The Urban Caracal Project in Cape Town announced the passing of one of its longest-monitored caracals, Hope.
Her body was found near Zwaanswyk in the Upper Tokai section of Table Mountain National Park. She was identifiable by her green ear tags.
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Post-mortem examinations revealed she had sustained multiple injuries, including a fractured jaw, along with severe internal trauma. From the evidence of her injuries and tracks found near her body, it is suspected that Hope fell victim to dogs.
Her lifeless remains were found in a specific area of the park where dogs are not allowed. This tragic incident is the latest in a series of documented cases of dogs attacking caracals and underscores the risk that dogs can pose to wildlife.
While monitoring Hope, the Urban Caracal Project noted that she exhibited exceptional mothering skills, the fully matured wild cat had birthed two litters, enabling the team to study caracal reproduction and denning behaviours.
It’s reported that she had kittens annually, as they received multiple reports of her with young ones after her collar had fallen off.
Pet owners are strongly encouraged to keep their pets on a leash and to refrain from walking them or allowing them to roam in restricted areas in national parks, which are designated to be safe, stress-free zones for wildlife.
Dogs can have both direct (lethal) and indirect consequences on wildlife. It is also crucial to remember to clean up after your pets and ensure they are vaccinated to prevent the transmission of diseases to local fauna.
The Urban Caracal Project aims to protect biodiversity through research and conservation. It operates through the Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild) at the University of Cape Town.
Ways to support the project:
- Please immediately report all road kill caracals in the Cape Town area (i.e. the Peninsula and outer suburbs) to Dr Gabriella Leighton at [email protected] or call 079 837 8814.
- The project relies exclusively on donations and grant support that has funded everything from GPS-collars and caracal tracking efforts, genetic analyses, supplies, pesticide and disease testing, health assessments, and many more!
- Report caracal sightings here.
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Picture: Jennifer Louw / The Caracal Project Cape Town