The Final Lap: R40 Roadkill Patrols

This month, we conducted our sixth and final roadkill patrol since we began this intensive monitoring in June 2025. This 14-day stint completes our seasonal dataset, aimed at understanding where we need to focus our mitigation measures to make our roads safer.

During this final period, we detected 63 roadkill incidents across 39 species. The data showed that 50% were birds, 29% reptiles, and 21% mammals. Specific recordings included three Mozambique spitting cobras, four rock monitors, two thick-tailed bushbabies, five European rollers, and one black-backed jackal.

Your support keeps our team in the field. If you value the data we collect to protect our local wildlife, please consider making a contribution through our website.

Click to donate

We are once again incredibly grateful to Trophy Car Rental for sponsoring a vehicle to make this work possible. Partnering with a local company that prioritizes conservation makes all the difference, and we highly recommend their services to anyone in the Hoedspruit area.

A Special Thanks to Africa Geographic

The entire wet season survey was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Africa Geographic. We are forever grateful for their belief in this project and their commitment to the Lowveld’s leopards.

We are also proud to announce that Africa Geographic has produced a mini-documentary about our work, set for release in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our social media and their YouTube channel for the full release. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch the two-minute trailer below.

Underground Insights: Culvert Camera Results

The first section of our wet season camera trap survey is officially complete. We have collected over 19,000 videos and images, including 65 leopard images & videos. The cameras have now been redeployed for another 45 days in the second section of the R40.

Our volunteer, Florian—who joined the Ingwe and Transfrontier Africa program via BWild—has been an asset to the team. Florian was trained on the ArgusWild platform for individual identification and successfully identified four individuals:

• Corkwood Male & Nigel: Both previously used the culverts during the dry season and have returned.

• Kusile: This is the first time we have documented Kusile utilizing the culverts.

• Unidentified individual: We are currently working to identify this leopard; if no match is found, it will be added as a new individual in our database.

Research equipment and data analysis require consistent funding. Help us identify and protect the leopards of the R40 by donating today.

Scientific Outreach: Savanna Science Network Meeting

Ingwe was represented at the Savanna Science Network Meeting 2026, where our student, Tanis Short, presented the preliminary results of the Dry Season Culvert Survey. This was a valuable opportunity to share our work with international researchers and practitioners.

We are grateful to our partner, Transfrontier Africa Research, for their co-supervision and support. Dr. Tara Pirie, an Ingwe Director and Director of the Department of Ecology at Surrey University, also attended the conference, gaining insights to share with her students and further bridging the gap between field research and academia.

Investing in the next generation of conservationists is a priority. Support our student research programs by contributing to our fund.

Donate via our Website

Expanding the Network: New Partners & New Territories

March was a high-intensity month for our Executive Director, who held numerous strategic meetings to reinforce existing relationships and discuss expansion into three new territories. We are also excited to officially welcome Karongwe Game Reserve and My Africa Adventures to the Ingwe network!

Video taken by Wesley Hill, head guide at Karongwe Game Reserve.

It is always inspiring to see more people get on board with our mission. By expanding these professional bonds, we are building the foundation for the next generation of research and conservation projects we hope to launch.

Ethics and the Future: Rethinking the Charity Model

One of our directors, Elwenn Le Magoarou, recently shared a TED Talk by Dan Pallotta: “The way we think about charity is dead wrong.”

Pallotta’s central message is that we should stop asking charities "What percentage of my donation goes to the cause?" and start asking "What is the scale of your impact?" He suggests that by obsessing over overhead (like talent, marketing, and growth), we have created a system where charities are forced to stay small and "frugal," which ultimately prevents them from ever solving the massive global problems they were created to address. If we want to solve the world’s problems—like the 30% decline of the leopard—we must allow charities to take risks and invest in the same tools for success that businesses use.

At Ingwe, we also believe professional conservation requires professional compensation. To find and retain the talents needed to take this organization—and the species we protect—to the next level, we must invest in our people. Competitive salaries ensure we keep the expertise required for large-scale operations. Our goal is to invert the leopard's 30% decline through transparency, accountability, and the unrestricted funding needed to grow our footprint from 3,200km² to 10,000km² by 2029.

While we are designing incredible new research and conservation projects, we cannot launch them until we have a full, dedicated team. To get there, we are working with a professional fundraising strategist to grow the organization sustainably. Our Board of Directors continues to be the backbone of this operation, and we truly wouldn’t be here without their involvement.

Finally, we have officially secured three high-profile Trustees who will be instrumental in Ingwe’s future. Stay tuned for a special edition newsletter shortly to introduce them!

Help us build a professional team for a professional cause. Unrestricted funding allows us to hire the experts needed to scale our impact.

Help us scale up!

A Room with a View: Unexpected Guests in the Culverts

Our wet season survey is in full swing! Our research partner, Transfrontier Africa has been back on the frontline, working alongside our student, Tanis, and our newest volunteer, Florian, who joined us last month.

During a routine camera trap check on the R40, the team spotted something unusual peering back from the shadows of a culvert. After staying calm and reaching for their cameras, they discovered a very relaxed spotted hyena cooling off and taking a midday nap!

We already knew these drainage tunnels were popular with roosting bats, but seeing a hyena treat it as a luxury rest stop is a fantastic insight into how local wildlife utilizes these passages.

Did you know that our current fieldwork costs approximately R350 per day. Would you consider donating just one day of research to keep us going?

If yes, click here!

Watch this 2-minute trailer made by Africa Geographic to understand what your money will help us achieve!

The Heart of Hoedspruit: Community in Action

We have been incredibly fortunate to receive the support of Werner Pauchli, a recently retired Teacher Educator in Biology from Utrecht University. Werner, who has led countless educational & research excursions across Africa, volunteered his time to conduct 14 days of intensive roadkill patrols this February.

He wasn’t alone—the Hoedspruit spirit was out in full force! Werner was supported by Gary Allorto (who assisted for 9 days!), Diana Jones, Nicky Swart & Debbie Prioleau. Having residents step up to help with fieldwork is a massive relief for such a small organization. Their support allowed us to focus much-needed time on fundraising to grow the organization and the development of our Research Ethics standards.

The Ethical Compass: Our New Research Framework

Growth requires a solid foundation. This month, we finalized our Framework for Research Ethics, a comprehensive document created by Elwenn le Magoarou and reviewed by Dr. Tara Pirie, both Ingwe Directors.

This framework ensures we grow in the right direction, focusing on:

• The 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) for ethical wildlife research.

• Research governance, data protection.

• Transparency and professional conduct.

And much more. We are now looking to establish Ingwe’s Research Ethics Committee. If you are a researcher or know one in your network who would be interested in joining our review board, please share this with them!

Amazing sighting from our newest partner, Karongwe Game Reserve. Video credit: Wesley Hill.

Wear, Sip, and Decorate

Before we dive into our newest four-legged team members, did you know you can support our daily operations while treating yourself or a loved one?

• Relate Bracelets: Grab yours at our partner locations (Hoedspruit Padel Court, Transfrontier Africa shop, or Industrial Liquor) or online. If you are a lodge or business owner and would like to stock these in your curio shop, please reach out to us!

• Arid Wines: Pick up a bottle at our local distributor, Industrial Liquor, in Hoedspruit.

• The Final Three Prints: We have only three stunning pieces left:

  1. Ntsakelo: The famous ambassador painted by Vanessa Lomas.

  2. Kusile: The youngest dominant male we know, captured by Tristan Cary

  3. The lady in the rain: A breathtaking female leopard in the rain by world-renowned photographer Mark Dumbleton.

By choosing to support us through these items, you are directly funding our operational capacity.

All the details here!

Doggies & Leopards: A First-of-its-Kind Pilot

Pinpointing exactly where an elusive, nocturnal leopard decides to cross the R40 is like finding a needle in a haystack. While we are identifying roadkill hotspots, we need other fine-scale data to know where to implement high-impact solutions like Road Animal Detection Systems (RADS).

We launched this canine project at the end of January, and we are incredibly proud to say it is fully sponsored by On Track Safaris. It is wonderful to see the legacy of Will & Carol Fox (the original founders of Ingwe) continue through this project. We are so grateful for their ongoing support.

The Team:

• Scout: A male Dutch Shepherd (born Jan 2025) currently in training.

• Alienor Brassine: A Professional Natural Scientist and independent faunal specialist leading the team.

The rest of the dedicated 2-legged and 4-legged team members can be found on the Canines for African Nature website. If this pilot is successful—which we fully expect it to be given the high level of training—it could change the face of road ecology not just in South Africa, but globally.

Here is what you can expect in this edition:

• The Full 2025 Recap: A deep dive into the massive numbers you helped us generate.

• Signs of Change: Our first official mitigation measures are live on the R40!

• Wearable Conservation: The official launch of our Relate Bracelets.

• Last Chance Art: Final items from our exclusive auction.

2025: The Year in Numbers

Before we race into the new year, we have to look back at the incredible volume of data our community provided. These aren’t just numbers; they are the evidence we need to save lives.

Leopard Monitoring Highlights:

• 146 unique leopards observed in 2025 (plus 64 under temporary IDs).

• 4,525 unique sightings documented.

• 5,385 images submitted by over 200 citizen scientists.

• Data collected across 54 different locations.

