MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK AND TIKKI HYWOOD FOUNDATION PARTNER TO PROTECT ZIMBABWE’S PANGOLINS

Matusadona National Park recently celebrated a strategic partnership with the Tikki Hywood Foundation (THF), creating a powerful new front in the battle to save the continent’s most trafficked mammal, the pangolin. This collaboration combines Matusadona’s vast protected landscape and community ties with THF’s specialized veterinary and scientific expertise, making a tangible impact on pangolin conservation in Zimbabwe.

The partnership leverages the unique strengths of both organizations. The Tikki Hywood Foundation provides world-class veterinary expertise, cutting-edge rehabilitation protocols, and crucial scientific guidance. These skills are essential for the successful re-wilding of pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Matusadona National Park, in turn, contributes a sprawling 1,470 km² of protected habitat, a dedicated pangolin unit, and established community engagement networks. This synergy allows for the effective implementation of research and monitoring programs in the field.

Together, they have already achieved remarkable results. The Matusadona National Park Pangolin Project, launched last year, successfully studied the movements and habits of five rehabilitated pangolins after their release into the wild. This research provides invaluable data on the species’ behaviour and survival in their natural environment.

Beyond the park’s boundaries, the project is building strong connections with local communities. Through extensive educational outreach, over 4,600 community members have been reached, raising awareness about the plight of pangolins and the importance of their protection. This has fostered growing community trust, which has already led to critical anti-trafficking tip-offs, helping to disrupt the illegal trade network.

The ultimate goal is to create one of Africa’s most comprehensive pangolin monitoring programs. The next phase of this pioneering partnership will focus on developing conservation methodologies that can be replicated and scaled across the continent, potentially benefiting pangolin populations far beyond Zimbabwe. By combining their resources and expertise, Matusadona National Park and the Tikki Hywood Foundation are setting a new standard for collaborative conservation, offering a glimmer of hope for a species teetering on the brink.

Photo Credit: Mana Meadows