GONAREZHOU’S AERIAL SURVEY DRIVES ADAPTIVE CONSERVATION

Gonarezhou National Park recently completed its critical annual aerial survey, a core component of its long-term ecological monitoring strategy. Using fixed-wing aircraft flying systematic transects, observers meticulously recorded wildlife numbers across all major habitats to generate accurate population estimates for key species, including the iconic elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and large carnivores.

These comprehensive surveys provide essential baseline population data for trend analysis over time, offering vital spatial distribution insights for identifying ecological hotspots and critical migration corridors. Furthermore, they are crucial for the early detection of emerging threats, such as illegal activities or habitat degradation, allowing the park to respond proactively.

Gonarezhou, meaning “The Place of Elephants” in the Shangaani language, is Zimbabwe’s second-largest National Park, spanning over 5,000 square kilometres in the remote southeastern Lowveld. It forms a crucial part of the massive Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP), connecting protected areas across Zimbabwe, South Africa (Kruger), and Mozambique.

The park’s remarkable success story is built on a co-management partnership established in 2017: the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust (GCT), a joint venture between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). This model of sustainable conservation has seen major achievements, including the reintroduction of the critically endangered black rhino in 2021 after a 27-year absence, and the successful protection of its elephant population, which numbers around 11,500 individuals.

The GCT’s commitment mirrors the broader strategic shift in wildlife conservation across Zimbabwe. The country boasts a long history of conservation, notably pioneering the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE), which empowers local communities to manage and benefit from wildlife resources.

Today, national conservation efforts are focused on four strategic components: robust Protection and Law Enforcement against poaching; rigorous Biological Monitoring and Management to maintain viable populations of key species like the black rhino, lion, and African wild dog; implementing Social and Economic strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict; and fostering Coordination and Collaboration across local, regional, and international partners.

For GCT, aerial surveys form the scientific backbone of this work. By combining the rigorous aerial survey results with satellite imagery and granular ground patrol data, GCT continues to refine its adaptive management approach. This ensures that every conservation action, from anti-poaching patrol deployment to habitat restoration, is evidence-based and precisely targeted, safeguarding Gonarezhou’s rich biodiversity and its role as a regional conservation hub for generations to come.