Monthly newsletter - October 2024
From fieldwork to impact: Ingwe's latest achievements and future goals
Citizen science at its finest: a roar of success in Hoedspruit
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
Movements of identified leopards in the Hoedspruit area showing where they are crossings and where deceased leopards were found (6 on the roads, one on the train track and one further from the road, but likely died after a vehicle collision). 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..!