are ever moved from one reserve to another.

Bubbles Website

CHEETAH RESEARCH PROJECT

In November 2007 a research project was begun to "re-wild" three captive-born cheetahs. The project involves two male cheetahs in a bonded coalition, and a single female cheetah, and is the subject of a Master’s Degree thesis by a student from Pretoria University. This project was inspired by Ann van Dyk, the founder of the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, where the cheetahs were bred. The cheetahs will have to learn to survive in the wild, and eventually breed and raise cubs successfully.

The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust, our partner in cheetahs.