🏆 Our Top 5 Contributors: 1. Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate (854 images) 2. Olifants West Nature Reserve (533 images) 3. Kapama Game Reserve (470 images) 4. Blue Canyon Conservancy (329 images) 5. Thornybush & Makalali (262 images)

Road Ecology & Socio-Ecological Research:

• Roadkill Patrols: 4,704 km driven over 84 hours, with 208 roadkill reported.

• Culvert Surveys: 60 camera traps deployed, requiring 120+ hours of servicing and generating 23,862 images/videos of animals (199GB!) - not including unwanted media.

• Community Insight: 157 questionnaire responses regarding human-leopard coexistence in three wildlife estates.

• Academic Success: A huge congratulations to our student, Eleanor Salisbury, for defending her Master’s thesis on human-leopard coexistence with distinction! Next step: posters for the wildlife estates & publications.

Help us achieve more - Donate!

A Great Start to 2026: Signs of Progress

If you’ve driven the R40 recently, you’ll notice a significant change. In a direct response to the community’s plea for action, Ingwe has officially implemented our first mitigation measure: four new “Predators Crossing” signs.

These signs stand where leopard fatalities have been highest. This was a proactive collaboration with SANRAL, who designed them specifically for our project. Seeing these up just one year after we started is a testament to what happens when local voices are actually heard.

The Science Under the Asphalt

While the signs alert the public, the research continues. Our Wet Season Survey kicked off in January with 14 consecutive mornings of roadkill patrols. We will repeat this in February and March to pinpoint exactly why and where wildlife is most at risk during the rains.

Simultaneously, our Master’s student, Tanis, is redeploying camera traps in the culverts. Despite a two-week delay due to recent floods, we are back in the field. Last season proved these tunnels are “secret” highways—17 different species used them, with leopards using them an average of 9.7 times per week.

This work is powered by: AirNav Systems, Africa Geographic, Transfrontier Africa, Trophy Travel Rentals, The Black Sheep Agency and all our donors.

Become a donor!

Wear Your Support: Relate Bracelets are Here!

We are thrilled to announce our official partnership with Relate Bracelets! Our bracelets have all been produced and are ready for you to wear as a totem of your commitment to leopard conservation.

These make beautiful gifts and come in different sizes. You can purchase them directly on our website or order in bulk via Relate to stock them in your curio shops or businesses.

Special Shout-outs:

• Transfrontier Africa & Industrial Liquor: Thank you for purchasing a large stock for your Hoedspruit stores at the Bosveld Center! You can also find them at the Hoedspruit Padel court!

• The Black Sheep Agency: A beautiful gesture—they are donating bracelets back to their travelers, showing guests exactly how their visit helps protect the leopards they came to see.

Get your bracelets!

Final Call: Auction Items Still Available

We have three items left from our auction, and they are absolute showstoppers:

1. Tristan Cary & Mark Dumbleton Prints: Two stunning A2 format prints from these talented photographers. Sponsored by Orms Printing Room, the quality is world-class.

   

   

2. The Ntsakelo Ambassador Print: An A0 print of the magnificent painting by Vanessa Lomas (2023). This piece will fill your space with the wild, untamed spirit of the Lowveld

   

Don’t wait—these are meaningful gifts that contribute directly to our upcoming structural mitigation budget (Goal: September 2026!).

Donate - Thank you

Every sign we hang and every kilometer we patrol is only possible because of your generosity; please consider a donation today to help us reach our September 2026 goal for permanent structural road solutions.

The Culvert Commuters: Who’s Crossing and How Often?

Our camera traps recorded leopards a remarkable 147 times near and in the culverts under the R40 road during the survey period. Analyzing this extensive footage has led to some breakthrough findings.

The Numbers Behind the Crossings:

• We identified 12 individual leopards using the culverts—9 adults and 3 cubs.

• The adult users included 4 males and 5 females.

• Out of the 147 leopard captures, they actively used the culverts 66% of the time, demonstrating that these structures are frequently utilized when available.

• 22% of the surveyed culverts were confirmed to be used by leopards.

Meet the Commuters:

We were excited to recognize several known individuals utilizing the culverts, including the Lion Pan female, the Black Dot female, Bokamoso, Rhulani, the Corkwood male, Mafu and Medupi.

However, the biggest surprise was the identification of a completely new male! He has been officially designated WildRivers_LM0001 and has been named Nigel, in memory of a beloved community member from Wild Rivers Nature Reserve who recently passed away. Nigel was captured engaging in fascinating behavior (more on that below!).

A Culvert Courtship

Our cameras caught a rare glimpse into the private lives of our leopards, capturing two individuals mating in front of one of the culverts!

The pair was identified as Rhulani (from Tshukudu) and the new male, WildRivers_LM0001. The intimate moment was interrupted by an unexpected fellow culvert user: a porcupine!

This sighting provides crucial data on the reproductive timing of our local leopards. Rhulani was seen with cubs of roughly 5 to 6 months old in June, but their disappearance, followed by her mating with WildRivers_LM0001 at the end of August, tragically suggests the cubs did not survive. While sad, this is a part of the natural cycle. We are now hopeful that Rhulani will successfully raise a new litter very soon.

Intriguing Behavioural Observations

The footage of Rhulani and Nigel has raised interesting questions about leopard decision-making:

• Both individuals were seen multiple times separately crossing the road directly above the culverts instead of using them.

• Yet, when they were together, they chose to use the culvert.

• The video of WildRivers crossing the road reveals his nervousness, with him visibly deciding to move only when the sound of passing traffic subsides.

Analyzing this footage further will help us understand the factors—such as social presence, traffic volume, and perceived risk—that influence a leopard’s choice to use a culvert or risk crossing the road.

Advocacy Success: A Dedicated Sign for the Apex Predator

The tragic loss of Selati_LM0025 to a road collision in October underscored the urgent need for action. We utilized our preliminary analysis of roadkill and wildlife crossing data to identify key hotspots for mitigation.

We engaged in extensive discussions with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), sharing our crucial data on the threat the R40 poses to local wildlife. This collaboration has yielded a monumental success:

SANRAL has agreed to create and deploy a unique, dedicated predator crossing sign, using the leopard as the emblematic species.

While road signs exist for general wildlife, a dedicated sign for charismatic apex predators like the leopard did not previously exist—making this a landmark achievement for conservation.

These new signs will be deployed very soon at two key locations, approximately 14 km apart, identified as high-risk roadkill and crossing hotspots. This is the same stretch where we have tragically lost four leopards to date. We are extremely proud to have cultivated a trusting and supportive relationship with SANRAL to make this happen.

How You Can Support Our Work

The success of our research, advocacy, and mitigation efforts depends entirely on your support.

Please consider donating or becoming a sponsor today. Your contribution ensures we can purchase and maintain camera traps, analyze crucial footage, and continue our high-level engagement with key stakeholders like SANRAL.

• Tax Benefit: We are a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), and South African taxpayers can receive an S18A tax certificate for all eligible donations.

Donate now

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners

The progress detailed above would not be possible without the generous support of all individuals donating to Ingwe as well as our dedicated sponsors:

The Black Sheep Agency: We extend our deepest gratitude to The Black Sheep Agency for their fourth donation to Ingwe, bringing their total contribution to just over R23,000! Their continuous support allows us to get back into the field for the next survey season starting in January. Moreover, they are supporting the upcoming launch of a new product that will not only provide Ingwe with extra funding but also allow travelers to carry Ingwe’s mission all over the world! Stay tuned!

Africa Geographic: We are incredibly relieved and grateful to announce an astonishing contribution of R232,195 (USD 13,620) from Africa Geographic. This contribution comes at a critical time, providing great relief as we finalize funding for the next phase of the road ecology project. We are very much looking forward to using these funds to complete the data collection process for the road ecology project. Our next field survey will run from January until the beginning of April, which will provide us with all the necessary data to implement further mitigation measures to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Africa Geographic donates a portion of the revenue from every safari they sell to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level. With a deep commitment to protecting Africa’s wild spaces, AG supports organisations like Ingwe Research Program, which are actively safeguarding critical ecosystems and iconic species. Read more about Africa Geographic here.

Thank you for helping us protect the leopards who share our roads and landscapes.

The R40 Claims Another Leopard

We start this month’s update with heartbreak and renewed urgency. Despite our intensive monitoring efforts, we must report the tragic loss of a magnificent male leopard who was killed on the R40 in Hoedspruit.

This death is not an isolated incident; it underscores a profound road ecology crisis in our area. Selati_LM0025 is the eighth leopard lost on our local roads (six on the R40) since monitoring began in mid-2024. As an estimated 5-year-old prime breeding male who had recently established territory across Wild Rivers Nature Reserve and BOCCA, his death is a devastating blow to the genetic health and stability of the entire local population. His movements were being closely tracked by our team and partners making this loss acutely felt.

The Cost of Avoidance: Did We Lose Our Mystery Leopard?

This tragedy brings chilling context to a topic from our last newsletter. We had identified one unknown leopard that consistently avoided the safe underpasses, choosing instead to risk crossing the road directly over the hill. We fear this avoidant individual may have been Selati_LM0025. This raises critical questions for our research: Is the avoidance due to scent markings from other individuals, fear of enclosed spaces, or something else entirely? Finding these answers is vital to ensure our mitigation measures work for every leopard.

Accelerating the Data-Driven Solution

The frequency of these roadkill incidents is simply unacceptable. We are fighting this problem with data, not just distress. Our Road Ecology Project, which launched in February 2025, is dedicated to gathering the evidence needed for effective, long-term solutions.

