Leopard Research and Conservation

Leopard research and conservation

‘The ecology of the Leopard in a game farming environment in the Waterberg ‘ is a research project which has been initiated and sponsored by Bushlore. Mark Matheson is the project leader but university student/s will be undertaking the research project and collecting Data. The project has been approved by the department of Nature conservation in South Africa.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT :

1. Follow up study – the study will be used as a follow up study to that done by Anton Grimbeek, ‘the ecology of the Leopard in the Waterberg’ in conjunction with the university of Pretoria in the early 1980’s in the same study area. The farm Naauwkloof kr 247 lies within the same study area. URN - etd-11172005-162454

2. To establish the present territorial and spacial utilisation of the Leopard in a game farm or mixed game and cattle farm environment. Particular emphasis on how Leopards control their own populations and spacial utilization. Importance of mature Leopards on the spatial usage and territorial boundaries used by Leopards.

3. To establish dietary habits of the Leopard in the waterberg and game farm environment

4. The effect of Leopards on game numbers in the game farm environment

5. To formulate management plans for game farmers in the Waterberg area.

6. To establish a population estimate on the number of leopards in the waterberg area

7. To formulate management plans for the controlling of Leopards if necessary in the Waterberg area and game farm environment.

8. To provide objective and accurate information which can be used in policy making and strategies involving the issuing of permits or other decisions which can affect the future survival and populations of Leopards in the Waterberg

9. To ultimately protect the future of the Leopard in the Waterberg and in South Africa, an endangered species and one of the most sought after species for tourists and photographers.

10. To establish the Leopards influence on other predator populations in the game farm environment

11. To assess the potential of the Leopard as tourist attraction and its role in eco tourism in the Waterberg area

12. To see the viability of the Leopard as a sustainable resource to the hunting industry

To date the project is running well with some interesting results. Updates will be posted on the website.

(Fig 1.)

Fig 1-First female Leopard collard on the reserve, known as Mlondi.

Fig. 3. Male Leopard on camera trap, known as Tyson