PROVINCIAL NEWS - Leopards in the Eastern Cape face various threats, including habitat loss and conflict with humans. Residents of the Eastern Cape now have an exciting opportunity to contribute to important leopard research and win fantastic prizes in the process.
The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) is calling on individuals who have spotted leopards or any signs of their presence in the Eastern Cape region to share their observations. Submitted data is treated with confidentiality, anonymised, and securely stored.
The CLT's leopard database serves as a crucial repository of information regarding leopard activity and threats across the Cape provinces. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of citizen scientists, researchers and partner organisations, the database has amassed thousands of records over the past three years.
While the majority of these records originate from the Western Cape, the focus for this year is on expanding knowledge about leopards in the Eastern Cape.
In a significant partnership established last year, CLT joined forces with Jamma International, Panthera, and Nelson Mandela University to support the research of PhD student Silindokuhle Tokota. Tokota's work centres on understanding the status of leopard populations in the Eastern Cape and the threats they face.
To aid Tokota's research efforts, the CLT is urging residents of the Eastern Cape to submit leopard records to their database. These contributions will help illuminate a region of South Africa where leopard populations remain relatively understudied.
The competition
From 4 March to 6 May, individuals who submit Eastern Cape leopard data points will automatically be entered into the SPOT SNAP SUBMIT! Lucky Leopard Competition.
Prizes up for grabs are
- A two-night stay for two at Tree Tops Safari Lodge, Lalibela Game Reserve
- A one-night stay for two at Kuzuko Lodge, Greater Addo Conservation Area
- A copy of Footprints in the Fynbos, a children's book in the language of the winner's choice (Afrikaans, English, or Xhosa)
- A Cape Leopard Trust goody bag
What's being sought?
The CLT is seeking verifiable observations of leopards and their field signs in the Eastern Cape from 2010 onwards.
This encompasses
- Camera trap photos
- Photos of leopard signs (tracks, droppings, scratch marks, feeding sites)
- Photos of direct leopard observations
- Each submission should include a photo, date, and location point
How to participate
Interested individuals can visit app.capeleopard.org.za and follow the steps to create an account. Submissions should be made individually to the online portal. Alternatively, those with multiple observations or who prefer to contribute via email can reach out to research@capeleopard.org.za.
Competition guidelines
Winners will be selected from individuals who submit a record between 4 March and 6 May. Only verified leopard records from the Eastern Cape dating from 2010 onwards are eligible. Entries are open to South African residents aged 18 and above. Submissions via email are accepted but must be made in a personal capacity, not on behalf of organisations.
Residents are encouraged to share the competition information and help raise awareness. The Eastern Cape SPOT SNAP SUBMIT! Lucky Leopard Competition is made possible with the support of Lalibela Game Reserve and Kuzuko Lodge.
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