KARIBA, Apr. 16 (NewsDay Live) Communities in Nyaminyami, bordering Matusadona National Park, have been urged to protect African wild dogs following their return in February 2026 after decades of local extinction.
Speaking on Kariba-based Kasambabezi FM, Matusadona Conservation Trust country director Daniel Sithole said the endangered predators pose little threat to villagers and should be viewed as a shared asset with strong tourism value.
“These animals are part of our natural heritage and a key driver of tourism. When we protect them, we protect jobs, community projects and the future of our children,” he said.
A total of 20 wild dogs were reintroduced into Matusadona between February 15 and 17. They were split into two packs — six and 14 — and are currently undergoing a soft release from holding facilities in the Tashinga area to allow adaptation before roaming freely.
The programme is led by the Matusadona Conservation Trust in partnership with African Parks and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, as part of wider efforts to restore biodiversity in the Sebungwe landscape.
Park manager Michael Pelham described the development as a milestone. “Their presence will restore the natural rhythm of this ecosystem — the balance between predator and prey,” he said.
The return is already boosting tourism interest. UK visitor Emma Clarke said the reintroduction influenced her decision to book a Kariba safari, noting growing demand for destinations actively restoring wildlife.
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most endangered carnivores, with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild. Zimbabwe hosts about 700, including roughly 200 in Hwange National Park. The Matusadona project expands their range and strengthens genetic diversity.
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Sithole said conservation efforts are expected to drive tourism and jobs, supported by community programmes and anti-poaching measures to minimise conflict.
The reintroduction follows recent wildlife translocations into Matusadona, including buffalo, eland and sable, as part of efforts to rebuild the park’s ecosystem and revive it as a premier wildlife destination.
