Leopards spotted along the N2 between Mkhuze and Hluhluwe last night, did not escape from nearby game reserves, according to a statement from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
The statement continues ” like animals such as snakes, jackals and hyenas, leopards are free-living, in many parts of KZN.”
Leopards (Panthera pardus) are by nature quiet secretive and difficult to spot.
More about Leopards
According to status data from the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), there are between 2,813 and 11,632 Leopards. About 60% of the population are adults (an estimated 6,979).
Studies reveal they are decreasing, in fact, empirical research shows they are most vulnerable outside protected areas. There they are hunted illegally, used for cultural ceremonial reasons, wildlife breeding and other.
Leopards are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN red data list, because they have a small population size, that is also on the decline.
According to the SANBI portal, population ecology studies at four locations, of which two are in KwaZulu-Natal and another two in Limpopo, show severe population declines over short term periods.
Leopard density has declined by more than 10% over the past 4 – 7 years.
A study in Welgevonden and Balme indicates a decline of 33% in just 6 years. In Lajuma (22%) decline in 7 years; In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi (40%) decline in 4 years and uMkhuze (13%) decline in 5 years.