This project identifies:

• Roadkill hotspots

• Key wildlife crossing areas

• Successful usage of existing culverts

We successfully completed our initial field season in September (thanks to our sponsor AirNav Systems) and are poised to launch our next intensive three-month survey in January. We cannot implement solutions without this vital information.

Celebrating 3 Years of Ingwe and Securing the Next 15

November marks a monumental milestone for us: the 3-year anniversary of the Ingwe Research Program!

When starting a new venture, most projects fail within the first two years. We are incredibly grateful that three years later, Ingwe is still standing—a testament to the passion, belief, and relentless work of our incredible community. Our vision is clear: to save leopards now, but also to ensure they have a future 15 years from now. In 15 years, we want every single person who contributed to be able to look back and proudly say, “We did it, together.”

Video credit: Cameron Pearce, Nkelekele female

In a world where biodiversity is collapsing, being surrounded by people who care and actively want to help is profoundly heart-warming. Ingwe exists because our citizen scientists exist and are committed to conserving these magnificent animals.

Here is a look at the journey:

The Way Forward: Building the Team We Need

This incredible progress, fueled by citizen science and partner dedication, has been managed by largely a one-person team. As the Director of Ingwe, my responsibilities are vast and diverse: I must design research, find sponsors and funding, analyze data, manage partnerships, build our new mobile app (yes, we are launching an app soon to make the citizen scientist experience the best out there!), and handle all organizational administration.

This scale of work requires a whole team—specialized and dedicated to their roles. That’s the only way we can deliver the quick, definitive results needed to save leopards now.

Invest in Our Next 15 Years

We urgently need new sponsors and donations for next year to hire permanent staff, ensuring we can transition from urgent data collection to effective conservation implementation. For those who want to see quick results: remember, impactful research takes time, and there is only so much one person can do.

Your contribution directly funds the growth of our capacity:

• A contribution of US$100 helps cover the intensive operational costs of getting our team into the field for a full day of research and data identification.

• A US$1,000 donation provides the necessary resources to cover 25 days of essential fieldwork and support the deep data analysis that accelerates our path toward real solutions.

Help us get there: Donate, share our work, or reach out to your network to connect us with potential sponsors. If you have specialized skills, we are also grateful for time donations—just like the two individuals currently building our mobile app!

Invest in their future

Join Us in Forging a Future for Leopards

The tragic loss of Selati_LM0025 highlights the immediate and critical nature of our work, but the story of Ingwe’s three-year journey proves what we can achieve when we stand together. Your support, whether it’s through reading our updates, sharing our story, or contributing funds, is what allows us to push the boundaries of research and work towards true human-wildlife coexistence. Help us build the team necessary to secure these corridors and launch those critical future projects. With your continued partnership, we will ensure that South Africa’s magnificent leopards thrive, now and for future generations.

Invest in their future

Thank you for reading!

Marine Servonnat, Executive Director

ingweresearchprogram.org

We are thrilled to announce that Africa Geographic has published yet another article spotlighting our critical work in leopard conservation! The piece, titled “Spots on the line – saving Hoedspruit’s leopards,” details the urgent need to protect these magnificent carnivores whose lives are increasingly threatened by urbanisation and road fatalities in the Greater Kruger area.

We invite you to read the full article and see how your support is making a tangible difference:

Read the article here

Your donation is the engine of change

The Africa Geographic article not only showcases our achievements but also highlights the sheer scale of the data we manage and the enormous potential of the Ingwe Research Program to scale up our impact.

Since 2022, we’ve received an astounding 14,666 camera trap images of leopards from our dedicated partners and citizen scientists, translating into 11,403 unique observations in our area of operation! This incredible dataset has steadily grown year after year, demonstrating the increasing engagement and the ever-expanding scope of our work. So far in 2025, we are already closing in on last year’s record, with only 1,000 images separating us from beating it again. Will we do it?

Imagine how much more we could achieve with a full team of dedicated researchers and conservationists. Your donation is a direct investment in making this a reality, giving us the capacity to truly analyze this wealth of data and protect South Africa’s leopards more effectively.

Every contribution allows us to sustain and expand our vital work, which includes sustaining Ingwe’s Core Work by continuing our vital Road Ecology Project to reduce road fatalities, expanding our Leopard Monitoring database, and enhancing coexistence strategies in wildlife estates.

Donate here

Unlocking Our Future: Two High-Impact Projects

Your support is the key to launch one critical, high-impact initiative mentioned in the Africa Geographic article:

• Ecological Corridor Survey: This project will be a game-changer, illuminating and securing crucial corridor zones between the Greater Kruger and the Blyde River Canyon. Understanding these routes is essential to maintaining genetic connectivity and safeguarding the leopard population’s future.

And to test the feasibility of another project:

• Community-Led Camera-Trap Initiative: Inspired by successful programs in Tanzania, this initiative aims to empower local communities to own and place camera traps. Community members will earn tangible benefits based on the wildlife they photograph. This approach fosters a crucial sense of stewardship, strengthens coexistence between humans and wildlife, and acts as a powerful deterrent against snaring and poaching in high-risk areas.

How you can help leopards today

No matter how modest, your donation drives leopard conservation forward.

• A US$100 donation pays for a whole day spent identifying areas where leopards need more help, and various operational costs.

• A US$1,000 donation helps us cover 25 days in the field and operational costs, accelerating our research and impact.

Together, we can keep South Africa’s leopards roaming free and thriving.

Donate here

Road Ecology Project: A Glimpse into the Wildlife Corridors

Our Road Ecology Project continues to deliver fascinating insights into how wildlife interacts with the busy R40 road environment. The data gathered from the 56 camera traps we deployed to monitor the underpasses has been incredible!

Camera trap species count: a biodiversity snapshot

While the primary goal is monitoring culvert usage, our camera traps—some strategically placed within properties along the R40 to reduce theft risk—captured a stunning diversity of life.

• The first section of road captured 36 different species.

• The second section captured 42 different species.

• In total, we documented 48 different species!

Though we don’t expect animals like giraffe or hippos to use a culvert, it’s always fun to scroll through these images and get a glimpse into the behaviour of so many species living in this shared landscape.

Leopard identification and culvert use

We have now completed the identification of leopards using the culverts in the first section of the road, and the results are encouraging:

• The Black Dot female proved to be a master of safe crossing, using five different culverts.

• A new male, dubbed the Corkwood male, used three culverts.

• The mother Bokamoso and her little one also used three culverts.

Most intriguing was observing both the Corkwood male and Bokamoso leaving scent markings at the exact same location, one day apart, and smelling each other. This behaviour leads us to wonder if the Corkwood male might be the father of Bokamoso’s cub! These moments are vital for understanding their reproductive dynamics and home range overlaps.

While most leopards use the underpasses, we have identified one unknown individual that seems determined to avoid them. This leopard consistently prefers to walk up the hill and cross the busy road directly, rather than using the culvert favored by others.

Understanding the reasons behind this avoidance—is it scent marking, a fear of enclosed spaces, or something else?—is crucial to making future mitigation efforts more effective for all leopards.

What’s Next? Our team is now eagerly checking all the leopard captures from the second section’s camera traps. We can’t wait to find out which familiar—or new—faces have been utilizing the safe passages!

Mbilu: A Legacy of Survival

In August, we sadly lost one of our most consistently monitored leopards, Mbilu, who was killed by lions on the Rietspruit Game Reserve. While conflicts between these two apex predators are a natural part of the ecosystem, the loss of an animal we have tracked so closely is deeply felt. Mbilu was 6 years old and had been sighted 189 times between January 2022 and her passing. She was a remarkable mother, and her final act was to provide for her young.

Mbilu was born in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate to Kulua, the one-eyed female. She successfully dispersed to Raptors View Wildlife Estate, where she raised two males, Kusile and Medupi, to adulthood. Kusile has since established his territory in the Blue Canyon Conservancy, and Medupi, though more elusive, remains in the area. Mbilu then raised a female, Moya, to adulthood. Moya is expected to take over Mbilu’s territory.

Earlier this year, Mbilu had another litter of two cubs. One disappeared, but the fate of the second remained unknown after Mbilu’s death. Twenty-eight days later, on August 31st, a camera trap on Raptors View, belonging to Derek Keats, captured a video that confirmed the cub had survived. We are hopeful that this cub, having inherited Mbilu’s exceptional survival skills, will continue to fight. We will eagerly follow its journey, hopeful that it will reach 1.5 years of age and continue to grow on its own.

The Power of AI: A Leopard's Journey Revealed

This month, a significant discovery was made, demonstrating the power of technology and of our network. The Lion Pan male, a leopard regularly sighted on Kapama Game Reserve until he vanished in April 2024, was rediscovered through our AI platform. His whereabouts remained a mystery until the team from Siyafunda submitted their monthly data.

ArgusWild, the AI program, quickly processed their new images, comparing them against our database of over 14,000 images—a task that would have taken a human thousands of hours. In just minutes, the AI found a match: the Lion Pan male had been sighted in Makalali Game Reserve in July 2025. This remarkable find confirmed a straight-line dispersal of at least 57 km, the longest recorded track to date in our network. This movement indicates that the Lion Pan male likely traversed multiple reserves and areas where we currently do not have access. This finding highlights the crucial role of both the AI platform and our network of over 45 lodges and reserves in tracking leopard populations and movements across the wider landscape. The story of this traveling male continues to unfold as we await to see if he will establish a new territory or continue his journey.

