Historically 35 mammalian species could have potentially lived on the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve. Sadly, due to recent management techniques, many of these species have been wiped out. Since taking over the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve, we have been working to release numerous species back onto the reserve where they would have historically been found.
To date, we have released eleven species back. These include: giraffe, zebra, red hartebeest, blesbok, servals, African rock pythons, common reedbuck, nyala, waterbuck, leopard tortoises and white rhinos. Here follows a brief update on the reserves of some of these species:
Giraffes
In July 2006, ten giraffes were released onto Colchester Zoo’s UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
The ten giraffes were released onto the reserve in two groups. The first group originated from Zululand and was made up of four individuals; two females an adult male and a young male. The other group was made up of two males and four females. This group were relocated from a farm just 10km away from UmPhafa, where their future was uncertain.
The capture and translocation of the giraffes went very well. Their welfare is improved dramatically on UmPhafa. Not only does the reserve provide the perfect habitat for this species, but in addition the giraffes now have a safe, certain future where they are protected from factors such as habitat destruction and human persecution.
White Rhino
Two female and one male white rhino have been released onto the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve. The two female rhinos were released on Thursday the 4th September 2008 at 6am. Back in April 2008, the rhinos were moved off of Kruger National Park as part of their annual translocation off of the reserve. The rhinos were considered to be surplus to the reserve and any surplus individuals are sold off annually to raise more funds for conservation of the National Park. The two females were still young aged between five and seven years of age at the time of release.
On the 1st of April 2009 a male white rhino was released to join the two females. He came from a farm in Northern South Africa and was seven years old when released. Just like the females, his release went very smoothly and he calmly walked out of the crate and started eating.
Since their release, the females grouped together and have become accustomed to life on the reserve. They are regularly seen on the ryegrass field, grazing on the sweet grass. Following his release, it took the male just two days to find the females and we hope that in the very near future, we will have rhino offspring on the reserve.
Zebras
Since September 2006, 38 zebras have been released onto the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve.
The first 24 zebras were released onto the reserve in two groups. The first group comprised of two adult males, six adult females and two offspring and originated from Northern South Africa. The second group, made up of 14 individuals, were released in September 2006 from a farm 10km away from UmPhafa that was subject to a land claim which made the future of the zebras uncertain. The final 14 zebra, 4 males and 10 females, were released in May 2007.
The zebras seemed to settle down immediately on release and have since given birth to a number of offspring. We currently have between 60 and 70 adults on the reserve and this year along had around 10 foals born, bringing our total up to almost 80 individuals. This year we will also look to release more zebra onto the reserve. The zebras often group with the giraffes and other antelope species as they graze around the reserve.
Red Hartebeest
In August 2006, 23 red hartebeest were released onto the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve.
The 23 released red hartebeest were saved from a commercial farm that usually breeds this antelope species for meat. They originated from a town called Kimberly, 1,200 km away from UmPhafa. We are fortunate to have so many red hartebeest on UmPhafa, as there is not a farm in the near vicinity with this many individuals.
The antelope seemed to settle down immediately on release and have since been seen around the reserve split into smaller groups. Since they were released, we have had a number of offspring born. In addition, one of the males lost one of his horns, so he is very easy to recognise.
Blesbok
In September 2006, 41 blesbok were released onto the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve.
The 41 released blesbok, made up of ten males and thirty one females, were regarded as excess stock by neighbouring commercial farmers who bred them for meat. Originating from such close proximity means the blesbok will already be adapted to this local environment and will prosper on UmPhafa.
The blesbok have been seen grazing on the newly planted rye grass and mixing with the impala already present on the reserve. Since their release, the Blesbok have had a number of surviving offspring.
Nyala
On Saturday 17th October 2009, 31 nyala were released onto UmPhafa.
The group was made up of 29 females and 2 males and were delivered by Thaba Manzi Wildlife Services; the same translocation company that brought the rhinos to UmPhafa.
These nyala joined the single male already living on the reserve.
Nyala tend to favour areas of thick bush and will probably be seen at the watering holes. The males are greyish-brown in colour, with thin vertical white stripes. Males have horns up to 80cm long and a long fridge of hair on their underbelly. Females in contrast are brown in colour and do not possess horns.
Giraffes
White Rhino
Zebras
Red Hartebeest
Blesbok
Nyala