Conservation agencies believe that significant persecution of leopards and other predators still occur in the western region of the Eastern Cape, and for that matter nationwide. This Leopard and Predator Project will aim to address this persecution of predators, and leopards in particular, by establishing a:
• Predator rescue, rehabilitation, release
• Implementing holistic predator management strategies focus on non-lethal controls of predator – farmer conflicts
• Research project
• Advocacy campaign to outlaw gin and poison traps which are inhumane, unethical and ecologically unacceptable, and consumer pressure to pressure retailers into supporting these initiatives
• Developing environmentally friendly meat and animal fibre brands
• Developing expansion of predator-friendly habitats through expanding reserves and collaboration with farmers.
In the last 4 years, 22 individual leopards have been known to have died in the Baviaanskloof Mega-reserve and Greater Addo Elephant National Park planning domains between November 2002 and the present. Between April 2004 and the present 10 successful leopard rescues and releases were conducted by the Landmark Foundation. The 22 individuals that are known to have died constitute only the leopards that the conservation agencies were aware of; the actual number deaths is likely to be much greater. It is suspected that there may be significant numbers of leopards that were killed that did not come to the attention of the local conservation agencies.
The leopard is the charismatic top-predator specie in the region and, as a result, its plight captures the attention of the public. Other predator species also suffer similar fates. The lynx, jackal and eagle are some of the other prominent species that suffer ongoing persecution in the area, but almost all predators are relentlessly targeted. In addressing the plight of leopards, significant impact may be made for the conservation these other predators.
WWF USA, Vodacom Foundation, Woolworths Foundation, Pick ‘n Pay, Polaris Capital, Skilderkrantz Private Nature Reserve and the Henry and Iris Englund Foundation have been the initial major sponsors of this project. 10 Veterinarian are participating, as well as several conservation bodies and private supporters.
For more details contact: bool@landmarkfoundation.org.za
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