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First download of Mpho 2 October 2007

I am sure that some of you have already viewed the data or map, but just to fill you in I have attached the first download received from Mpho.

Although we have been monitoring her all the time with the VHF Radio Receiver we were eagerly waiting for the first download of data. I have to say that it was not only a relief to me that we finally managed to get our first electronic data back but it was also surprising to see where she was moving. It does somehow seem to be a problem for her collar to connect in the valley where she spent a lot of time. Therefore the lack of data for a significant number of days! We are lucky though that we did manage to track her manually.

One of the interesting aspects is the range that she is utulising. Remember that she is from this area! Her range use is far wider than what was anticipated and once again, we have been defeated by what we thought we have already learned from other females’ behaviour. She stayed in close proximity of the release site for a number of days, which indicated that she was hanging around with a kill that she made. This also indicates that her whole ordeal with the capture operation, transport, holding facility, re-darting, collaring and release process does not seem to have had a to extensive traumatic impact on her as she stayed within 400m from this release point.

What is very typical from many data that we have received from various animals as well as Mpho’s, is that they seem to be able to utilize a grown impala for between 5-7 days. This gives us a good example of what there expected killing rate would be. It also shows that they move due to various triggers in the system. With both her and Jesse’s movements, it was clear that they responded to the fires in the area. Rainfall also seems to be a factor that stimulates spatial behaviour and movement.

If anybody is interested to visit the area where she is moving in or to accompany us when tracking her movements you are welcome to contact us.

Mpho's collar is proudly sponsored by Implats Distince Platinum

Map of Mpho's Movements:
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Inaugural Gala Event: Ingwe Leopard Project, Melrose Arch 18 September 2007

Powerful, elegant and arguably one of the most beautiful of all the large cats, the elusive leopard is a master of stealth and survival.

The Ingwe Leopard Research Project, an initiative supported by the Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency (MTPA), the South African Leopard Forum (SALF) together with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) , recently hosted an event that shed light on the fight to preserve the legacy of the African Leopard and unmask the illusive nature of these remarkable creatures.

The event brought together industry commentators, government and businesses in support of preserving the dignity and content of our wildlife. The event further highlighted the efforts of the Ingwe Leopard Project in investigating the status and landscape ecology of leopards in the Greater Lydenburg Magisterial District in Mpumalanga, with an aim to understand the behaviour and dangers faced by these extraordinary wild beings in order to create sustainable conservation solutions.

“The last decade has seen an increase in human-leopard conflict. Leopards have become known as killers of livestock in some parts of South Africa and this misconception is perhaps the most serious threat to the conservation of this species in South Africa,” said Gerrie Camacho, key note speaker at the event, Zoologist and Chairman of the SA Leopard forum as well as Project Leader of the Ingwe Leopard Project. “The more we learn about these beautiful creatures, the more we realize how little we know about them,” added Camacho.

Extreme pressure has been placed on leopards outside formally protected areas and there is currently no data or evidence that is very useful to determine their status in South Africa. As a result, the Ingwe Leopard Research Project’s most important aspect in the development process is to apply results for the benefit of all .i.e. children, landowners, teachers, tour operators, government, conservationists, etc.

“As a nation, we need to combine our efforts and join hands to ensure not only the long-tem survival of the leopards as a unique part of our environment, but assist in the development of opportunities which will uplift our people and create a better life and survival of all,” commended Camacho.

“This project is close to our hearts. As a Development Bank, our focus is not only financial its about mobilising, developing, applying and sharing knowledge in support of greater development effectiveness, innovation and an enabling a developmental environment,” said Luther Mashaba, Executive Manager, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). “We continuously look for opportunities to make a difference and do what we do not in isolation, but in partnership with those that share our vision. We believe that the Ingwe Leopard Project has all the ingredients that contribute towards tourism development, economical sustainability and skills development,” concludes Mashaba.

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Tracking Mpho

Lydenburg – The young female leopard that was released on 25 August 2007 has been tracked via the VHF tracking method several times after her release.

Since Mpho’s returned release in the area, the activity of brown hyenas and side striped jackals decreased. This is activity is welcomed by the live stock farmers in the area.

Mpho is currently still active in the Valley on the farm Rondewalshoek where she was released.

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