Cheetahs to Return to Luangwa Valley After 30 years

Zambia will reintroduce cheetahs to the Luangwa Valley for the first time in almost three decades under a government-led conservation programme aimed at restoring biodiversity and supporting wildlife tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), said the programme will begin with the relocation of six cheetahs from protected reserves in South Africa, following nearly a decade of scientific planning, ecological assessments and habitat preparation.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the Africa Range-Wide Cheetah Conservation Initiative, the Zoological Society of London, the Zambian Carnivore Programme, Conservation South Luangwa, the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the North Luangwa Conservation Programme under the Frankfurt Zoological Society. It is funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and has been endorsed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Cat Specialist Group.

The details were confirmed in a statement issued today by Ministry of Tourism Principal Public Relations Officer Nelly Chewe.

Acting DNPW Director Richard Mwamba said the return of cheetahs marked an important step in restoring ecosystems through collaboration between Government and conservation partners.

"The return of cheetahs to the Luangwa Valley demonstrates the Ministry of Tourism's commitment, together with our conservation partners, to restoring healthy ecosystems and promoting sustainable wildlife management," Mr Mwamba said.

He added that the programme was expected to strengthen Zambia's appeal as a wildlife tourism destination while creating economic opportunities through nature-based tourism.

Mr Mwamba said the initiative formed part of the Government's Eighth National Development Plan 2022–2026, which identifies tourism as a key driver of economic growth and prioritises conservation and the development of the Northern Tourism Circuit.

Covering about 70,000 square kilometres, the Luangwa Valley encompasses South Luangwa National Park, North Luangwa National Park and the surrounding Game Management Areas.