When compared to other members of the Big Five, buffalo are relatively abundant. Yet, even they face the threat of extinction at any moment. In fact, due to an outbreak of rinderpest (cattle plague), in Africa during the 1800s, these creatures teetered on the brink of extinction.
Africa’s Buffalo Under Threat
Large herds and tight-knit interactions mean that disease spreads quickly and easily among buffalo, and it’s easy to see how the next rampant virus could wipe them out in one fell swoop. Some of the major threats facing Africa’s buffalo include Corridor disease, foot-and-mouth disease and bovine tuberculosis (BTB). The latter is of particular concern since it has raised its ugly head in the Greater Kruger system in recent years.
In this light, it’s easy to see why isolated breeding programs are vital for preserving a healthy breeding pool as a backup in the event of disaster.
Makalali Private Nature Reserve to the Rescue
One of these breeding programs, located in the Greater Makalali Private Nature Reserve, Hoedspruit – west of the Kruger National Park, has met with resounding success. The project has been focused on raising BTB-free buffalo in a 400-hectare buffalo breeding camp for the last ten years.
Earlier this year, 52 disease-free buffalo were released from their enclosure into the 25 000 ha greater reserve. Their new habitat is located outside of the BTB danger zone, which means that they’ll serve as an important source of breeding stock should disaster strike.
Conservation Efforts All Around
The release of these bovines is of particular importance to Makalali as they had all but vanished from this area. It’s part of a more comprehensive program to re-introduce species which have been lost to this region.
Other success stories include African hunting dogs, cheetahs, hippos, elephants and spotted hyenas. These conservation efforts also extend to smaller creatures like pangolins, caracals, Cape clawless otters, African wild cats and spotted genets.
You can get your chance to see the results of these efforts on safaris to Garonga Safari Camp, located with a view of the waterhole within the Greater Makalali Conservancy. This camp has just 6 luxury en-suite tents and offers spa treatments, boma dinners and bush baths along with exciting daily game drives.
A little way off, you can check into Little Garonga, with its three luxury suites, ideal for small groups or families. The Hambleden suite is a totally self-contained private villa with a private chef, host, waiter and housekeeping staff.
Get in touch to book your safari to Makalali Private Nature Reserve today and enjoy the fruits of these dedicated conservation efforts.
