zambezi delta

The Zambezi Delta is one of Africa’s most ecologically rich and expansive conservation landscapes, spanning over 900,000 hectares of open terrain.

As part of our commitment to securing the future of wild cheetahs in this vital ecosystem, the Metapopulation Initiative is supplementing the existing cheetah population with carefully selected individuals from genetically compatible populations in South Africa.

This science-based strategy is designed to boost genetic diversity, reduce the risks of inbreeding, and ultimately strengthen the long-term viability of the cheetah population in the Delta. Supplementation ensures that small or isolated populations maintain the genetic health and adaptability needed to thrive in dynamic wild environments.

This project forms part of a broader, continent-wide metapopulation approach to cheetah conservation—one that connects fragmented populations through managed movement, collaborative planning, and long-term monitoring. By restoring connectivity between populations, we are helping cheetahs reclaim their rightful place in the ecosystems they once roamed freely, while also building a stronger, more resilient future for the species as a whole.