Road Ecology Project: Data Collection Progress

Our road ecology project continues to yield critical data, thanks to our team's patrols and the ongoing contributions of citizen scientists. August marked the conclusion of our roadkill patrols for the dry season. Over 42 mornings from June to August, we recorded 66 road kills on a 47km stretch of the R40. This effort complements the 91 roadkill records submitted by citizen scientists since February 2025. The combined data has allowed us to create a detailed heatmap showing where these incidents are most common. The top five species found were the Red & yellow-billed hornbills (20), civet (18), scrub hare (13), vervet monkeys (10), and other unidentified birds (8), with a breakdown of 60% mammals, 32% birds, and 8% reptiles. We will conduct these patrols again from January to March during the wet season, as we expect to see variations in data between seasons. We encourage citizen scientists to continue reporting roadkill through our WhatsApp group to create a comprehensive map.

In July, our team, led by our Canadian intern Tanis, successfully moved all camera traps to the second section of the R40 to continue our culvert monitoring. Check our short video from the field by clicking this link!

The strategic placement of these cameras has already yielded some very exciting footage, including a female leopard (Bokamoso) teaching her cub how to use a culvert. We have also been able to identify other leopards, including the females Black Dot, and TA_LF0005, as well as a new male from Corkwood. Interestingly, the leopard is the only large predator we have so far recorded using the culverts, which once again highlights their remarkable adaptability.

This ongoing research would not be possible without the generous support of our primary sponsor, AirNav Systems, as well as the vehicle provided by Trophy Rentals, the discounted fuel rate from Bosbok Ollie, and all our private donors.

Our 'Why': A Data-Driven Mission for Leopard Conservation

Leopards are the most persecuted big cat in the world, and prime breeding-age leopards are dying in increasing numbers in areas bordering South Africa's protected wildlife reserves.

They move effortlessly between protected and non-protected areas, where they face threats from vehicles, snares, bullets, and poison. While the full extent of this problem remains unquantified on a large scale, the data we are collecting on our project indicates it is a substantial concern. For instance, in the Hoedspruit area alone, our records show seven leopards killed on roads since we started counting in 2024. These deaths are likely a small fraction of the total mortality. If this trend continues, it could lead to a smaller, weaker gene pool and, ultimately, the disappearance of a key species. Just as wolves play a crucial role in the Yellowstone ecosystem, leopards are vital to maintaining a healthy bushveld through a process known as trophic cascades.

Preventing this decline is the very reason we do what we do.

If you share our commitment to a future where leopards can thrive, we invite you to learn more about our data-driven approach. We would be delighted to share our conservation ambitions and how unrestricted funding for our organizational and research project costs can help us address this critical issue head-on.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Marine Servonnat

Executive Director

https://www.ingweresearchprogram.org/

June marked a significant phase for the Ingwe Research Program as our team commenced intensive fieldwork in Hoedspruit. This month's update details the substantial progress on our key road ecology research projects and successful community engagement efforts, all made possible through the crucial backing of our dedicated partners.

Progress on the Road Ecology Project: Camera Trapping

Our road ecology project made substantial progress in June with the initiation of a comprehensive camera trap survey. This survey focuses on monitoring wildlife movement through culverts and underpasses along a 47km section of the R40.

The preparation for this survey involved several critical steps. Our team, in collaboration with the South Africa National Road Agency, meticulously located and assessed all 119 culverts under the R40, a process that took 11 hours of dedicated effort. From these observations, our new intern, Tanis Short (from McGill University, Canada), alongside Christoffel De Lange, Research Assistant at Transfrontier Africa, and our myself, selected specific culverts for the survey and identified variables that could influence wildlife use. We then met with numerous property owners along the first section of the R40 to secure permission for safe camera deployment within their fences, globally receiving broad support and trust. The final preparation involved assembling and testing all 60 camera traps, ensuring optimal settings.

Field deployment for the first section of the road involved 32 hours of work, during which 46 camera traps were successfully set up with the assistance of volunteers from Transfrontier Africa. During deployment, a volunteer observed a leopard tail inside the fences, followed by alarm calls from impalas 20 minutes later. Remarkably, a leopard then utilized an adjacent culvert to safely cross the road. This firsthand observation provided compelling validation for the project's focus. The cameras will remain in this section for 45 days before being moved to the next section at the end of July. Have a glimpse at the footage demonstrating how various species, including leopards, are utilizing these underpasses.

Roadkill Survey: Monitoring Road Impacts on Wildlife

Another integral part of our road ecology project is the roadkill survey, conducted through rigorous morning patrols. For 14 consecutive mornings in June, our team traversed the 47km transect, commencing 1.5 hours after dawn at a controlled speed of 50 km/h. While the slow speed and our sign “roadkill survey in progress” created some road awareness for passing vehicles, the primary objective was precise data collection.

Upon spotting roadkill, we meticulously recorded photographic evidence, identified species (often challenging given the condition), and noted environmental variables such as road topography, fence types, and verges. During this period, we recorded 36 roadkill incidents, with 57% being birds and 43% mammals. Preliminary data suggest potential trends related to road characteristics; however, robust conclusions will require data from all six planned surveys (three in winter, three in summer). Our Research Assistant, Jem, will continue these patrols in July, and I will take over again in August. These surveys will be repeated in the wet season, where an increase in roadkill incidents is unfortunately anticipated.

These systematic patrols complement the citizen science data collected via our WhatsApp groups. By combining both datasets, we have developed a hotspot map identifying areas with higher roadkill occurrences. We believe the current data, highlighting species such as civets, genets, African wild cats, jackals, tortoises, and various birds and reptiles, is an underestimation of the actual impact of roads on wildlife in the area, reinforcing the need for continued comprehensive data collection.

Stakeholder Engagement: Exploring Leopard Collaring for Fine-Scale Data

As part of our ongoing road ecology project, we recently hosted a meeting with 20 diverse stakeholders. The discussion centered on the potential for collaring leopards to collect fine-scale data on their road-crossing behavior and identify specific hotspots for conflict mitigation. This meeting prioritized full transparency, allowing us to gather valuable feedback, address concerns, and incorporate ideas from all involved parties as we continue to consider various research approaches and data collection strategies.

Community Engagement: Sharing Insights from Leopard Citizen Science

At the end of June, I had the opportunity to present at a Nature On Tap event hosted at the Padel Court in Hoedspruit. The presentation, titled "What does 2.5 years of citizen science data tell us about the leopard population in Hoedspruit?", drew an impressive audience of over 170 attendees.

The high attendance was heartening, reflecting the community's keen interest in our work and their direct contributions to the program's expansion and leopard monitoring. The talk provided insights into the over 200 individual leopards identified by Ingwe and showcased remarkable movements of some of these individuals. For instance, the video below presented the movements of male leopards over time, from late 2022 to the present. Notably, the "Kusile" male, dispersing from Raptors View Wildlife Estate, moved south into the Blue Canyon Conservancy, encountering the long-dominant "Mulhuri" male (indicated in black on the map). Following several confrontations and Mulhuri's unfortunate passing at 7 years of age due to a train strike, Kusile has now established dominance over Mulhuri’s former territory. The full presentation will soon be available on Painted Dog TV’s YouTube channel; keep an eye on our social media for the announcement, along with upcoming videos detailing female leopard movements and combined male and female movements.

Our Deep Gratitude to Collaborative Partners

All the fieldwork, research advancements, and operational successes detailed above were made possible through the invaluable support of our dedicated partners and sponsors. Their commitment is fundamental to our ability to conduct meaningful conservation work.

A major acknowledgment goes to The Black Sheep Agency, a French tourism agency based in Cape Town, who generously sponsored our flight tickets, enabling our team to commence fieldwork. Their consistent financial backing of Ingwe for two years exemplifies their inspiring dedication to both conservation and community projects.

Upon arrival, Trophy Car Rental seamlessly provided a sponsored vehicle. This essential support is crucial for accessing culverts for monitoring and for the deployment of our camera trap survey. We highly recommend supporting this local Hoedspruit business, whose commitment to wildlife conservation is evident.

Our new uniforms, generously sponsored by Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge, ensured our team was well-equipped and professionally presented for all fieldwork and meetings in June. Furthermore, AirNav Systems has been a critical sponsor, donating the 60 camera traps essential for our underpass monitoring.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners for their pivotal contributions. Their support not only provides tangible resources but also reinforces our shared commitment to the long-term conservation of South Africa's leopard populations. We encourage our community to support these businesses in return by considering their services.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the Ingwe Research Program and the conservation of South Africa's precious leopard populations.

Sincerely,

Marine Servonnat

Executive Director

https://www.ingweresearchprogram.org/

We are gearing up for crucial fieldwork, forging new research partnerships, and strengthening our organizational foundation for long-term impact.

Fieldwork for Road Ecology Project Set to Commence with Generous Support

Preparations are underway for the commencement of fieldwork at the end of May for our road ecology project. A critical component of this phase involves the deployment of camera traps, generously sponsored by AirNav Systems, to monitor how wildlife utilizes culverts and underpasses beneath the roads. This vital data will provide insights into the effectiveness of these structures in facilitating safe wildlife movement.

Have a look at the video below, showcasing the quality of the camera traps donated by AirNav! Wait until the end…

The logistical undertaking of reaching our field sites has been significantly eased thanks to the invaluable support of The Black Sheep Agency, a French tourism agency based in Cape Town. Demonstrating a long-standing commitment to supporting NGOs, The Black Sheep Agency has been a dedicated donor to Ingwe for over a year. Their support extends through an innovative partnership involving Pondoro Game Lodge: for every booking made at Pondoro by The Black Sheep, Ingwe receives a donation from Pondoro. This collaborative model exemplifies how businesses can directly contribute to conservation initiatives, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing partnership. These crucial donations are covering our return flights and vehicle rental for three weeks, a substantial contribution that is particularly impactful for a small organization like ours.

