Cheetah Conservation
Cheetah populations are facing dire threats, and here at Buffalo Kloof, we could not just stand by and watch it occur. Together with Ashia Conservation, we decided to take action to combat this.
Wild cheetah populations have declined by 50% over the past four decades, leaving only an estimated 6,500 mature individuals across Africa and Asia. These magnificent wild cats face numerous challenges, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and genetic bottlenecks resulting from past near-extinction events. Consequently, this decrease in population causes a lack of diversity in the remaining few, which leads to cheetahs mating with relatives. As a result, the size of the gene pool decreases, and complications such as declined genetic variability and species mutation occur.
Recognising the severity of these threats faced by cheetah populations, we embarked on a mission to reintroduce rewilded cheetahs to our conservancy. In hopes of increasing breeding prospects, diversifying the gene pool, and overall making a meaningful impact in the metapopulation, we introduced unrelated cheetahs at our conservancy. This initiative aligned closely with the conservation values that Buffalo Kloof encompasses, and our pristine wilderness allowed for this project to successfully take place.
The Rewilding Process
Ashia Cheetah Conservation begins rewilding by sourcing mother-reared captive-born cheetahs from accredited facilities for genetic health.
These cheetahs undergo comprehensive preparation, including fitness training and dietary adjustments, at Ashia. In the pre-release phase, hunting skills are honed in controlled environments. Once ready, cheetahs are acclimatised at Buffalo Kloof before release. Equipped with tracking collars, their successful integration into the wild is closely monitored. With the groundwork laid at Ashia, cheetahs instinctively thrive upon release, each with their own unique rewilding journey.
Our Rewilded Cheetahs
RELEASED MARCH 2020
"Khatu"
Khatu was born in a cheetah breeding centre with her brother and stayed with their mother until four months old. They were then transferred to the Ashia Cheetah Sanctuary in the Western Cape, where Khatu was prepared for release. After careful consideration, the Ashia team chose Buffalo Kloof as the ideal location for her eventual release. It took two years for Khatu to rewild at Ashia before she could run free at Buffalo Kloof.
RELEASED JANUARY 2020
"Jack"
This male cheetah Jack, was born in captivity in April 2013 as one of four cubs. Under the supervision of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve team, all participated in a rewilding program. He and his two brothers were later moved to another reserve to prevent inbreeding. Eventually relocated to Buffalo Kloof, he successfully bred with Khatu, fathering 11 cubs that were relocated throughout South Africa. Sadly, he has since passed away from natural causes.
RELEASED NOVEMBER 2023
"Melvin"
Born at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, Melvin and his brother began their rewilding journey at Ashia Cheetah Conservation Centre. They were released onto another reserve but had to be placed in a holding enclosure after an adult female cheetah rejected their advances for her safety. Tragically, the brother fell ill and passed away. With the previous male cheetah at Buffalo Kloof also having passed, we were glad to welcome him to our conservation efforts to enhance genetic diversity in the population.
The Exceptional Cheetah Conservation Team
Chantal Rischard and Stephan Illenberger – founders of Ashia Cheetah Conservation – are two remarkable people, whose efforts for this cause, have allowed significant progress in cheetah conservation to occur at Buffalo Kloof. In addition, the team at Ashia Conservation has proven invaluable throughout this process.
The Buffalo Kloof conservation team collaborates closely with Ashia to monitor cheetah populations, enhance their habitats, and implement conservation strategies that ensure their survival in the wild. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on cheetah conservation efforts in Southern Africa.