IN a bid to add genetic diversity to the lion population within uMkhuze Game Reserve, two lionesses were recently translocated from Limpopo.
The operation was carried out earlier this month by African Wildlife Vets, an NPO which aims to assist wildlife conservation organisations with the conservation of threatened species by providing supplementary veterinary support.
PHOTO: African Wildlife Vets
‘Genetic diversity is one of the most important factors to consider when ensuring species are conserved.
‘It is essential in small reserves where natural migration and emigration are not possible due to fences,’ said the NPO on its website.
The operation went according to plan, and it took no more than half-an-hour for the lions to respond to the calls and bait used to lure them to be darted and captured.
PHOTO: African Wildlife Vets
To ensure the lions were free from disease, they were treated for tuberculosis (TB) prior to leaving Limpopo.
Once the tests came back negative, they were transported to uMkhuze where they will remain in a boma for four weeks, to habituate them to their new environment.
‘The Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff, honorary officers and Wildlife ACT monitor PJ Roberts and volunteers put great effort into ensuring the uMkhuze bomas were ready for the lionesses’ arrival.’