The spirit of collaboration extends further within the Hoedspruit community. Trophy Car Rental, a local company, has generously offered us a vehicle free of charge for two weeks and another for three weeks at a significantly discounted rate. Furthermore, our field team will be easily identifiable thanks to brand new uniforms sponsored by Leopards Bend Bush Lodge. We eagerly anticipate sharing images from the field, proudly showcasing the logos of our dedicated sponsors. Your collective commitment to wildlife conservation is truly inspiring, and we encourage our community to support these businesses in return by considering their offers when visiting the region.

Discover all our partners and sponsors here: ingweresearchprogram.org/partners

Expanding Research Capacity Through University Partnership and Student Involvement

On the research front, we are pleased to announce a new Data Sharing Agreement with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and Dr. Dan Parker. This agreement marks the beginning of an exciting research project that will involve a PhD student already well known in the area! We encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter to be among the first to learn about the student and the specific focus of this upcoming research. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering research opportunities and providing valuable experience to students at UMP within our road ecology project.

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Thanks to the continued support of our sponsor, AirNav Systems, we will also fund the placement of two South African students who will contribute directly to our road ecology project. Their work will focus on the analysis of roadkill data and the wildlife crossing data currently being collected by our dedicated citizen scientists through our WhatsApp groups. To date, we have recorded 35 instances of roadkill involving mammals, birds, and reptiles, and 65 wildlife crossings. It is important to note that this data is likely an underestimation of the actual impact of roads on wildlife in the area. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, we are urging more individuals to participate in data collection, and our team will be conducting dedicated patrols for two weeks each month over the next three months to complement and validate the citizen science data.

Our road ecology project is also giving an opportunity to an international student. Tanis Short, a Master's student from McGill University in Canada, will be joining us in the field at the end of May for three months. Her Master's thesis specifically focuses on the use of culverts by wildlife, making her contribution invaluable to this aspect of our research.

Strengthening Ingwe's Future Through Strategic Planning

Recognizing the diverse skills required to effectively run and manage a non-profit organization, both Tom (our Chairman) and I are currently engaged in intensive training. We are committed to continuous learning and professional development to ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of Ingwe Research Program.

We are fortunate that our call for expertise in our previous newsletter was answered by Simon Hartley. Simon is a successful founder and award-winning international retail executive. He founded his first business in 2014, sold it to Walmart in 2021, and completed a successful earn out with Walmart in 2024. Today he helps for profit and non profit organizations through his advisory services firm, Thorndale Group (thorndalegroup.com). A passionate advocate for the wilderness, Simon is also a SanParks Honorary Ranger and lives part of the year in Hoedspruit. We have already completed 20 hours of training with Simon and will continue sessions throughout May. By the culmination of this training, we will have developed Ingwe's strategic plan for the next five years, and we eagerly anticipate sharing our long-term vision and goals with you.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the Ingwe Research Program and the conservation of South Africa's precious leopard populations. Your support, in all its forms, is the foundation of our success.

Sincerely,

Marine Servonnat

Executive Director

https://www.ingweresearchprogram.org/

This month’s newsletter brings updates on our work, including the introduction of a new research assistant, progress on our citizen science mobile application and a significant development in our partnership with Arid Wines.

Introducing Our New Research Assistant: Jem Harris

We are pleased to welcome Jem Harris as our new Research Assistant. Jem's role will involve coordinating fieldwork activities for volunteers, citizen scientists, and interns. He will also contribute to our communication efforts through social media platforms and will play a crucial role in managing the increasing volume of data collected, which exceeded 500 leopard image submissions in March! We anticipate his passion and experience will be a significant asset to our team. Hear directly from him on the reasons which motivated him to join us!

“Contributing to research in the conservation field has been a dream of mine since I was a young boy. Being born and raised in Zimbabwe, and spending so much time immersed in nature, I developed a deep love for wildlife that has shaped my entire career path.

During my teenage years on the Rietspruit Game Reserve, my fascination with leopards grew stronger—I spent every possible moment tracking them and learning about their behavior. After three years studying in the UK, I returned to South Africa and satisfied my ‘leopard fix’ as a field guide in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.

Now, I’m stepping into the next chapter as a Research Assistant with the Ingwe Research Program. I applied for the role as soon as I saw it—the chance to deepen my understanding of leopard dynamics in Hoedspruit and the surrounding reserves was too good to pass up. I hope to grow with the initiative and eventually help expand its reach across the entire Kruger to Canyons Biosphere."

Invest in the Future of Conservation: Become a Sponsor of the Ingwe App

Imagine a future where the power of conservation is seamlessly integrated into the daily experiences of nature enthusiasts worldwide. The Ingwe Research Program is taking a significant step towards this vision with the development of our dedicated mobile app.

This innovative app is designed to:

• Increase participation in wildlife conservation initiatives.

• Provide users with rapid feedback on their contributions.

• Offer readily accessible, up-to-date information relevant to leopard research.

• Enhance the resources available to field guides through detailed ecological insights.

• Improve research efficiency by automating data capture and analysis for tracking individual leopards, their spatial movements, and population estimates.

Data security is our foremost concern in the development of this application. Ensuring that collected data does not fall into the wrong hands is a paramount priority for the Ingwe Research Program. The app will feature restricted access, and all users will be required to register, providing an added layer of security. Integrating AI technology through our collaboration with Tech4Conservation, the app will provide users with personalized updates related to their submitted sightings, including individual leopard identification and potential familial relationships.

The Ingwe app is not just a local tool; it is the foundation for a global conservation platform. Our collaboration with Tech4Conservation will enable them to adapt and expand this technology to protect countless other species facing similar challenges worldwide. This is about creating a powerful, synergistic tool that empowers both citizen scientists and conservation professionals across the globe to contribute meaningfully to wildlife protection.

Invest in the Future of Conservation: Become a Sponsor of the Ingwe App

We believe the Ingwe mobile app represents a paradigm shift in citizen science and conservation technology. It has the potential to revolutionize how we collect data, engage communities, and ultimately protect vulnerable species. However, realizing this ambitious vision requires investment.

We are seeking passionate individuals and organizations to partner with us and sponsor the development and deployment of this groundbreaking app. Your sponsorship will not only fund the creation of this vital tool but will also empower a global movement of citizen scientists, fostering a deeper connection with nature and ensuring a thriving future for Africa's leopards and countless other species.

If you are inspired by the potential of the Ingwe app and are interested in learning more about the significant benefits and recognition opportunities available to our sponsors, we invite you to contact us directly. Together, we can change perspectives, empower communities, and secure a brighter future for the wild.

Contact us

Arid Wines Now Locally Distributed in Hoedspruit Through Industrial Liquor

As many of you know, Arid Wines generously supports the Ingwe Research Program through donation from their sales, demonstrating their valued commitment to leopard conservation. We are now pleased to announce a key development that will make Arid Wines more accessible to our supporters in the Hoedspruit region.

We have established a distribution partnership with Industrial Liquor, a reputable boutique wine and craft liquor shop located directly in Hoedspruit. Known for supplying fine beverages to lodges in the area, Industrial Liquor is the ideal partner to bring Arid Wines to our citizen scientists, lodge partners, tourists, and local residents. This collaboration will ensure that everyone in Hoedspruit has the opportunity to support leopard conservation by purchasing Arid Wines locally. We extend our sincere appreciation to Industrial Liquor for their trust in our vision and for facilitating access to a conservation-minded winemaker. We look forward to hosting a private event to celebrate this partnership with our supporting lodges and ambassadors.

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The stories of Junior and Kulani: Rediscovery and Lineage

The African bush holds many secrets, and through our citizen science project, we are uncovering some of them. Have you seen the social media posts about Junior and Kulani? Let's delve deeper into their captivating stories. We encourage you to follow us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to discover these stories with compelling images and videos.

Junior, a leopard last sighted in 2016, was recently rediscovered this February, thanks to the camera trap of one of our dedicated citizen scientists. For years, his fate remained a mystery. Thanks to the power of our Ingwe network and the sophisticated AI tools provided by the African Carnivore Wildbook, we were able to confirm his rediscovery, with the last image taken in September 2023. This remarkable find underscores the importance of continued monitoring and community participation. We need all reserves to participate to complete the puzzle.

Then, there is the tale of Kulani, a leopard with multiple identities. Born in 2017 to the legendary one-eyed Kulua, Kulani's journey is a testament to the resilience of this species. Thanks to the AI tool of the African Carnivore Wildbook, we found out that Kulani is also known as Xivati in one nature reserve and Mulhuri in another one! We now know where he comes from.

Tragically, he was the leopard involved in the train collision last year. However, his story does not end there. We have confirmed that he is a sibling to Ntsakelo, Mafu, and Mbilu, all born to Kulua, revealing a rich family history. The whole family tree spans over four generations - look below! But where are Mila and Mandla, Kulua’s other cubs? They may be in reserves beyond our current reach, underscoring the importance of expanding our network.

These stories are not just captivating; they are crucial for understanding leopard movements, distribution, and family dynamics. Each data point, each photograph, contributes to a larger picture of leopard conservation. You enjoyed the stories?

