A species starting to come under the spotlight is the Leopard, where research is showing a decline in over 30% in the last 30 years. Statistics like these are particularly concerning for a species that up until recently, has been able to hold its own, due to its ability to adapt to a changing landscape.
Leopards come under fire for livestock predation. However, research through the Landmark Foundation has shown that often the resident leopard is blamed for the kill whilst being completely innocent. The Landmark Foundation works with farmers to correctly identify the cause of the predation and encourage non-lethal methods of predator management, as well as a shift back to stock protection, moving the focus off the predator and back to the livestock.
Gintraps remain a problem. They are a non-selective, unethical form of predator management. Even the so-called soft-hold gintrap can cause fatal damage to the leg of the animal trapped.
Tenikwa would like to construct a special enclosure which is suited to housing injured wild leopards for treatment. This affords them the opportunity of a second chance. The enclosure needs to be specially designed to enable safe access to the animal whilst it is being treated.
This is a project that we would like to commence with in early 2010.
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