Leopard research and conservation
‘The ecology of the Leopard in a game farming environment in the Waterberg ‘ is a research
project which has been initiated and sponsored by Bushlore. Mark Matheson is the project
leader but university student/s will be undertaking the research project and collecting Data. The
project has been approved by the department of Nature conservation in South Africa.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT :
1. Follow up study – the study will be used as a follow up study to that done by Anton
Grimbeek, ‘the ecology of the Leopard in the Waterberg’ in conjunction with the
university of Pretoria in the early 1980’s in the same study area. The farm Naauwkloof kr
247 lies within the same study area. URN - etd-11172005-162454
2. To establish the present territorial and spacial utilisation of the Leopard in a game farm
or mixed game and cattle farm environment. Particular emphasis on how Leopards
control their own populations and spacial utilization. Importance of mature Leopards on
the spatial usage and territorial boundaries used by Leopards.
3. To establish dietary habits of the Leopard in the waterberg and game farm environment
4. The effect of Leopards on game numbers in the game farm environment
5. To formulate management plans for game farmers in the Waterberg area.
6. To establish a population estimate on the number of leopards in the waterberg area
7. To formulate management plans for the controlling of Leopards if necessary in the
Waterberg area and game farm environment.
8. To provide objective and accurate information which can be used in policy making and
strategies involving the issuing of permits or other decisions which can affect the future
survival and populations of Leopards in the Waterberg
9. To ultimately protect the future of the Leopard in the Waterberg and in South Africa, an
endangered species and one of the most sought after species for tourists and
photographers.
10. To establish the Leopards influence on other predator populations in the game farm
environment
11. To assess the potential of the Leopard as tourist attraction and its role in eco tourism in
the Waterberg area
12. To see the viability of the Leopard as a sustainable resource to the hunting industry
To date the project is running well with some interesting results. Updates will be posted on the
website.
(Fig 1.)
Fig 1-First female Leopard collard on the reserve, known as Mlondi.
Fig. 3. Male Leopard on camera trap, known as Tyson