Featured Conservation Group: The Save Valley Conservancy
The Save Valley Conservancy is situated in the South Eastern Lowveld and covers approximately 845 044 acres (342 123 sq km). Differences in height and terrain have ensured a variety of habitat and an enormous diversity in plant, animal and bird species.
Up until the devastating droughts of 1991/1992 this area was used predominantly for cattle ranching. Between 1986 and 1993 a total of 33 Black Rhino had, with the agreement of the ranchers, been translocated to The Save Valley in order to protect them from the radically increased poaching threat in other areas of the country. The massive drought served as a catalyst and in 1991 the Save Valley Conservancy was born.
Setting aside personal agendas, dividing fences and differences of opinion individuals worked to create an enormous wildlife reserve.
In 1992 the Conservancy found itself in a position to save elephant which were facing starvation in Gonarezhou National Park. Never before had adult elephant been moved as whole family units in the wild, but considerable expertise had been built up by the translocation of many other species in Zimbabwe's increasingly vibrant wildlife industry. Almost 600 elephant were reintroduced to the Save Valley during this operation. Since then they have increased to an estimated total of between 800 - 1000.
From the outset the importance of involving and benefiting the neighbouring village communities was recognized and the Save Valley Community Trust was officially formed. The Trust comprises representatives of all the involved parties and allows the community the necessary access to the Conservancy.
In August 1995, Claude Martin, Director General of the WorldWide Fund for Nature, endorsed the Save Valley Conservancy as an excellent example of an initiative to reverse the trend towards extinction, which faces the world's wildlife. By June 1999 the Black Rhino population had grown to 66 by natural recruitment making this population one of the most successful translocated Black Rhino populations anywhere in Africa to date. Since then the population growth continues to be positive.
Wildlife was reintroduced in massive numbers and with careful and expertly directed conservation policies their numbers have grown. The Conservancy hosts several wild life research initiatives and continues to strive to embody the principles of contemporary conservation strategy:
•The implementation of the sustainable use of wildlife as a preferred land use option.
•The integration of an impoverished rural community in the conservation process through their participation in wildlife based economy.
•The rehabilitation of degraded rangelands.
•The reintroduction of those species of indigenous large mammals which were previously depleted or extirpated.
Today this large tract of natural African bush provides habitat for an abundance of wild animals including the Big 5. The bird life is spectacular and several rarely seen species can be counted as resident. The Save Valley Conservancy is recognized as a conservation development of major regional importance, and a good example of the potential of ecotourism. It has proven the resilience of degraded natural ecosystems if given a chance to restore themselves. It is hoped that one day the reservoir of game species being created could be used for reintroduction to other depleted areas.
There are several well equipped lodges in The Conservancy and it is a destination well worth visiting for any true fan of the bush and wildlife.
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