Monthly newsletter - February 2025
Remarkable leopard discoveries, road ecology update, and building a collaborative future
This month, we are sharing extraordinary updates that highlight the power of citizen science and collaborative conservation. From the captivating stories of two individual leopards to the progress of our road ecology project and the valuable contributions of our skilled supporters, Ingwe Research Program is continues to grow!
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?
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.
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.
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.
