The Marwell Zimbabwe Trust runs the Duiker and Mini-antelope Breeding and Research Institute (Dambari) in Zimbabwe. Work at Dambari focuses on three core project areas rhinos, cheetah and small antelope.
The rhino programme involves direct conservation management and scientific research, both carried out in close collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Authority (NPWA). MZT assists the NPWA by funding and participating in monitoring operations, translocation exercises and emergency veterinary interventions for both white and black rhino. In addition considerable research has been undertaken into black rhino ecology particularly foraging behaviour and nutrition.
The cheetah programme was initiated in 2001 and concentrates on research into conflict resolution between farmers and cheetah on agricultural land. This has involved the preparation and distribution of educational material for livestock farmers, developing a system for reporting ‘problem’ cheetah, building a picture of cheetah conflict hotspots across the country and behavioural studies of cheetah in livestock areas.
A collection of small antelope is held at Dambari for captive breeding and research. Field studies of small antelope have been underway since 2001 investigating the ecological requirements of duiker.
Paignton Zoo contributes each year to the running costs of Dambari and also funds research into duiker biology and conservation. Dr Amy Plowman, Paignton Zoo’s head of research and Vice Chairman of the IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group helps to direct the duiker research.
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