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WORLD WATCH
 South Africa: Leopard Soffocated by Bike Break Cable in Baviaanskloof Reserve...

A large male leopard was killed on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth on Thursday 16th July 2009. It was caught around the neck in a cable snare and died of suffocation. The snare was made from a bicycle break cable.
 
LeopardThis leopard’s death is of major concern as a recently completed Rhodes University study indicates that this cat would have been part of a core population of territorial leopard that live in and around the Baviaanskloof Reserve. The study indicates that only about 30 territorial leopards remain in this region.
 
Dr Bool Smuts of the Landmark Foundation states that ”over the past 6 years, we know of at least 29 leopards that have died, largely in gin traps, in the Baviaanskloof. This is the only the cases known, and may constitute only 50% of those that actually died.  This species is under severe threat in the region and we are possibly already past the 11th hour for its survival. Evidence strongly suggest that methods that are ethically unacceptable, such as gin taps, hunting dog packs, poisons, denning and helicopter hunting are also biologically ruinous and clearly ineffective in addressing the problem.  A factory in Prince Albert is producing 15,000 gin traps each year, and production bodies are continuing to call for more lethal controls of predators through indiscriminate methods.”
 

 

Working with willing farmers, The Landmark Foundation has rescued 27 leopards since 2004.  The organization supports rescues, rehabilitation and appropriate wild releases of animals affected by predator controls and its research work examines predator ecology and the efficacy of non-lethal control methods.  
 
“We have worked with and engaged all sectors of the supply and value chain with respect to this debate, inclusive of government, civil society bodies and private sector entities. We have been directly supported by two of the major retail groups and major corporations. We have the support of ethical producers and many donors, and additionally large amounts of money for our efforts come from our own pockets” says Smuts.
 
The Landmark Foundation is a conservation and sustainable development NGO, which strives to build the conservation economy so that Southern Africa’s natural landscapes can effectively be conserved.  The organization is also developing a wildlife-friendly meats and animal fibre brand, Fair Game™, that will reward producers who comply with audited and acceptable production standards that are ethically and ecologically acceptable.
 
The body responsible for the legal status of gin traps in South Africa is The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism; representatives to contact:

Mr Bonani

Mr Thomas

Ms Olga Khumalo

Ms Magdel Boshoff

For more information contact, Dr Bool Smuts, Director of the Landmark Foundation

 
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