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Road Ecology Project: Protecting Wildlife on Our Roads

As mentioned in our previous newsletter, our road ecology project officially launched in February. We have been actively engaging with the Hoedspruit community through local newspapers, radio broadcasts and a YouTube video, encouraging residents to report road kills and wildlife crossings. This vital information will help us understand the extent of the impact roads have on local wildlife.

We have also received a generous donation of 60 camera traps from our sponsor AirNav Systems, which will be deployed to monitor culverts under roads, potential safe passages for animals. However, we urgently need 120 SanDisk 64GB SD cards to keep these cameras running. The 5 biggest contributors of SD cards or metal camera trap cases will receive exclusive images captured by these cameras, and the largest contributor will also receive a branded Ingwe tote bag.

Make a donation

Valuing Expertise

Ingwe Research Program greatly values the expertise of individuals who donate their time and skills. We are deeply grateful for their invaluable contributions.

Adrian generously created our website, saving us significant costs and providing a platform to share our work. Jeffrey donates eight hours a month to our marketing efforts, enhancing our visibility and attracting crucial partners. Ron has provided invaluable HR mentorship. Liam has offered to develop a cutting-edge mobile app for Ingwe, a "Leopard Tracker" that will revolutionize data collection and enhance the experience of our citizen scientists. Imagine a tool that empowers hundreds to contribute to leopard conservation with a simple tap! We are actively seeking a sponsor to support the development and maintenance of this app. Interested?

There are countless ways to contribute to Ingwe, from providing legal advice to managing social media, and even securing international press coverage. Help us become a global voice for leopards! Joining us at this early stage offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of leopard conservation and witness the exponential impact of your contributions.

Securing Ingwe's Future: Funding Our Research and Operations

We have finalized our budget forecast for 2025 and 2026, and we are now focused on securing the necessary funds to continue and expand our vital work. While we are immensely grateful for the ongoing support of AirNav Systems, we require additional funding to sustain our current research projects and cover operational costs.

We are currently working on projects to understand leopard distribution according to environmental and anthropogenic factors, as well as a socio-ecological survey aimed at improving human-wildlife coexistence. We are also planning future projects that will further the conservation of leopards in non-protected areas.

Make a donation

Running a non-profit organization involves significant operational costs, including equipment, data analysis, travel, and administrative expenses. Your sponsorship will directly support our research, cover operational costs, and enable us to make a lasting impact on leopard conservation. Becoming a sponsor at this pivotal moment means your contributions will have an amplified impact, shaping the future of leopard conservation.

We invite you to join us in this mission. Your support, whether through donations, sharing expertise, or spreading awareness, is essential for the success of Ingwe Research Program.

Thank you for your commitment to leopard conservation.

How the project will run

Our research is structured into two main phases:

Phase 1: Baseline Survey

• Identifying high-risk areas for wildlife-vehicle collisions using citizen science data and systematic patrols

• Assessing underpasses & culverts use to determine their potential as safe wildlife crossings.

• Mapping crossing hotspots to prioritize safety measures using citizen science and other data.

Phase 2: Mitigation Measures

• Analyzing data to develop targeted solutions.

• Engaging with the community to ensure solutions are practical and effective.

• Implementing and reviewing mitigation strategies to measure their success.

Although we recognize the urgency of the issue, gathering preliminary data is crucial to ensuring we implement effective solutions correctly rather than hastily.

This work will provide critical insights to improve road ecology practices in South Africa and beyond.

Our progress so far

• We have consulted five international and national road ecologists to ensure our methodology is scientifically sound, and we are ready to start data collection.

• A major sponsor has covered most of our project budget. Read the press release to get the details!

• Three master’s students will conduct their research with us in collaboration with Transfrontier Africa. The first internship opportunity is now open for applications.

• Data collection tools are in place, and we are calling on the Hoedspruit community to participate as citizen scientists.

• We have applied for the first of two necessary research permits and are preparing our second application.

• Media outreach is in full swing! We’ve prepared newspaper articles and will be on Hoedspruit FM this Thursday at 15:30 to discuss the project.

How you can help

• Join us as a citizen scientist by logging wildlife roadkill data if you are in the Hoedspruit area.

• Share our work to spread awareness and expand our reach.

• Support us financially through PayPal, GoFundMe, or direct bank transfers.

• Contribute by donating equipment such as camera traps—check our online shop for details.

• Support artists who support us—a portion of proceeds from their work helps fund our initiatives.

Stay Updated

If you haven’t subscribed to our newsletter yet, sign up now to stay informed and be part of the movement to protect Hoedspruit’s wildlife.

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Thank you for your support!

Marine Servonnat

Executive Director

www.ingweresearchprogram.org

Why this project could change everything

Roads, while essential for human connectivity, can pose significant threats to wildlife. They are both lifelines and barriers. For wildlife, the R40 is a danger zone where vehicle collisions claim countless animal lives each year—leopards, hyenas, jackals, civets, reptiles etc... These accidents often leave the animals dead while causing significant vehicle damage. For us, it’s not just about protecting the species we cherish but also creating safer roads for everyone who travels them.

Check our pamphlet at the bottom of this newsletter!

The struggle to fund conservation: what it takes to make a difference

Wildlife conservation funding is one of the toughest nuts to crack. The behind-the-scenes effort to secure funds—pitching to sponsors, organizing fundraisers, reaching out to donors, and applying for grants—demands enormous time and energy. This is time that could otherwise go toward running the research and conservation projects themselves.

We have noticed a trend: donors love funding “sexy” items like high-tech equipment. While these tools are invaluable, they are useless without the people who operate them. Salaries for researchers, fuel, vehicles, and the time and expertise required to implement projects are less obvious needs but equally critical. Conservation is a chain, and every link matters.

DONATE

So why should you support this project?

We know you are inundated with requests to donate to worthy causes. Here’s why this one stands out:

1. A Win for Both Wildlife and People
   By reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions, we are safeguarding our natural heritage and improving road safety for local communities.

2. Real, Tangible Results
   The project will create visible mitigation strategies—like reinforced culverts, wildlife crossings, and new signage—that every contributor can take pride in.

3. Investing in South African Talent
   This initiative opens doors for South African students pursuing Honors and Master’s degrees, fostering the next generation of conservationists.

4. Beyond Leopards
   While leopards are the flagship species, this project will also benefit countless other underappreciated animals, from civets to reptiles.

5. A True Community Effort
   By engaging citizen scientists in Hoedspruit, we are empowering the community to collect data and witness firsthand the difference their contributions make.

6. A Network of Collaboration
   This project will bring together over ten stakeholders, proving that teamwork can drive impactful change.

7. Inspired by Proven Success
   We are drawing lessons from successful road ecology projects implemented in other countries, particularly in South America, where innovative strategies have significantly reduced wildlife roadkill and improved ecological connectivity. These global successes inspire and inform our approach.

The missing piece: How you can make a difference

Every contribution—whether financial, in-kind, or simply spreading the word—brings us closer to launching this vital initiative. Our start date is February 2025. A detailed pamphlet is attached, outlining the project budget and donation options. We encourage you to share it widely and join us in making a difference.

I CONTRIBUTE

Together, we can protect the wildlife and people of Hoedspruit while inspiring a more harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,
Marine
Executive Director
Ingwe Research Program

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Did our 5-week long journey through Hoedspruit, covering 3,400 kilometers and over 60 meetings, pay off? Absolutely! Here's why:

• Stronger Partnerships: Existing partners witnessed firsthand how collected data becomes valuable information, revealing leopard movements, home ranges, and population numbers. This fosters long-term commitment and buy-in from citizen scientists – guides, owners, managers, and residents – who play a crucial role in Ingwe's success.

• Expanding Network: We are thrilled to welcome new partners! With 45 different reserves and lodges now collaborating, our network is stronger than ever. Discussions are underway with five additional potential partners, further solidifying our collaborative approach.

• Data-Driven Road Collisions: Ingwe prioritizes addressing wildlife collisions. While raising awareness is important, emotions often run high. To find effective, long-term solutions, we need data. This research is now our top priority, but it requires funding. Help us make a difference by donating on our GoFundMe: click here

  

• New Discoveries: ID kits of 43 leopards from unexplored areas were added to the African Carnivore Wildbook, all representing new individuals! This data expansion strengthens our understanding of leopard populations.

• Supportive Sponsors: Arid Wines sponsorship covered 40% of our expenses! We are exploring distribution in Hoedspruit and beyond borders to expand their support. Have any distribution tips or want to order some delicious wine? Reach out to us!

  

• Securing the Future: Negotiations are underway for a unique product that will provide steady funding for Ingwe and four other organizations by mid-2025.

HE IS BACK!

Ntsakelo makes a reappearance. After four long months of uncertainty, Ntsakelo, the magnificent male from Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, has returned! Since his dispersal began in March, he had been sighted in five different areas, with the last sighting being a risky one – a main road at night in late June. It's a huge relief to know he is alive and well, albeit in a non-protected citrus farm where new challenges await.

Knowing this would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of 350+ citizen scientists who share their sightings with Ingwe. This exemplifies the power of a united front!

Calling all conservation enthusiasts: Volunteer with Ingwe!

The ever-growing volume of data and new research projects present a unique opportunity. We are looking for passionate volunteers eager to gain real-world experience in wildlife conservation by assisting us in the field.

