Connected to the immense Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, it has recovered healthy populations of many key species including elephant, black and white rhino, lion, cheetah, and wild dog. Community activities are designed to make a lasting contribution the development in the area whilst raising awareness about the importance of the country’s wildlife.
The Trust’s scout team continuously monitors the reserve and in particular the rhino, which can be individually identified by ear notches. Ongoing ecological research, much conducted by Zimbabwean nationals, provides important information for management decisions. As well as employing over 200 local people, the Trust’s support for surrounding communities includes giving a meal to over 19,000 children on every school day, providing bursaries for children at all levels of education (over 2,900 to date), and developing infrastructure at schools, clinics and community gardens. An ecotourism lodge provides some income for the trust as well as jobs for the local community and a market for their produce. The Trust has a strong sustainability ethic with a committed programme of recycling, carbon emission reduction and water management.
Tusk has supported the Malilangwe Trust for several years, providing targeted funding for key operating costs.
The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve supports a huge diversity of habitats and a rich assortment of wildlife species, including a growing black rhino population, but professional management and the support of the local community are essential to maintaining it. The Malilangwe Trust needs ongoing support to secure the future of this gem of African wilderness.