Help Conserve the Cape Leopard
Cape Leopard Conflict Mitigation
Human-wildlife conflict and resultant human-caused mortalities are significant contributors to leopard mortality. The Landmark Foundation's Leopard Conflict Mitigation efforts aim to address these issues by focusing on non-lethal strategies and financial compensation for livestock losses. Our goal is to foster coexistence between farmers and leopards.
Coexistence: Key Focus Areas
Our conflict mitigation efforts in 2023 were focused on several regions, including the Piketberg Mountains, Voor-Paardeberg, Riebeeck West, Riversdale, Clanwilliam, McGregor, Blombos, Springbok, and Wittedrift. In these areas, we deployed camera traps and cages to capture, collar, and release leopards implicated in livestock losses. This strategy helps mitigate losses through our compensation scheme.
Exploring the Wilderness: Our Research Areas
Compensation Scheme
Since 2019 in Piketberg (and 2006 in other areas), we have developed a financial compensation scheme. This involves legal agreements with farmers to implement non-lethal predator mitigation actions and report livestock losses. Compensation is linked to GPS-collared leopards, encouraging farmers to tolerate leopards in exchange for financial support.
Preliminary Results
Our efforts have led to accurate evaluations of livestock losses caused by leopards, increasing tolerance for co-existing with these predators. Over the last 36 months, our compensation scheme has saved 13 leopards from certain death. In total, we have rescued 71 leopards, with most being released into free-range habitats and some translocated to suitable areas.
Financial Impact
Since 2019, we have paid out R73,011.2 to farmers participating in the compensation scheme. This has ensured that eight leopards remain part of the landscape and has helped manage those causing continuous damage directly. The breakdown of compensation includes R12,800 to Farmer A, R2,500 to Farmer C, R38,711.2 to Farmer D, and R19,000 to Farmer E.
Case Study: Piketberg
Since 2019, our project in Piketberg has involved seven farmers and resulted in the collaring of eight leopards (six males and two females). This initiative has fostered tolerance among local farmers, who now employ effective non-lethal carnivore tools, improving livestock production and reducing conflict.
Case Studies
The Piketberg Case: A Model for Human-Wildlife Coexistence
- Project Duration: Since 2019
- Collared Leopards: Eight
- Farmer Engagement: Seven farmers in conflict areas.
- Financial Compensation: R73,011.2 paid out to participating farmers.
Discover how the Landmark Foundation's innovative strategies are transforming human-leopard conflicts into opportunities for coexistence in the Piketberg Mountains. Learn about our financial compensation scheme, non-lethal predator control, and community engagement efforts that are making a significant impact.
Read the full story and join us in protecting South Africa's majestic leopards.
