We have undertaken some of the largest and most complex translocations for the leading conservation organisations throughout Africa. These movements are frequently across international boundaries as part of continental conservation initiatives.
To make a meaningful difference to the protected areas within which we work, by translocating species from areas in which they occur in relative abundance to areas in which they have become locally extinct, or where small populations need to be supplemented.
When we experience the spectacular wild landscapes of Africa and we find ourselves in awe of the remarkable wildlife and diversity of species, we presume that they have always been there, intact and complete.
The truth is that even Africa’s most famous parks have had one or more species disappear at the hand of man, and that a reintroduction effort has been necessary to make these ecosystems whole again.
Most people understand that conservation involves proper protection by rangers and through working closely with neighboring communities, however an often over-looked dimension of conservation, is the essential role of wildlife translocations.
Kester Vickery is the continent’s leading wildlife translocation specialist. His conservation achievements span 25-years and have included the capture and translocation of over 100,000 animals; consisting of 40 different species; in 18 countries across Africa.
His work includes the restocking of entire protected areas; the reintroduction of endangered species such as black rhino, lion, oribi, eland, and cheetah into countries where they had previously gone extinct; the movement of over 2,000 white rhinos; and the largest and most complex elephant translocations ever undertaken.
Conservation Solutions has more than 25 years of experience in catching and translocating more than 40 wildlife species across the continent. We have been responsible for some of the largest and most complex translocations ever undertaken. With well-protected areas rapidly dwindling, and numerous species on the decline, Conservation Solutions is privileged to play a critical role in efforts to maintain and re-establish the biodiversity of these ecosystems.
Conservation Solutions has undertaken countless wildlife management projects including collaring, monitoring, disease testing, quarantining, dehorning, and veterinary interventions on high value species, all requiring specialised wildlife veterinary experts.
Conservation Solutions designs and builds specialised capture and loading equipment for a variety of species. From years of experience in inter-continental animal translocations, we are continuously improving the design and construction of the specialised equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals throughout their journies. We regularly plan and execute logistical solutions for complex translocation projects, including permitting.
After decades of neglect and insufficient protection, most of Africa’s parks have had at least one species disappear at the hand of man, resulting in the species becoming locally extinct. We have been responsible for multiple operations, reintroducing species after long periods of absence, to establish a founder populations allowing for the species to once again thrive.
With well-protected areas rapidly dwindling, and numerous species on the decline, it often necessary to bolster existing populations of certain species. The majority of our translocations entail relocating a species from areas in which they occur in abundance to areas in which they occur in small numbers, ultimately supporting population growth to ensure the long-term survival of these iconic species.
Naturally with the growing human population, forcing people and wildlife to share the same resources, human-wildlife conflict arises. Occasionally, our translocations play a role in alleviating this pressure by relocating animals from a population-dense areas with abundant resources, thus mitigating this conflict.
Often populations of certain species found in areas surrounded by people have no ability to migrate and the population consists of individuals with limited genetic diversity. Translocations are a mechanism that mimics the natural process of new individuals entering into a population, otherwise known as meta-population management. In certain circumstances, the translocations occur with the intent of introducing specific genetics into a population.