The Mabula Ground Hornbill Project
Mabula Private Game Reserve has been the home of the award-winning Mabula Ground Hornbill Project since 1999. This non-profit conservation project aims to change perceptions – and the fortunes – of this iconic but endangered species, through multi-disciplinary and evidence-based conservation techniques.
The charismatic Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is a bird that many people already know well. They are culturally important as the ‘thunder’ or ‘rain’ birds and are a flagship species for the savannah biome (along with cheetah, white rhino and several vulture species).
At present, Southern Ground-Hornbills are considered internationally as ‘Vulnerable’ throughout their range in Africa by the IUCN, but within South Africa and Namibia they have been classified as Endangered with their numbers outside of formally protected areas still in decline.
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It is estimated that there are only about 1 500 Ground Hornbills left in South Africa, of which only a third are safe within the protected areas of the greater Kruger National Park. The birds live in social, cooperatively breeding groups that consist of between two and nine birds, but with only one alpha male and one breeding female per group, the rest of the group are helpers to defend the territory and feed the female and chick. This means there are only an estimated 400-500 breeding groups in the whole of South Africa, while data from the Kruger National Park shows that, on average, only one chick is raised to adulthood every nine years.
The reasons for their decline are predominantly loss of nesting trees, secondary poisoning, and electrocution, loss of habitat to croplands, bush encroachment, overgrazing, and monoculture.
The Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project is working to slow the decline by:
- Harvesting and assisting the hand-rearing of second-hatched chicks that would otherwise die of starvation in wild nests.
- Re-wilding of the hand-reared chicks by established groups in bush training schools.
- Reintroduction of these ‘rescued’ birds back into areas where they have become locally extinct, once the risks in those areas have been mitigated.
- Provision of artificial nests for wild groups with no or inadequate nests.
- Research into genetics, behaviour and other important unanswered questions necessary for successful re-establishment.
- A country-wide awareness campaign, to educate the public about the threats facing this flagship indicator species and to reinstate the bird into collective memory in areas where it has become locally extinct.
Cheetah Meta Populate Initiative
Mabula Private Game Reserve is part of a project coordinated by the Endangered Wildlife Trust that seeks to reintroduce cheetah to areas where they have been driven out by conflict from farmers as well as one of the biggest wildlife challenges today, habitat loss. The project is called the cheetah metapopulation management project and is based on the principle that the cheetah occurring in different areas of southern Africa is seen as one big population and that individuals are managed accordingly to prevent inbreeding.
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In December of 2011 the first cheetahs arrived on Mabula, they originated from Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and were aged at 30 months from the same litter.
All the adult cheetah on Mabula are collared to monitor their movement, prey preference and status closely. Data gathered will be used in future research projects, into the knowledge of cheetah population management on a medium sized reserve in the Waterberg area, that could be used as a guideline for other similar sized reserves.
Orphaned cheetahs getting another chance at freedom
In early November 2023, our reserve team set out to monitor a resident cheetah female and her two cubs. Unfortunately, upon reaching her location, they made a heartbreaking discovery: the cheetah had been killed by a leopard during the night. Fearing for the cubs’ safety, the team searched the area and was relieved to find
both were still alive. At just seven months old, the cubs lack the experience needed to survive on their own and would likely struggle without their mother. To ensure their safety, a veterinarian was called in to dart the cubs and relocate them to the predator boma, where they can receive the care, they need during this difficult time.
After extensive discussions with experts, we have decided not to send the orphaned cheetah cubs to a captive rehabilitation program. Instead, they will remain at Mabula, where they will be bonded with a surrogate mother, with the hope that she will teach them essential survival skills. However, just before the planned release, we faced a significant setback—the surrogate mother sadly passed away. This required the entire process to start anew, but our reserve team remains hopeful and more determined than ever to succeed in this initiative. Fortunately, the cubs have now positively bonded with a new surrogate mother, and the project is back on track.
We anticipate that in just a few weeks, we will witness the incredible sight of these cheetahs roaming the reserve. Rest assured, the cubs and the new female will be closely monitored, and their progress will be meticulously recorded. This unique endeavor is a pioneering effort for our reserve, and we are proud of our team’s dedication to this important project.
THE WILD DOGS OF THE GREATER MABULA GAME RESERVE
Reviving the Presence of African Wild Dogs in the Greater Mabula Game Reserve
Situated 200 kilometers north of Johannesburg, the Greater Mabula Game Reserve stands as a sanctuary of biodiversity within the malaria-free Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province. Among its diverse wildlife, including the renowned big five, a recent addition has stirred excitement among visitors and conservationists alike—the African Wild Dogs.
The reintroduction of a new pack of these captivating carnivores marks a significant milestone, making the Greater Mabula Game Reserve the closest reserve to Gauteng where enthusiasts can witness these animals thriving in their natural habitat.
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A CELEBRATION OF RELEASE
On May 11, 2022, the Greater Mabula Game Reserve joyously welcomed the release of four African Wild Dogs from their temporary holding boma. Comprising two females and two males, this cohesive unit now roams the Reserve’s expanse, constituting the second-known breeding pack of African Wild Dogs in the Waterberg.
The journey to establish this pack commenced on July 16, 2021, with the arrival of two males. Subsequently, in March 2022, two suitable females were identified from the free-roaming Waterberg Wild Dog population for a successful translocation. Following weeks of social bonding and acclimatization in a holding boma, the pack officially joined the Reserve’s ecosystem on May 11.
CONSERVATION CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
While the presence of African Wild Dogs enriches the biodiversity of the Greater Mabula Game Reserve, their conservation remains imperative. These endangered carnivores face myriad threats, from habitat loss and fragmentation to disease and human conflict. Yet, their significance in maintaining ecosystem balance cannot be overstated; boasting an impressive 80% hunting success rate, they play a crucial role in regulating prey populations.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS
African Wild Dogs exhibit complex social structures, with the alpha female and male leading the pack. However, every member contributes to the collective welfare, particularly in rearing pups. This intricate social dynamic underscores the importance of preserving these animals and their habitats.
ENTER THE WATERBERG WILD DOG INITIATIVE (WWDI)
Recognizing the critical role of the Waterberg population in safeguarding African Wild Dogs, the Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative (WWDI) was established. As a community-based, non-profit initiative, WWDI works tirelessly to conserve the wild dogs naturally occurring in the Waterberg biosphere.
Through collaboration with local communities and landowners, WWDI fosters coexistence between farmers and wild dogs, offering education, awareness programs, and accurate information to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. In just two years, the initiative has yielded positive outcomes, exemplified by the successful reintroduction of four wild dogs into the Greater Mabula Game Reserve.
The journey to safeguard African Wild Dogs is ongoing, but with collaborative efforts and steadfast dedication, conservationists strive to ensure these magnificent creatures thrive in their natural habitats for generations to come.
