After being captured and released 40km north of Hoedspruit, a female leopard who had unfortunate encounters with humans in July, returned to her two cubs a couple of days later. According to Marine Servonnat, Ingwe Leopard Research project manager, this is a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of maternal instinct. “Despite the initial challenges, all three leopards were successfully captured and are now in a rehabilitation centre.”
“The goal is to release them soon once a suitable release site is found. Her third cub who had been captured first won’t be able to be released with them. She will stay at the rehabilitation centre until she is old enough to be rewilded,” said Servonnat. She said that they are discussing with some partners to buy GPS collars to follow both the mother and then next year the female who will be released on its own. “Sadly, August also brought the loss of three cherished leopards.
Also read: Three leopards killed on consecutive weekends in Hoedspruit
Cassiopeia, a female leopard, was tragically killed on the R40, a busy national road. Her loss is compounded by the fact that she leaves behind her nine-month-old cub, Andromeda. Rhulani, another female, was also found deceased on the R40. She was a regular sight for many. “Finally, Muhluri, a male was struck by a train. He was in the area for over 11 years and he was a beloved leopard. “His passing has left a void in the hearts of many.”
“These losses are a stark reminder of the challenges leopards face in their natural habitat and the urgent need for increased conservation efforts. “We have meetings in October with key residents and stakeholders in the area to brainstorm solutions that will hopefully lead to the implementation of infrastructures to mitigate these losses,” she added.
