Leopard Project
Home of the Black Leopard
Welcome to the INGWE Leopard project web pages.
Home of the Black Leopard
Black Leopard Spottings
We have had no recent spottings of the mysterious black leopard... But we will keep you posted
Activities
The ILP are involved in a number of different data gathering exercises. 1. We started of by gathering tracks data of leopard and larger predators inside the study area since 1999. 2. Casual data was also collected from information shared with us of sightings of leopard by the general public. 3. VHF collars wee introduced and although we lost three collared leopard after collaring and release we however did manage to obtain very valuable data from a territorial female that were able to track for 18 months. Our first study female Fs2 (meaning Female study no.2) that we were able to track intensively. 4. The Camera traps were introduced in June 2004 and we took a quantum leap in terms of data gathered as we also managed to get a good idea of other species assosiated with the leopards habitat. The data collected on the prey species, their distribution, and availability were highly significant. These cameras are home made and needs to serviced avery second day. The disadvantage of this intensive service programme is the amount of time, logistics, fuel etc. The main advantage is quick results and the ability to compare signs found in close proximity of the camera traps with real results in terms of pictures collected. The casts collected of each study animals' tracks gave us the ability to know which tracks belonged to which animal. When these tracks are found in other areas than where the cameras are set, we are then able to collect this data point as well as we then know the specific. individual. Movement patterns are also better detected of each individual. 5. GPS/Cell collars were placed on various translocated "problem" leopards in order to monitor their post-release movements. Again we had success as well as failed efforts, but data gathered while following these animals on the internet was extremely enlightening. A tracking expedition which was done in a pilot study area, produced a large amount of data which will be overlayed with all the other data. In another pilot study in the Middelburg area where a black leopard was also sighted on two ocasions, we managed to get very interesting comparative results. The Brown Hyena's were very relaxed and readily photographed on the camera traps. Comparing this to our longterm effort thus far in the ILP study area shows a distinct behaviour difference. Brown Hyena in this area has a moderate tolerance to any foreign objects in their homerange. In some areas we were able to collect pictures of them as they rushed of with high speed. Other areas we found the hyena's to actively avoid and bypass the cameras when they are set. When these cameras were not set, they would walk past, right in front of the cameras. Our next effort to further engage the community will be the track collection data base. This is going to very exciting to those people that love wondering around and trying to identify tracks. This is explained in the website under spoor. Individuals who want to participate will need to contact us to organise training in order to ensure a calibrated process of data collection. We challenge you to participate and come up with suggestions to make this an exciting event. .