Monthly Newsletter March 2025
Advancing Leopard Conservation Through People, Partnerships, and Innovation
Dear Supporters of the Ingwe Research Program,
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.
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.
Thanks for reading Ingwe Research Program! Subscribe to receive new posts and support our work.