A leopard photographed on a farm road in the Agulhas Plain in the early evening of August has caused quite a stir. Although the cellphone snaps are of a solitary leopard sitting on the other side of a fence, the photographer actually saw two leopards while driving by.
The photos have since gone viral, with some speculating that leopard populations in the area are increasing.
Also read: Watch: Cape Leopard caught on hidden camera at Paul Clüver Wines
The photographs were taken in close proximity to the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (NWSMA).
Collaborating with entities such as the NWSMA, the Cape Leopard Trust undertook a recent study examining the leopard population within the NWSMA and throughout the broader Overberg region.
Ross Kettles, the operations manager of NWSMA, commented on the unusual sighting by farmer Trevor October, remarking, ‘Despite the amazing sighting by farmer Trevor October, they are incredibly rare here. It’s such a privilege to see a leopard like Trevor did, but this is really not common – especially not during the daylight hours.’
The data compiled by Dr Katy Williams, the research and conservation director for the Cape Leopard Trust, in her Overberg study reveals that over the course of a five-month investigation, 50 leopard sightings were recorded at 86 camera trap sites.
By the study’s conclusion, researchers had identified a total of 24 adult leopards and 7 juveniles. These findings underline that leopard density in the Overberg is relatively low when compared to regions like the Boland and the Cederberg.
Leopards are classified as vulnerable all over the world. Leopards in Africa all belong to the same subspecies; however, leopards in the Cape are quite different from those in the savanna.
Dr Williams noted, ‘They’re much smaller. In fact, a male leopard in the Cape on average only weighs around 35kg, versus a male leopard in the savanna, which weighs on average 61kg.’
These creatures also occupy vast territories and exist at significantly lower population densities.
Kettles emphasised, ‘These animals are the last apex predators in the Cape. They’ve been living here secretly in the fynbos all around us for hundreds of thousands of years. But because they’re nocturnal and also because their numbers are so low, you simply don’t see them often. There’s absolutely no reason to be worried if you see a leopard in the Overberg, as they will almost always run away.’
The decline in leopard numbers can be attributed to various factors, including habitat loss, depletion of their prey base, direct persecution and entanglement in snares. Their continued survival in this region hinges on conservation initiatives such as those championed by the NWSMA and efforts driven by the Cape Leopard Trust.
Kettles explained, ‘These animals need connecting corridors to move across the landscape in order to survive. That’s why we work to protect their habitat and work with partners in the landscape so that leopards can continue to move silently and safely around here, as they’ve always done over the centuries.’
If you are fortunate enough to spot a leopard in the Overberg, here are some guidelines to follow:
- Enjoy the moment; you are among the privileged few who have witnessed this extraordinary sight.
- If possible, take a photograph and share it along with the location on the Cape Leopard Trust’s online leopard database at app.capeleopard.org.za.
- Stay calm and composed. While caution is essential when encountering any predator, leopards in the Cape’s mountains tend to be extremely wary of humans and will usually retreat, except in cases of perceived threats or corners. If you do encounter a leopard on foot, remain still and composed, awaiting the cat’s departure. Do not run or crouch down. In rare instances of aggression, a slow, non-confrontational retreat without turning your back is advisable. Such behaviour often signifies the cat’s intention to encourage your departure (perhaps due to the presence of nearby cubs), so it is wise not to linger or provoke it. Throwing objects should be a last resort for self-defence, as it may escalate the situation.
- Whenever possible, play a role in protecting these magnificent creatures. Keep an eye out for potential threats to leopards, such as illegal wire snares, and report them promptly.
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Running rampant in Stanford, the sleeping beauty of the Overberg
Picture: Yassine Khalfalli / Unsplash
