Monthly newsletter - August 2024
A month of loss and hope for South Africa's leopards
August was a bittersweet month for Ingwe Research Program. As we navigate the delicate balance between human and wildlife coexistence, we witnessed the devastating loss of three beloved leopards while also celebrating a remarkable victory for a mother and her cubs.
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!
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!
