Leopard Conservation Project
Donation protected
It is our belief that the number of leopards is on the decline. Little is known about the population numbers of leopard in Southern Africa, due to their elusive nature, ability to adapt to almost any environment and, in some instances, extensive territories, estimates are sketchy and unsubstantiated in many areas.
Protection:
As an apex predator, leopards play an extremely important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. In conjunction with keeping wild prey species alert and ecologically fit, stable leopard populations help to keep lesser predator numbers under control. As one of the high profile cat species, the economic value of leopard in the tourism industry cannot be underestimated since sightings are infrequent and highly sought after.
In regions where trophy hunting is permitted, it is vital to secure measures that will allow hunters to hunt in a sustainable manner without removing prime specimens from the gene pool.
Throughout the country, areas where natural prey has been reduced or depleted and land has been given over to stock farming, leopards are often labelled “problem” animals and together with lesser predators are subjected to sometimes in-humane and painful control methods.
Research:
If we are to protect leopards we need to understand what motivates their choices, how they utilise the landscape and how human habitation and development affects these choices. A lot of general information has been gathered on leopard however, we have come to realise there is still a great deal to be learnt.
LCP works closely with farmers, conservation bodies and other research organisations to address areas of concern regarding leopard, their habitat and ways to manage them effectively; in short ensuring their survival for future generations.
What we are trying to establish:
- Population and territory sizes in specific regions
- Photographic database of known individuals
- Determine the influence of encroaching farmlands in free range areas
- Population sizes in areas where hunting occurs
- Prey preference in specific areas according to natural or stock prey availability
- Infant growth and mortality rates
- DNA collection and analyses to determine genetic relatedness to leopards in other areas across Southern Africa
- Develop more effective tools (namely collars) to allow us to gather better data
- Male to female ratios in specific areas (how many females does 1 male service) and is there an overlap in male territory
- Mature to sub-adult ratios
Once this information has been gathered it will be used to develop operational guidelines to better manage predators, gain insight into conflict between predators and humans and provide a better overall understanding of broader conservation concerns.
Education:
By providing information based on sound research we hope to educate and assist farmers on how to better protect their livestock from Leopard predation. Our sharing of information can be used to formulate ethical and acceptable means of control. With the growing human population and diminishing natural ranges it is vital that the general public is educated and made aware of the issues facing leopard.
Leopard Conservation Project welcomes public participation and involvement and values opportunities to interact through
- Radio talk shows, television shows,
- Public exhibitions, and
- Presentations at schools and
- Environmental get-togethers.
Valuable data gathered by local residents and communities is an important source of information for LCP.
It is our strong belief that if drastic changes in attitude, methods and legislation are not made in the immediate future, the leopard could be added to the Extreme Danger List sooner than we think. It is for this reason that we are actively engaged in talks with major stakeholders up to government level to ensure both the immediate and long-term survival of the Leopard in Southern Africa.
If Leopard Conservation Project is to achieve its objectives, it is essential that we have the latest technology at our disposal and are equipped with the right tools. In order to function as effectively as possible in the field we need to have access to technology of the highest standard.
The leopard is a big part of our African heritage. It is only with the assistance,
participation and sponsorship from companies and individuals concerned with environmental issues that we can ensure their survival.
Yours in Conservation
Leopard Conservation Project
Association Incorporated under Section 21
Registration no : 2007/023474/08
A South African registered not-for-profit company
Protection:
As an apex predator, leopards play an extremely important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. In conjunction with keeping wild prey species alert and ecologically fit, stable leopard populations help to keep lesser predator numbers under control. As one of the high profile cat species, the economic value of leopard in the tourism industry cannot be underestimated since sightings are infrequent and highly sought after.
In regions where trophy hunting is permitted, it is vital to secure measures that will allow hunters to hunt in a sustainable manner without removing prime specimens from the gene pool.
Throughout the country, areas where natural prey has been reduced or depleted and land has been given over to stock farming, leopards are often labelled “problem” animals and together with lesser predators are subjected to sometimes in-humane and painful control methods.
Research:
If we are to protect leopards we need to understand what motivates their choices, how they utilise the landscape and how human habitation and development affects these choices. A lot of general information has been gathered on leopard however, we have come to realise there is still a great deal to be learnt.
LCP works closely with farmers, conservation bodies and other research organisations to address areas of concern regarding leopard, their habitat and ways to manage them effectively; in short ensuring their survival for future generations.
What we are trying to establish:
- Population and territory sizes in specific regions
- Photographic database of known individuals
- Determine the influence of encroaching farmlands in free range areas
- Population sizes in areas where hunting occurs
- Prey preference in specific areas according to natural or stock prey availability
- Infant growth and mortality rates
- DNA collection and analyses to determine genetic relatedness to leopards in other areas across Southern Africa
- Develop more effective tools (namely collars) to allow us to gather better data
- Male to female ratios in specific areas (how many females does 1 male service) and is there an overlap in male territory
- Mature to sub-adult ratios
Once this information has been gathered it will be used to develop operational guidelines to better manage predators, gain insight into conflict between predators and humans and provide a better overall understanding of broader conservation concerns.
Education:
By providing information based on sound research we hope to educate and assist farmers on how to better protect their livestock from Leopard predation. Our sharing of information can be used to formulate ethical and acceptable means of control. With the growing human population and diminishing natural ranges it is vital that the general public is educated and made aware of the issues facing leopard.
Leopard Conservation Project welcomes public participation and involvement and values opportunities to interact through
- Radio talk shows, television shows,
- Public exhibitions, and
- Presentations at schools and
- Environmental get-togethers.
Valuable data gathered by local residents and communities is an important source of information for LCP.
It is our strong belief that if drastic changes in attitude, methods and legislation are not made in the immediate future, the leopard could be added to the Extreme Danger List sooner than we think. It is for this reason that we are actively engaged in talks with major stakeholders up to government level to ensure both the immediate and long-term survival of the Leopard in Southern Africa.
If Leopard Conservation Project is to achieve its objectives, it is essential that we have the latest technology at our disposal and are equipped with the right tools. In order to function as effectively as possible in the field we need to have access to technology of the highest standard.
The leopard is a big part of our African heritage. It is only with the assistance,
participation and sponsorship from companies and individuals concerned with environmental issues that we can ensure their survival.
Yours in Conservation
Leopard Conservation Project
Association Incorporated under Section 21
Registration no : 2007/023474/08
A South African registered not-for-profit company
Organizer
Maxine Smith
Organizer
