Wildlife in Botswana, particularly large mammal species, has declined dramatically since the 1970s due to the expansion of cattle ranching. In 2000 a former executive director of Paignton Zoo, Peter Stevens, along with other colleagues acquired the lease on four ranches and has converted this land into a reserve to benefit wildlife and the local community. Wildlife has already increased with elephant, zebra, leopard, warthog, antelope and African wild dog all using the reserve. Paignton Zoo assists with running costs and our current executive director, Simon Tonge sits on the board of trustees.
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