Project Protocol

Introduction
The Ingwe Leopard Project is an independently funded research project with the aim of gathering data on the density and behaviour of leopards (Panthera pardus) outside formally protected areas (National Parks and Nature Reserves). The project was founded in 1999 and has grown steadily since that time. The ILP was the first project to successfully use GPS tracking collars on a leopard in 2004 and has used these devices predominantly with translocated animals.
The next phase is to GPS collar a significant number of resident animals within defined study areas. To enable the assimilation of accurate data on resident leopard movement and behaviour, beyond that which is possible via standard labour intensive methods (camera traps and spoor recognition).
The ILP has a growing international presence, including a social network of interested amateurs and wildlife professionals around the world.
Background and Methodology
The leopard is a Low-Density (highly territorial) species scheduled on CITES 1, roaming within large areas. It is certified and listed as a RARE species within the SA Red Data Book for Mammals. It is situated on the top of the food chain and will be the first species to decline, should anything go wrong regarding wild animal species within the system. The Lydenburg Magisterial District is known for quite a significant amount of leopard activity and is the centre of ILP research. Data on the density and behaviour of Leopards outside of formally protected areas does not currently exist in any credible format, leaving a gap in understanding. Substantiated data is required to assist in the formulation of wildlife management policies.
Project Aim
• To determine the status of the leopard population in the Lydenburg Magisterial District via the establishment of subprojects.
• To make recommendations as to the management of the mentioned population.
• To gain information on the black leopard genetics within this system.
• To establish a support system for tourism development.
• To use this project as a flagship project for conservation of leopards within South Africa.
Objectives:
• Determine the dynamics of the leopard population in the study area.
• Determine their prey species and their impact on the activities of the human population within the study area.
• Determine abundance of natural prey species.
• Determine the effect of translocated animals on established territories.
• Formulate policy and make recommendations for the management of the leopard population in order to promote a sustainable co-existence of leopard and human populations.
Key Questions:
• How many established territories are there in the study area?
• What are the age structure and sex ratio of the leopard population?
• Which periods are the highest leopard activities and when do they encounter livestock?
• What farming practices stimulate leopards to kill livestock?
• What is the typical habitat preference of leopard in these areas?
• What are the agricultural practises in the above mentioned areas?
• What methods can be used to spot leopards with the least disturbance?
• How can the black leopard gene contribute to the tourism potential?
• To what extent can the leopards contribute to tourism enhancement outside of formally protected areas?
Conflict with Humans
It is essential that management practices be established to address the issues that surround the conflict between people and predators, whether this is farmers or hunters. Local people assume that the leopard density is much higher than most other areas inhabited by these animals. Authorities are accused of issuing or refusing permits to hunt leopards or kill problem animals without adequate knowledge as to the actual status of these animals. Because many farmers blame leopard for all their livestock losses, the animals are killed indiscriminately while income from hunters encourages hunting. Hunters then kill the first suitable leopard rather than to search for the culprit. A healthy leopard population should be regarded as an asset. Most livestock farmers judge this animal actually as vermin. Through the Ingwe Leopard Project, it will be possible to determine the status of the leopard population. The conservation of this species should then form part of a greater tourism development programme. As a community-focussed project, it will ensure the communities involvement while all parties benefit from the results. Therefore, the aim will be to look for various ways to utilise this asset on a sustainable way for the benefit of the local community and the leopard population.
Black Leopard
There have been a significant number of Black Leopard sightings in the Lydenburg area dating back to 1952. Although two Black Leopards have been born in captivity, to date they have not be photographed or studied in the wild. It is intended to redouble efforts to capture, collar and release a Black Leopard to enable monitoring of this creature. Data gathered from its behaviour as well as those individuals, with whom it is interacting, will contribute as an indication of the status of the leopards for that specific area.
Methods
2009 Program
• Organise external sponsors to assist with the purchase of monitoring equipment
• Purchase equipment
• Material to build cages for captures
• Establish holding facilities for captured leopards if necessary.
• Construct/obtain collars.
• Contract the services of wildlife capture expert Dairen Simpson
• Determine all possible core-areas (All localities highly likely to be visited by certain leopards at a regular basis (Bothma, 1997) e.g. marking spots, perches etc.)
Passive and active methods of monitoring/data collection.
Passive methods
• Infrared Trail Monitors
• Camera Traps • Tracking and Spoor recognition.
Active methods
• Capture and release. GPS transmitter collars will be fitted onto certain individual animals, prior to releasing them. Both vehicles and helicopters will be made use of to track the animals physically.
Study area
Two study areas have been established:
• An area between the towns of Lydenburg, Pilgrims Rest, Burgersfort Steelpoort and Roossenekal.
• Lowveld - Hoedspruit Area