Africazine:
Eswatini celebrates a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the reintroduction of cheetahs after 35 years. This initiative aims to restore the species and enhance biodiversity in the region.
Four cheetahs have been successfully released into the Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve. This marks the first time the species has roamed Eswatini in decades, with hopes that cubs could soon follow. The project is part of a broader Southern African cheetah metapopulation program aimed at restoring and managing cheetah populations across the region.
Successful Reintroduction of Cheetahs in Eswatini
The reintroduction process unfolded in two phases. In December 2025, two adult females were translocated from Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape. After a month of quarantine and acclimatization, they were released into Royal Jozini. Conservationists report that the females have adapted well, successfully hunting and establishing territories.
In April 2026, two adult males from Dinokeng Game Reserve in Gauteng joined the females. Following veterinary checks and acclimatization, they were released and are currently being monitored through satellite and VHF tracking. Recent data shows that the males and females are occupying neighboring areas, increasing the chances of breeding.
Eswatini: Key figures on cheetah reintroduction
- Four cheetahs reintroduced
- 35-year absence of cheetahs in Eswatini
- 13,000 hectare reserve
- First cubs could potentially be born before the end of the year
Conservation Efforts and Future Goals
The project involved collaboration among various organizations, including Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve and The Metapopulation Initiative. The selected reserve supports a range of prey species and is considered a low-risk environment for cheetahs due to the absence of lions and sparse populations of other predators.
Establishing a breeding population is a primary goal. If successful, these cheetahs could contribute to the recovery of the species in Eswatini and the broader southern African metapopulation network. Conservationists emphasize the importance of genetic diversity for the long-term health of the population.
Next Steps for Cheetah Conservation
- Monitoring of cheetah movements and behaviors
- Establishment of a breeding population
- Potential expansion of the population beyond Royal Jozini
The return of cheetahs to Eswatini signifies hope for wildlife conservation and biodiversity restoration.
