Residents at home after attacked by a leopard
Two residents who were attacked by a leopard between July 26 and July 28, have been discharged from hospital and are recovering at home.
According to South African Air Force (SAAF) corporate communication officer, Brig Gen Chetty, both victims sustained injuries, none of which were fatal. “The uniformed member was released on the day of the incident from the hospital. The civilian member was discharged on Thursday, August 1,” he said. Chetty said the leopard was captured and relocated to the Sawong Nature Reserve in Phalaborwa.
“We collaborated with wildlife experts and local authorities to assess the situation and implement appropriate measures to mitigate future risks. While we understand the concerns raised by this situation, we encourage all personnel to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols when engaging with the natural wildlife in the area,” said Chetty.
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He said that in response to these incidents, the acting commanding officer of Air Force Base Hoedspruit (AFB), Col Enrico Gherbavaz, mobilised the base environmental team to mitigate further risks. “Immediate measures included summoning the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) to trace the leopard, contacting the Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism (Ledet) and other stakeholders to arrange for the leopard’s safe removal.
Additionally, communications were sent out to residents urging them to be vigilant as well and avoid solitary outdoor activities,” he added. Marine Servonnat, Ingwe Leopard Research project manager and conservation ecologist of On Track Foundation, said the female leopard was captured and relocated safely but the leopard’s cubs have not been found even though everything has been done to try to save them.
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“Although it is emotionally difficult, it was more important for the female to be captured as she will be able to have cubs again and contribute to the leopard population. It was not advisable to let this female roam freely for longer and risk another attack that could have disastrous consequences for her and the people.”
She said the incident was extremely rare and is unusual behaviour for a leopard. “We should not question our ability to live peacefully amongst leopards and other wildlife. “The leopards in the area traverse from one reserve to another, cross roads and enter the most urban parts of town sporadically at night when they know they can move safely without encountering humans. It is our responsibility to avoid walking alone at dusk, dawn and night,” she said.
