Phinda Wildlife Reserve has been at the forefront of successful wildlife conservation efforts. These efforts include: successful breeding of white rhino and lion populations in order to resource other countries with these animals. Efforts also include successfully maintaining the balance of wildlife populations and habitat. Intensive Level Monitoring of animal priority species behavior, health, and use of space in reserve and impact on habitat, Collection of DNA for analysis of priority species so that records accompany each animal being trans-located to other reserves across the continent. ; managing birth control of elephants and lions when needed to prevent over-population in limits of reserve area. Contraception is research-based and are temporary or limited so as not to change the ongoing ability to reproduce.

Phinda also conducts habitat studies to identify and predict future needs or problems within the ecosystem. An ongoing effort is made to purchase adjoining land in order to expand the range of the Reserve which allow more animals to be able to live in the reserve. Recently 50,000 acres were added which allowed for an additional pride of lions to be supported.