One million members of the African Congregational Church (ACC) have joined forces with the global wild cat conservation organisation, Panthera, in their Furs for Life (FFL) Programme’s initiative that aims to reduce the killing of wild leopards in southern Africa. The Nazareth Baptist Church, eBuhleni (Shembe Church), and Barotse Royal Establishment of the Lozi people of western Zambia also joined Panthera’s FFL prorgamme.
Panthera is devoted to preserving wild cats and their critical role in the world’s ecosystems through the development of innovative strategies based on the best available science. Their efforts protect a variety of species, including cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards, tigers, and 33 smaller species, along with their habitats.
A decade ago, Panthera scientists discovered that, although fewer than 5 000 leopards exist in South Africa, at least 800 leopards were killed annually in the country for their fur. Panthera documented that as many as 15 000 illegal leopard furs were being worn during religious gatherings in southern Africa, with those donning the furs believed to take on the leopard’s characteristics.
The FFL is a decade-long initiative that will replace the ACC’s ceremonial regalia, traditionally made with authentic fur, with a synthetic, longer-lasting and cheaper alternative known as ‘Heritage Fur’. This initiative aims to save the wild leopards of the region while providing a new source of income for the female members of the ACC who will tailor the ceremonial regalia and other clothing items.
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The ACC’s president, Rev NS Hlomuka, said: “We are aware that the growing human population and the increasing numbers of our church members could have a negative impact on leopard numbers. Our partnership with Panthera allows us to maintain the tradition and beauty of leopard skins, all the while saving the leopards that God created.”
Panthera’s FFL project co-ordinator, Tristan Dickerson, stated: “We are particularly thrilled to partner with a women-dominated church on an initiative that empowers local women to contribute financially to their families and community, and to our broader leopard conservation efforts. It’s a win-win-win. Eventually, we hope to transition the initiative wholly to the community itself.”
Hlomuka added that the project is also a dream come true for unemployed women in the church, as the training they have received from Panthera has uplifted them, and they are now able to provide for their families.
