Cape Leopard Trust: Guardians of the Mountain Predator

16 November, 2024
ANNE KRUGER, GST Correspondent - The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) is not just any predator working group - it's a beacon of hope for the majestic leopards of the Fynbos mountains! With a vision as grand as the mountains themselves, the CLT is dedicated to ensuring the long-term survival of leopard populations, securing their habitats, and promoting harmonious co-existence with people.

Since its inception in 2004, the CLT has risen to prominence as a leading authority on predator conservation in the Cape and across South Africa. This dynamic, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization is at the forefront of innovative research, conservation, and education projects, all aimed at preserving our planet's biological diversity. The CLT's team is small but mighty-highly dedicated, educated, and brimming with enthusiasm, they are spread across several project areas, making a significant impact.

Why the Leopard?

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are the most widespread of the big cats, with a historical range that spans much of Africa and Eurasia. These incredible creatures are the epitome of versatility, thriving in habitats ranging from bone-dry deserts to lush jungles and rocky cliffs. They hunt a wider variety of prey than any other big carnivore and can even flourish near bustling cities. However, this elusive predator is facing serious challenges.

A comprehensive recent study has revealed that leopards have lost about 75% of their historic range worldwide. In Southern Africa, leopards have also experienced dramatic range contractions, now mainly confined to the rugged mountainous areas of the Northern, Western, and Eastern Cape.

As the apex predator in the Fynbos mountains, leopards play a crucial role in maintaining the mountain ecosystem. They regulate prey numbers and influence the abundance, behaviour, and densities of smaller predators. In this sense, the leopard is an "umbrella species" - conserving leopards is essential for the conservation of other local species and their prey base.

The leopards' mountain habitat also serves as a vital water catchment area for urban and agricultural use. Thus, conserving leopards leads to broader habitat conservation, benefiting the entire ecosystem.

The Need for Leopard Research

Studies have shown that Cape leopards differ morphologically and genetically from their counterparts elsewhere in Southern Africa. Home ranges in the study areas can be up to 10 times larger than previously reported, indicating that population numbers are far lower than estimated. Due to these low densities, large home ranges, and limited suitable habitat, Cape leopards may be more threatened than many other leopard populations.

Dr Quinton Martins, co-founder of the Cape Leopard Trust, began his study of leopards in the Cederberg Mountains in 2003. Hiking through these majestic and rugged mountains, he found signs of leopards but was shocked at how many were being needlessly killed. Realizing the urgent need for change, he sold everything he owned to fund his work. His dedication paid off when he met Johan van der Westhuizen, conservationist-landowner of Bakkrans wilderness concession in the Cederberg, who provided the first financial support.

Since then, the Cape Leopard Trust has gone from strength to strength, with core projects in the Cederberg and Boland, and research areas including the Little Karoo, northern Cape Namaqualand region, and Table Mountain National Park. The use of modern technology, such as remote-sensing cameras and GPS satellite tracking devices, has provided remarkable insights into the ecology of these elusive animals. Research is conducted on both CapeNature and privately-owned land, with gratitude for access to these wilderness areas.

The Trust's strength is underpinned by a board of six carefully selected Trustees, chaired by Van der Westhuizen, and a Scientific Advisory Board of zoology and carnivore specialists, chaired by Professor Bill Horsnell.

According to Van der Westhuizen, the Cape leopard is smaller than those found in the north of the country and plays an important role in controlling smaller predators like the caracal and jackal.

He has halted all farming activities on his property and focuses on conservation only. Buildings have been restored for use as tourist accommodation. More recently he has reintroduced the Cape Mountain Zebra into the area and hopes to develop a Cape Mountain Zebra reserve. Johan has been instrumental in the development of the sustainability audit of Go Sustainable Tourism, and his Bakkrans farm is a founder member.