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The Western Cape is often dubbed a treasure trove for wildlife lovers. From the Garden Route and Cape Winelands to just outside the urban edges of Cape Town, there’s a trail of safari experiences offering front-row views of the Big Five and a myriad of majestic beasts.

Sometimes, however, you don’t need to plan an extensive safari trip – you simply need to be at the right place at the right time.

A recent stroke of luck and quick thinking allowed X user Agent Leon and his companions to capture footage of the elusive leopard enjoying a nighttime stroll along the road of the Cederberg Mountains.

Take a look: 

Leopards are solitary animals known for their elusive nature, often remaining hidden from human sight and surviving on the natural prey available, making this up-close sighting that much more remarkable.

While these nocturnal predators in Africa all belong to the same subspecies, leopards in the Cape are quite different from those in the savanna.

‘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,’ explains Dr Katy Williams, the research and conservation director for the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT).

CLT is an environmental NGO and non-profit that facilitates and promotes the conservation of biological diversity, with a focus on the leopard as a flagship species.

These creatures, which are the last apex predators in the Cape, also occupy vast territories and exist at significantly lower population densities.

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.

If you are fortunate enough to spot a leopard in the wild of the Western Cape, 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.

Also read:

The history of the last leopard of Hout Bay

Picture: Screenshot from video

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