A pack of African wild dogs has been transported from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to Mozambique for reintroduction into Gorongosa National Park, marking the return of this species to the park after an absence of more than 25 years and signifying the first wild dog introduction by humans into Mozambique. The relocation is an initiative driven by the South African Wild Dog Advisory Group.
The efforts of the KwaZulu-Natal Wild Dog Advisory Group, spearheaded by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) and supported by Wildlife ACT and EWT, have resulted in the wild dog population of this province recovering significantly in recent years. This success has enabled KwaZulu-Natal conservation authorities to become key players in the redistribution of this species into its historical range.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife officially donated the pack to the government of Mozambique in recognition of the value of Gorongosa National Park to conservation in the region and to the African continent as a whole. Other key partners in coordinating the transfrontier relocation were the Maremani Game Reserve; the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism; and the Bateleurs, a dedicated team of pilots who donate their time, skills and aircraft for conservation.