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Environmental Studies |
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last update: September 13, 2005 |
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Tracking leopards with GPS collars in South Africa |
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by Nicole & Quinton Martins |
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A GPS collar tracking project on leopards in South Africa The leopard fills the role of the apex predator in the Western Cape ecosystem and acts as an “umbrella species” which will effectively help in the conservation of smaller, lower profile predators. Its resilience to persecution notwithstanding, the leopard has suffered extensive range loss in the Cape and is now extinct in many areas of the province where it formerly occurred. The species is routinely and regularly removed from farms with little knowledge of population or genetic status, whether removals are sustainable or whether the factors giving rise to conflict are established. Today, the long-term persistence of leopard populations pivots on their densities within protected areas. Reliable population estimates of large carnivores are, therefore, essential for effective conservation management.
Houdini The adult male leopard Houdini was trapped and fitted with a GPS collar with remote position data download at August 13, 2005. Until that day he killed already 14 sheep. We plan to track Houdini over one year, after that a remote drop off mechanism will separate the belts of the GPS collar.
First results During the first 4 weeks after being collared.
Fig. 4 : Location points of Houdini, August, 13 - September 13, 2005
Author's address:
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