By Mark Bottell
Located in the South Eastern Cape Area and home to all of the 'Big Five' game animals, the Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the most significant wildlife centres in South Africa. Yet it wasn't always so – less than thirty years ago, the native wildlife was almost entirely eradicated. The story of the Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the most inspiring in modern conservation – the story of a rich and unique ecosystem that was brought to the brink of destruction by human interference, then restored by dedicated conservation.
History Of The Reserve
By the middle of the 20th century, the area that is now known as the Shamwari Game Reserve had been stripped of most of its significant wildlife. The Black Rhino, the Cape Lion and the Cape Buffalo were all hunted to extinction in the area, and the once numerous elephants had been reduced to just a handful of the creatures. The land itself, which used to be fertile, diverse, and home to numerous kinds of flora and fauna, had been devastated by years of intensive farming.
In 1990, businessman Adrian Gardiner bought a piece of farmland in the reserve to act as a holiday home. He researched and discovered the past history of the area, and soon became determined to restore the area to its former glory.
Beginning with just over a thousand hectares of land (the Reserve now stretches over 25,000 hectares) and seven professional staff (there are now over three hundred), Gardiner, working in close co-operation with leading conservationists, embarked on a carefully planned and highly ambitious attempt to re-establish the ecosystems that had been so carelessly destroyed.
Over the years, through careful and determined work, the area has once again became one of the most ecologically rich and diverse parts of South Africa. A hugely significant moment came in the year 2000, when the reserve became sufficiently well stocked to reintroduce large predators, including lions.
Shamwari Game Reserve Today
Although so much has been achieved in a relatively short space of time, the work on the Shamwari Game Reserve is far from over. With the reserve only being a few decades old, conservation is still an active and ongoing process, and the area remains fragile. A large professional team continue to monitor and develop the ecosystems and wildlife populations in the reserve.
In order to fund the conservation, the Shamwari Game Reserve has developed a commercial aspect, with a number of luxury lodges open to visitors and numerous safari programs offered by the owners of the reserve. Visitors can also get more practically involved – alongside the professional contingent, volunteer conservationists are always welcomed, taking part in placements that may be for just a few weeks or may stretch on for several months, helping out with every aspect of running the Shamwari Game Reserve.
Today, whether as a visiting tourist or a volunteer conservationist, everyone is able to experience the beauty of Shamwari Game Reserve and to help secure its future.
Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks working with animals at Shamwari Game Reserve and other projects in and around South Africa including gap years for grown-ups
Source:www.isnare.com |
