Monthly newsletter - July 2023
Exciting updates - Crowdfunding, podcasts, network extension!
Dear fellow wildlife enthusiasts,
I have been busy working on various initiatives to conserve and protect our precious wildlife, and I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates with you.
Give & Receive!
I am thrilled to announce that the long-awaited reward-based crowdfunding campaign for Ingwe Leopard Research is officially LIVE!
This exciting initiative aims to support the conservation efforts for the magnificent and threatened leopards of South Africa.
Now is the perfect time to be part of this significant movement. The first week of the campaign are crucial for its success, and everyone can play a pivotal role in making it happen. Your support, big or small, will have a lasting impact on the preservation of these majestic creatures and their natural habitats.
How can you help?
By joining our campaign, you'll be contributing to cutting-edge research, vital wildlife protection measures, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and educational programs that raise awareness about the importance of protecting leopards.
Remember, every donation counts, and even spreading the word about the campaign can make a significant difference. Let's unite in this collective effort to safeguard the future of these remarkable creatures.
Together, let's make a tangible difference in the world of wildlife conservation!
Podcast series: conservation conversation
This month, in partnership with We Are Ultimate Safari, we have released a special podcast series. These five episodes delve into the fascinating world of citizen science and AI. The podcasds are available on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Click on the links!
Episode 1 & 2: Ingwe Leopard Research and Citizen Science
In the first two episodes, we discuss the Ingwe Leopard Research project, shedding light on its origins and the incredible journey it has taken since its inception. Additionally, we delve into the significant role of citizen science in advancing conservation efforts. Learn how every individuals can make extraordinary contributions to wildlife conservation.
Episode 3: Living with Leopards - A Citizen Scientist's Perspective
In our third episode, we had the honor of hosting a citizen scientist from a wildlife estate in our study area. He shared his experiences of coexistence with wildlife, particularly leopards, and how he has come to know these elusive creatures living in his very own backyard. His insights provide valuable lessons on fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Episode 4: AI in Conservation - The African Carnivore Wildbook
Our fourth episode featured an interview with the brilliant mind behind the African Carnivore Wildbook. She enlightened us on the revolutionary ways artificial intelligence is being utilized to benefit wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on carnivores, including leopards. The synergy of technology and conservation is paving the way for more effective strategies.
Episode 5: Collaborative Research in the Waterberg Region
The final episode of this captivating series explores the cutting-edge research being conducted in the Waterberg region to understand leopards' distribution, movement, and population numbers. We emphasize the power of collaboration in achieving a deeper comprehension of these majestic creatures, ultimately helping us make informed conservation decisions.
As always, our aim is to raise awareness, promote conservation efforts, and foster a community of passionate individuals committed to protecting our wildlife heritage.
I invite you all to listen to the podcast series and share it with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Data submissions
This month, we have made significant strides in expanding our data collection and collaboration efforts, thanks to the dedication and support of various reserves in the Waterberg and Hoedspruit areas.
New Data Contributions
Two reserves in the Waterberg region and three reserves in the Hoedspruit area have submitted leopard data for the first time. With the addition of these new reserves, our project's reach has grown, enabling us to gain insights into previously unexplored leopard populations.
Over 2000 Leopard Images Collected
Through our combined efforts, we have managed to gather over 2000 images of leopards since the inception of the project. These photographs are invaluable in helping us identify individual leopards, track their movements, and analyze their populations' health. The willingness of these reserves to participate in our research demonstrates their commitment to wildlife conservation.
Partnership with the Waterberg Research Support Centre
Our partner, the Waterberg Research Support Centre has reached an incredible milestone where 27 reserves in the Waterberg region are now sharing their valuable leopard data. The power of collective information-sharing cannot be understated, and this unified effort will undoubtedly aid in crafting more effective conservation strategies. To streamline data management and enhance accessibility, all the collected data from the participating reserves will be consolidated into one profile on the African Carnivore Wildbook dedicated to leopards in the Waterberg. We eagerly await the platform's first results, as it promises to provide invaluable insights into the lives of these elusive felines.
Thank you to all the reserves and partners who are contributing to this massive collaboration. Your dedication to conservation is making a real difference in the protection of leopard populations and their natural habitats.