The return of Black Rhino to the Zambezi valley

Kyle de Nobrega_ Liwonde Black Rhinos translocation 2019

African Parks has carried out several black rhino translocations (Credit: Kyle de Nobrega)

The translocation of 30 – 50 black rhinos to a former stronghold for the species – Matusadona National Park, on the shores of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe.

Partner

African Parks and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority formed the Matusadona Conservation Trust (MCT) in 2019. Day to day management of Matusadona National Park is delivered through the MCT.

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Location

Matusadona National Park, which covers 147,000 hectares in Northwest Zimbabawe. A remote national park, it is flanked by Lake Kariba to the north and two perennial rivers, the Ume and the Sanyati.

The park contains grasslands along the shores of Lake Kariba; miombo woodlands on the Zambezi Valley floor and a rugged escarpment rising 700 metres above the valley.

Matusadona forms part of a large transfrontier conservation area (TFCA) – the Kavango Zambezia TFCA – which is spread across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Angola.

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Priority species/habitats

The last record of a Black Rhino in Matusadona was this camera trap image in 2016 (Credit: J. Seymour-Smith & WildCru)

The project involves the translocation of 30 – 50 Black Rhinos to Matusadona National Park, on the shores of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe.
Matusadona was once a stronghold for black rhino, supporting a population of over 100.

However, the last sighting of a black rhino in Matusadona was 2016.
The black rhino (Diceros bicornis) is a critically endangered species, with an estimated population of ~6,400 in 2023, down from ~65,000 in 1970. The primary cause of the decline is poaching for rhino horn.

The return of black rhino to Matusadona is an important step in rebuilding rhino
populations, restoring ecosystems and generating social and economic benefits for local communities.

The translocation is especially significant because the rhinos to be returned to Matusadona will include descendants of individuals that were transferred from the park to secure locations in the 1990s to prevent them being poached.

Key success measure

Short-term (2026)

Successfully translocate ~30 black rhinos to an intensive protection zone (32,000 hectares) on the valley floor at Matusadona.

Medium-term objective

The population in the Matusadona intensive protection zone grows to at least 60 rhinos (~5% growth rate).

Long-term objectives

A rhino population is established on the escarpment at Matusadona.
The total wild self-sustaining population at Matusadona is 100+.
The return of rhino and other species helps restore ecosystem function across the region.
Matusadona delivers increased community benefits including employment and training for local communities; targeted investments in health and education; and assistance for local agriculture, fishing, tourism and other economic activity.

Project description

The initial translocation of Black Rhino to Matusadona is scheduled for May – July 2026.

In 2025, preparation for the translocation will include:

A detailed ecological assessment of Matusadona National Park to confirm its carrying capacity – completed.
Establishment of an Intensive Protection Zone of approximately 32,000 hectares (see map). The primary purpose of the IPZ is to limit dispersal of the reintroduced rhino, ensuring they remain secure within Matusadona National Park. The fence is designed to avoid interfering with the movement of animals other than rhino.
Specialised training for field rangers to develop essential rhino monitoring skills and law enforcement capacity
Engagement of a full-time vet based at Matusadona

In 2026, key translocation and post release activities include:

Selection of individual rhinos in source populations taking into account genetics,
male to female ratio, age and existing social relationships.
Capture animals in source populations.
Transport the rhino to Matusadona.
Release of rhino into special purpose bomas for approximately two weeks to allow the animals to settle, to remove any homing instinct and to recover any condition lost as a result of the stress of translocation.
Release individual rhinos into their pre-selected area of the IPZ.
Undertake intensive post-release monitoring to assess the condition of individual rhino, to identify habitat use and to ensure security from poachers.
Provide enhanced security for rhinos.

Black Rhino will be released into an Intensive Protection Zone within Matusadona

Costs

Global Wildlife Fund has committed A$275,000 in 2025 to support planning and preparation for the translocation in 2026.

Global Wildlife fund is seeking to raise an additional A$700,000 by July 2026 to help fund implementation of the translocation including:

Capture of rhino in source populations across Zimbabwe
Transport of rhino to Matusadona
Initial management of rhinos in purpose built release bomas in Matusadona
Post-release monitoring
Enhanced security to prevent poaching including additional, specially trained rangers

Black Rhino (photo: Adriaan Mulder)

Risk mitigation

Poaching

Poaching within Matusadona has been effectively eliminated. The ranger team has grown from 27 rangers in 2020 to a well-equipped, well trained field unit of 85 rangers in 2025, covering Matusadona and surrounding community wildlife areas. The unit will expand to 103 rangers by 2026.

Dispersal

The risk of dispersal is addressed by the establishment of the IPZ, which will keep rhino within Matusadona while avoiding impacts on other species.

Genetics

The rhino to be reintroduced will consist only of the Black Rhino subspecies found in Zimbabwe and specifically individuals whose lineages hail from the Zambezi Valley in northern Zimbabwe.

Habitat suitability

A detailed habitat assessment has been conducted confirming the vegetation will support black rhinos (as it did in the past).

Competition

The only significant competitor for food resources is likely to be elephant. The current density of elephant is unlikely to pose a significant risk to the success of the translocation.

Predation

Predation (eg, of rhino calves by lion) is not expected to be a significant risk.

Other risks (such as disease) have been addressed in developing the translocation plan.

Matusadona Ranger team

Other information

Over 70% of the staff at Matusadona are from local communities: pictured is Ms<br />
Nebiri, Community Development Co-ordinator (photo: Donal Boyd)

Over 70% of the staff at Matusadona are from local communities: pictured is Ms Nebiri, Community Development Co-ordinator (photo: Donal Boyd)

Black rhinos comprise four subspecies (see map below). One subspecies (the West African black rhino) is extinct. The species in Zimbabwe is Diceros bicornis minor. (Credit: IUCN, African rhino conservation 2025 – 2035 (2025))