Leopards of the Cape: conservation and conservation concerns

Abstract

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is the apex predator in the Western Cape, South Africa. It has until recently been regarded as vermin by farmers and conservation officials and been highly persecuted for over 350 years. It is now restricted to the more inaccessible mountains, such as the Cederberg. We have initiated several projects to highlight conservation concerns and needs of this elusive felid. One of these, a conservation genetics study, examines the extent of the genetic isolation of this population from leopards elsewhere in Southern Africa, as Western Cape leopards appear to be significantly smaller than their northern counterparts. Apart from being almost half the mass, they also utilize far greater home ranges than previously recorded. Furthermore, a leopard density study, as determined by camera trap mark‐recapture techniques, indicates that these elusive felids occur in low numbers in this region. We recommend further research on leopard ecology, farmer education in animal husbandry techniques as well as a revision of present ‘problem animal’ legislation in order to assist in the future conservation of this threatened large predator.