Leopards in the Little Karoo
CapeNature staff in the CapeNature Protected Area Complexes of Outeniqua, Gamkaberg and Swartberg have recently been working on a rewarding collaborative project aimed at updating our knowledge of leopard population density and compiling leopard identikits.
The leopard, Panthera pardus, has a red list status of vulnerability. Although leopards are widespread in South Africa, their survival is far lower outside than inside protected areas. The main threat to these apex predators is unsustainable persecution: trophy hunting, control of damage-causing animals, snaring and hunting for skins for cultural regalia.
In the Little Karoo, leopards are known to prey on at least 33 different species but the most common items on the menu are duiker, grey rhebok, dassies, klipspringer and baboon. They have large home ranges and can come into conflict with agriculture in this semi-arid environment, where crop farming is likely to be increasingly replaced by livestock and game farming.
Previous camera trapping research by the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) and the Panthera organization showed that leopards occur at a relatively low density in the Little Karoo. Earlier this year, the CLT began a re-survey aimed at updating the leopard population density estimate for the region and detecting changes over time. In the veld and during a workshop, the CLT field team shared valuable information on camera trap deployment and servicing with CapeNature staff. During the first six weeks of the survey, with the help of CapeNature reserve personnel, CLT set up 64 paired camera stations across an area of about 2000km2. Each leopard has a unique spot pattern. By setting two traps opposite each other at each station, photos of left and right sides of individuals can be obtained and a leopard identikit can be compiled and used to estimate the number of individuals in an area. The 64 stations included 29 stations in the Outeniqua, Gamkaberg and Swartberg Protected Area Complexes. The CLT cameras photographed leopard at nine of 12 stations on Swartberg and at 12 of 15 stations on Gamkaberg. Although no leopards were recorded at the two Ruitersbos (Outeniqua) CLT stations, theses predators have previously been detected by reserve staff. Other highlights included Cape grysbok, aardwolf, and honey badger.
The success of the ongoing survey will also be due to the participation of 26 private landowners, who allowed CLT and CapeNature to set up an additional 35 stations on their properties. By tracking changes in the Little Karoo leopard population over time, threats to these top predators will be identified so that the necessary conservation interventions can be implemented. This includes the promotion of holistic farm management methods to protect biodiversity.
A leopard taken by camera trap at Rooiberg
An aardwolf taken by camera trap at Gamkaskloof
Three researchers working together in the Karoo: Cornelius Julies (CapeNature Senior Field Ranger, Gamkaberg), Anita Wilkinson (Senior Researcher, Cape Leopard Trust) and Charlton Abrahams (CapeNature Conservation Assistant, Gamkaberg).
Related News
Firefighters honoured after one of the Western Cape's toughest fire seasons
CapeNature hosted an appreciation event in Velddrif on 4 August 2026 to honour firefighters who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape's most recent fire season. A representative group attended the event on behalf of CapeNature's larger cohort of Field Rangers and firefighters working across the Province. Despite extreme heat and challenging terrain, the firefighters remained steadfast in their commitment to protecting communities, infrastructure and the Western Cape's
CapeNature welcomes the conviction of Cape Town couple for wildlife crime
CapeNature welcomes the sentence imposed by the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Mr Zirkie Bernardus Jansen and Mrs Valerie Gayle Simpson-Jansen of Kirstenhof following their conviction on multiple offences relating to the unlawful keeping, possession and transport of reptiles. The couple were each sentenced on 30 July 2026 to pay a fine of R40 000 or serve 18 months’ imprisonment after being convicted on seven counts under the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974.
The joy of being outdoors
Life has a way of becoming busy, but sometimes the greatest luxury is simply slowing down. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, taking a gentle stroll beneath towering trees, listening to birdsong, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while overlooking breathtaking natural landscapes. These are the moments that help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate the simple joys of life. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature. That's why we're inviting senior citizens to enjoy peaceful escapes across the Western
Freshwater science takes centre stage at the 2026 SASAqS Conference
The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) is a learned society concerned with the research, management and conservation of inland waters and their associated biota throughout southern Africa. Established in 1964 as the Limnological Society of South Africa, SASAqS provides an important forum for discussion and sharing of scientific ideas. The two cornerstones of the society's activities are the annual conference and the African Journal of Aquatic Science.
Marine Protected Areas hold the key to human wellbeing
On 1 August, we celebrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day, a global occasion first marked in 2021 to recognise the role that MPAs play in conserving our oceans while supporting the wellbeing of people and communities. The day encourages us to appreciate the value of MPAs and the many ways they benefit both us and the extraordinary marine biodiversity they are designed to protect. This year's theme, "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection," reminds us that conserving our oceans is a shared responsibility.
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Storytelling, Film and Digital Media
When was the last time a film, photograph or story about nature made you stop and feel something? Perhaps it was a breathtaking wildlife documentary. A short social media reel that transported you to a mountain peak. A travel video that inspired your next adventure. Or a story that highlighted the impact of a wildfire and reminded you why conservation matters. Every adventure has a story. Watch ours on our YouTube channel and subscribe for more.