In collaboration with Transfrontier Africa Research, our partner organization, we offer a unique volunteer program. Unlike many programs that prioritize profit over purpose, ours is built on real-world conservation work, offering:

• Hands-on Learning: Gain valuable experience through active participation in research projects.

• Meaningful Contribution: the volunteers’ involvement directly impacts leopard conservation and advances knowledge about this flagship species.

• Tangible Outcomes: The volunteers’ role contributes to achieving real-world conservation goals.

Standing out from the crowd

We acknowledge that competing for volunteers with for-profit companies can be challenging. We need your help! Do you have connections with schools, universities, or gap-year programs? Sharing information about our program can help us develop win-win opportunities for aspiring conservationists and Ingwe.

Remember, our volunteer program has a cost associated with it to cover expenses like food, accommodation, and activities while on site, but not for profit!

Together, we can make a significant impact on leopard conservation. Donate, volunteer, or help spread the word!

Stay connected!

Visit our website [ingweresearchprogram.org, coming soon!]

Follow us on social media [@ingweresearchprogram]

Give us a hand via GoFundMe: this way..!

Motherhood

After being captured and released 40km North of Hoedspruit, the female leopard who had unfortunate encounters with humans in July, returned to her two cubs couple of days later. This is a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of maternal instinct. Despite the initial challenges, all three leopards were successfully captured and are now in a rehabilitation center. The goal is to release them soon once a suitable release site is found. Her third cub who had been captured first won’t be able to be released with them. She will stay at the rehabilitation center until she is old enough to be rewilded.

We are discussing with some partners to buy GPS collars to follow both the mother and then next year the female who will be released on its own.

A wave of grief for lost leopards

Sadly, August also brought the loss of three cherished leopards. Cassiopeia female was tragically killed on the R40, a busy national road. Her loss is compounded by the fact that she leaves behind her nine-month-old cub, Andromeda. The Rhulani female was also found deceased on the R40. She was a regular sight for many.

Finally, Mulhuri male was struck by a train. He was in the area for over 11 years and he was a beloved leopard. His passing has left a void in the hearts of many.

These losses are a stark reminder of the challenges leopards face in their natural habitat and the urgent need for increased conservation efforts. We have meetings in October with key residents and stakeholders in the area to brainstorm solutions that will hopefully lead to the implementation of infrastructures to mitigate these losses.

If you want to support our work, check our GoFundMe page!

GoFundMe

Supporting Ingwe Research Program

To continue our work in leopard research and conservation, we are launching a GoFundMe campaign but first here are our accomplishments in less than 2 years:

• A collaborative network of 30+ nature reserves collecting data

• 300+ citizen scientists that have shared data on leopards

• 8000+ images of leopards shared and 5200+ unique sightings

• 80+ leopards with identity kits allowing us to follow their movements

• A strong involvement of the community in wildlife research & conservation

Your donations will support:

• Operations: Funding our ongoing research and conservation efforts.

• Road signs: Creating impactful signs to warn drivers of potential leopard crossings.

• Emergency funds: Providing immediate assistance to injured or displaced leopards.

• Engagement: Increasing the number of citizen scientists and reserves involved in our program.

• Awareness: Raising awareness about the challenges leopards face and promoting behavioral changes.

• Mobile app development: Creating a platform for citizen scientists to track leopard movements, identify individuals, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

Join us in the fight to protect South Africa's leopards. Your support is crucial in ensuring the survival of the most adaptable of the big cats.

Donate & share this fundraising to your network and on social media to extend our reach. Small amounts multiplied by many donors can truly make a difference!

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This month, an unknown female leopard attacked, perhaps as a defensive behaviour, two persons, who were probably too close to the female’s cubs, hidden in an urban area. The female was captured and relocated safely but the cubs have not been found yet although everything is done to try save them. Although it is emotionnally difficult, it is more important for the female to be captured as she will be able to have cubs again and contribute to the leopard population. It was not advisable to let this female roam freely for longer and risk another attack that could have desastrous consequences for her and the people.

It is a very unfortunate situation but we need to remember that this is extremely rare and is an unsual behaviour that should not question our ability to live peaceful amongst leopards and other wildlife.

The leopards in the area are traversing from one reserve to another, cross roads and enter the most urban parts of town sporadically at night when they know they can move safely without encountering humans. It is our responsibility to avoid walking alone at dusk, dawn and night.

As residents and/or wildlife lovers, we can reassure those who aren't as used to us in living with wildlife that they are still safe and that Hoedspruit is a Wildlife Heaven where we all can coexist.

I will consider launching a fundraiser to have GPS collars available for this type of event so we can also ensure that the female settles in again properly before taking back the collar. The whole operation is very costly though but I would happily look at trying to get funds solely dedicated to that purpose. If you want to participate in establishing this fund, please reach out.

Ingwe Research Program NPC

Ingwe Leopard Research has been a cornerstone project of the On Track Foundation, itself belonging to On Track Safaris. The owners, Will & Carol Fox, driven by a passion for wildlife conservation, have dedicated over 15 years to protecting leopards. Their remarkable safaris across the globe have served as a vital source of funding for this critical work.

When I was still based in the Okavango Delta, I reached out to Will & Carol with a vision for Ingwe. True to their commitment to nurturing people, they entrusted me with the responsibility of managing and developing the project since November 2022.

Recently, in perfect alignment with their values and desire to establish a lasting legacy, Will & Carol encouraged me to take the next step: establishing Ingwe as a Non-Profit Company in South Africa. Their invaluable guidance, advice, and knowledge sharing proved instrumental in making this a reality, and their support will continue as they remain invested in Ingwe's ongoing development.

With immense pride, I announce the official registration of Ingwe as Ingwe Research Program with a dedicated board of directors. This new board brings a wealth of diverse expertise, further propelling Ingwe's mission forward.

Furthermore, we are actively building our website, which will introduce our board members, provide updates on all the current projects, share the latest research findings, and feature a dedicated partner page with all the logos proudly displayed.

Finally, we are actively looking for funding and sponsorship opportunities to ensure the financial sustainability of the research and continue to grow. I am already working on about 10 different ways to bring funds for the NPC but I am open to more suggestions about organizing fundraising events, best companies to approach for sponsorship etc… Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am deeply grateful for the collaborative spirit that binds everyone - reserves, lodges, wildlife estates, all the valued partners and all the supporters following our work.

Thank you.

Get in touch: marine@ontrackfoundation.org

I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to all the incredible reserves and citizen scientists – guides and residents alike – who have dedicated their time to collecting invaluable data. Your contributions are vital to our research!

Ready to discover the top 5 contributors who shared the highest number of unique leopard sightings, through both direct observations and camera traps, in the past 6 months? Look no further!

🥇Olifants West Nature Reserve: 252 sightings with 409 images

🥈Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate: 163 sightings with 180 images

🥉Kapama Game Reserve: 152 sightings with 237 images

In the 100s of images shared there is also:

🏅Klaserie Game Reserve: 83 sightings with 102 images

🏅Thornybush Game Reserve: 78 sightings with 112 images

Thank you all for your active participation in leopard research!

New maps showcase home ranges and movements

I have been busy creating some visuals – for the first time, I am sharing maps that showcase the movements and home ranges of many known leopards. These maps not only reveal how these territories overlap, who is where but also provide a clearer picture of the individuals involved. Get ready to put a name (or a code name!) to a face!

The leopards of the Rietspruit Game Reserve, Blue Canyon Conservancy, Raptors' View and Zandspruit Wildlife Estates

Mbilu is mostly based in Raptors’ View and Zandspruit but was briefly spotted in Blue Canyon in May. She still has a young cub in RV and is already back there.

Medupi (Mbilu’s daughter) has been exploring the area since she dispersed in November 2023 and after visiting Kapama, she is back on Blue Canyon.

The Bloubank male patrols on the Western section of the area and covers mainly the territories of Kudu Krip 2:3 and of Leadwood.

Raptors_LM0005 covers the Northern section and mainly covers the territories of Mbilu. He could be the father of Mbilu’s current cub.

The Leadwood male moved South after Raptors_LM0005 arrived at the end of 2023. He is now on Blue Canyon.

Mulhuri / Xivati covers the South Eastern section of the area and is the dominant male on Blue Canyon. He is probably the father of Kwetsi’s current cub. Kusile (son of Mbilu) has entered his territory but he will likely stay away.

The leopards of Kapama Game Reserve

Monzo's last sighting was in October 2023 and it seems his territory is slowing being taken over by Tlanga, born in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate in 2020 and who dispersed in March 2023.

Hleketa has the biggest territory of all the males (19% of Kapama) and mainly overlaps with Nkelekele's territory.

Nkelekele has two youngsters - Kapama_LF0027 who is quite adventurous and Kapama_LM0021.

We can observe some males sneaking into Hleketa's territory but only on the edges. Nanakanzi's son (Kapama_LM0020) is still inside his mother's territory.

Both Lion Pan are siblings, hence the territory overlap. Lion Pan female has the biggest territory, covering 21% of the reserve.

The leopards of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, Air Force Base and Tshukudu Game Reserve

Ntsakelo’s home range is the biggest one as he is slowly dispersing from the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. He went numerous time to Tshukudu, visited once Khaya Ndlovu and was spotted as well at La Bamba, in town in the middle of the night. As he has crossed the R40 multiple times, he is unfortunately at a higher risk of being hit by a vehicle. Hopefully, he will soon settle in a natural area with less human disturbance.

