Karingani Game Reserve moved a breeding pair of leopards and three spotted hyenas to Gorongosa National Park in November 2024, to help rebuild the park’s large-carnivore populations. Both moves are part of a long-term collaboration between Karingani, the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA) and Mozambique National Parks, under the guidance of the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC).

What moved, and when

• Leopards: A breeding pair of leopards was captured and moved from Massingir, Gaza Province, to Gorongosa by MWA’s veterinary and logistics team. After just over a month in quarantine, both were released into the wider park.
• Spotted hyenas: Three spotted hyenas followed in November 2024, drawn from Karingani’s established hyena population.

The work with Gorongosa is part of a wider record. Karingani sent six African wild dogs to Malawi’s Majete National Park in 2021, and a breeding pair of leopards to Zinave National Park in 2022.

Why it matters

Large carnivores keep prey numbers and grazing in balance, so restoring them is part of restoring the whole ecosystem. Karingani holds healthy populations of wild dogs and spotted hyenas, which makes it a source for that recovery.

The partnership also shows how a private reserve and a publicly owned national park can work together on conservation at scale.

“Our partnership with Gorongosa, the donation of a breeding pair of leopards to Zinave National Park in 2022 and the translocation of 6 wild dogs to Malawi’s Majete National Park in 2021, are clear examples of how strategic collaborations can drive conservation on a large scale, contributing both nationally and regionally. Through these initiatives, we are strengthening the role of Karingani in the preservation of biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for large carnivores in Mozambique, in line with the objectives defined by ANAC regarding the animal repopulation of conservation areas.”

Mateus Mutemba, Executive Director, Karingani Game Reserve

Frequently asked questions

What does Karingani’s partnership with Gorongosa involve?

Karingani supplies large carnivores to Gorongosa National Park to help rebuild its predator populations. In November 2024 it moved a breeding pair of leopards and three spotted hyenas, with the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance and under ANAC’s guidance.

Why move predators from Karingani to Gorongosa?

Restoring large carnivores helps restore ecological balance in protected areas. Karingani has a robust population of wild dogs and spotted hyenas, so it can contribute animals to that recovery.

Has Karingani moved carnivores to other parks?

Yes. Karingani sent a breeding pair of leopards to Zinave National Park in 2022, and six African wild dogs to Majete National Park in Malawi in 2021.

Sources

• Karingani Game Reserve, press release, 18 November 2024 (PDF)
• Gorongosa National Park, two leopards from Karingani, November 2024

About Karingani Game Reserve

Karingani Game Reserve is a private reserve in southern Mozambique. It borders Limpopo National Park and South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and combines conservation, tourism and community development. “Karingani” means “storytelling” in Changana, after a tradition of the local people.