Rhulani is the most sighted female in Tshukudu and her territory has crossed Ntsakelo’s. There aren’t well known older males in Tshukudu but the leopards there are more skittish. Ntsakelo will most likely have challenging encounters there.

Mafu’s home range might be expanding to Pridelands & Boston as well but unfortunately no data are available there. He has never been reported in Kapama, suggesting that his territory is North East, encompassing the Air Force Base as well.

Tlanga dispersed in March 2023 from HWE and has now settled in Kapama where he is very relaxed and regularly seen by the guides.

Kulua & Dzaha have both only ever been seen inside HWE but the camera traps indicate they both exit the estate on the Eastern side regularly. Dzaha stays in the Eastern part of HWE only.

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I begin this newsletter with heartbreaking news. May saw a terrible toll on leopards in our study area. Three leopards lost their lives due to human-wildlife conflict on our roads, all during weekends and late at night. These fatalities included two young males, likely still searching for territories, and a young female. Losing a leopard disrupts the delicate balance within the population. The young males were most likely still dispersing from their natal ranges, and in this vulnerable phase, they often cross roads more frequently, increasing their risk. The young female's death is particularly concerning as she may have had dependent cubs who would now be orphaned with no chance of survival. Furthermore, her loss represents a missed opportunity for population growth, as leopards can have new litters every 1.5 years if the cubs reach adulthood.

Three Leopards in Three Weekends: A Preventable Tragedy

Losing three leopards in just three weekends is devastating, especially when these deaths were entirely avoidable. Hoedspruit is renowned as a "Wildlife Heaven," surrounded by reserves teeming with incredible animals. However, living alongside wildlife requires responsibility from both residents and tourists. High speeds, failing to slow down when visibility is limited by roadside vegetation, reckless overtaking, and driving under the influence all pose a significant threat to wildlife and human safety. With Hoedspruit's growing human population, these road fatalities are likely to increase unless we act now. It is our collective responsibility to raise awareness and adapt our behavior to ensure harmonious coexistence with the wildlife we cherish.

Citizen Science in Action: Tracking Leopards

Thanks to the dedication of our incredible citizen scientists participating in the Ingwe project, we can track the movements of many individual leopards. This valuable data has identified two leopards of particular concern: the Medupi female and Ntsakelo male, both under 3 years old, who have been observed crossing major roads. Will they be the next victims?

These are individuals that the Hoedspruit community has had the privilege of watching grow since they were cubs. Residents have enjoyed fantastic sightings and have come to know them on a deeper level due to their relaxed nature around people. This makes their potential loss even more heartbreaking

Moving Forward: Addressing Road Safety and Exciting Developments for Ingwe

I am actively seeking solutions. Discussions with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) regarding the possibility of deploying speed traps on specific sections of road will be underway. Fines collected from speeding violations could be directed towards a dedicated fund to cover the costs of wildlife injuries caused by human activities, such as snares, fences, and road collisions.

On a brighter note, June promises exciting developments for Ingwe Leopard Research! I can't wait to share the news with you. In the meantime, stay tuned by subscribing to the newsletter and following the research on Instagram & Facebook (@ingweleopardresearch), and on LinkedIn (On Track Foundation).

Support Ingwe and Become a Citizen Scientist!

The INGWE code for Camera Traps CC is still active, offering a 7.5% discount on all their products! By installing a camera trap on your property, you can:

• Capture amazing wildlife footage and contribute valuable data to Ingwe Leopard Research as a citizen scientist.

• Benefit from a discounted purchase price.

• Have a portion of your purchase directly donated to Ingwe, further supporting our vital conservation efforts.

Share This Newsletter: Spread Awareness and Save Lives!

By sharing this newsletter, you can play a crucial role in raising awareness about the dangers of roadkill in areas surrounding wildlife. Together, we can create a safer environment for leopards and all wildlife.

Ingwe Leopard Research, in collaboration with Transfrontier Africa's research team, is offering internship opportunities for students passionate about conservation. We are looking for five dedicated individuals to tackle crucial research projects:

• BSc Students:

  • Investigate how environmental characteristics influence leopard distribution (BSc 1).

  • Analyze the impact of human disturbance on leopard populations (BSc 2).

  • Explore how prey occupancy affects leopard distribution using game count data (BSc 3).

• MSc Students:

  • Combine the findings of the BSc projects to create a comprehensive understanding of leopard distribution across the study area (MSc 1).

  • Examine human-leopard interactions and coexistence challenges in wildlife estates using a socio-ecological study (MSc 2).

These internships offer a unique opportunity to:

• Contribute to impactful research published and presented to the wider community.

• Gain valuable experience under the guidance of seasoned conservationists.

• Become a professional in using AI for conservation on a leading platform.

Calling All Conservation Enthusiasts!

We also have a limited number of volunteer positions available! Join our team and gain firsthand experience in:

• Citizen science – Be a part of South Africa's largest carnivore-focused citizen science project.

• Using AI for conservation – Learn valuable skills on a widely used platform.

• Participating in a variety of research activities alongside other dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer positions require a 3-month minimum commitment to ensure proper training and development. With only 12 spots available per year, apply now!

Spread the Word and Share the Opportunity!

We want to give as many students as possible the chance to launch their conservation careers. Please share this newsletter with anyone who might be interested.

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Data keeps flowing

The leopard sightings data continues to grow at an impressive pace! This month, I received a 363 camera trap and sighting images from 17 areas (excluding the Kruger National Park). Since the beginning of the project, 5031 unique leopard encounters were recorded with 3275 in 2023 and 915 in 2024. This surge in data allows us to build a more comprehensive picture of leopard populations.

I am also thrilled to welcome AfriCam as a new partner! Their live cameras provide incredible opportunities to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Two of AfriCam's dedicated subscribers are now ambassadors for Ingwe Leopard Research, gathering valuable data from the live feeds. Be sure to check out their live cameras!

Bridge the research gap – help survey non-protected areas!

While most leopard research in South Africa focuses on protected areas, a significant portion of suitable leopard habitat lies outside these boundaries. To understand leopard movement and distribution more fully, I urgently need your help to conduct a camera trap survey in these non-protected areas.

Here's How You Can Directly Contribute:

• Donate to sponsor a camera trap (approximately USD 266).

• Contribute to camera trap rental costs (USD 77).

Every contribution brings us closer to closing the knowledge gap and ensuring a future for leopards outside protected areas.

Special Offer!

Purchase a camera trap from Camera Traps CC using the promo code "INGWE" and receive a 7.5% discount. Camera Traps CC will then donate the discount amount directly to Ingwe Leopard Research! Contact chris@cameratraps.co.za for more information. You might get to discover leopard cubs on your camera as did Riaan Cloete in Lissataba! See below.

They have already sponsored 6 camera traps: Royal Malewane Foundation, AfriCam, Idea Wild, anonymous donor.

Together, let’s make a difference! Contact me at marine@ontrackfoundation.org to get involved.

Expanding Our Reach: Camera Trap Survey in Non-protected Areas

In collaboration with the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere Reserve, Ingwe Leopard Research embarks on a crucial new initiative. We are aiming at conducting a camera trap survey in non-protected areas, acting as potential ecological corridors linking the Greater Kruger area to the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Two farms have already pledged their participation, and I am actively seeking additional partners.

The Importance of Your Support

This survey is vital. While 95% of South African leopard research occurs within protected areas, 63% of suitable leopard habitat lies outside these boundaries. To effectively study and conserve leopards, we need your help. By sponsoring a camera trap (approximately R5,125 = 252€ = £216)) or contributing to the rental costs (R1500 = 73€ = £63), you directly support this groundbreaking survey.

Together, we can bridge the knowledge gap and ensure a future for leopards!

Sponsor a camera trap: marine@ontrackfoundation.org and receive back footages such as below!

Video credit: Shannon Farnsworth

Make a difference

Sharing the Responsibility: Coexisting with Wildlife

An encounter with a leopard is a truly breathtaking experience, highlighting the importance of responsible wildlife coexistence. Residents living alongside these incredible creatures share their home with wild animals. It is a privilege to coexist, but remember, these are wild predators.

Living in Harmony with Leopards

Residents who chose this lifestyle should understand the responsibility of coexisting with top predators. Even more so for the guests visiting those areas. Simple yet vital actions play a key role in safe coexistence:

• Respect all wildlife, not just carnivores.

• Maintain a safe distance from all animals.

• Avoid cornering or threatening any wildlife, even herbivores.

• Secure pets indoors at night, especially during twilight hours.

• Refrain from leaving food outdoors.

• Supervise children closely when playing outdoors and avoid letting them run in open areas.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure the safety of both humans and leopards, allowing us to share this extraordinary space in harmony.

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Data Growth

In March, I received an impressive 147 camera trap and sighting images from 15 different areas, excluding Kruger National Park. Additionally, exciting news from Bushveld Bivouac submitted images from both 2022 and 2023, revealing several leopards not currently in the database. I eagerly await potential future sightings to track their movements.

Data from Kruger National Park, captured in March, recently arrived via Latest Sightings and is currently undergoing a meticulous review process. Carole, who generously volunteers her time, is assisting me with this crucial task.

The map below showcases all the unique leopard sightings (581!) shared in 2024 across a remarkable 21 locations.

Thank You!

Your continued support fuels my work in leopard conservation. Please share this newsletter with your networks and follow the project on social media (@ingweleopardresearch) for regular updates. I welcome your inquiries and potential contributions – feel free to reach out via email (marine@ontrackfoundation.org)

Together, let’s make a difference for leopards!

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