Leopards, one of Africa's most elusive and iconic predators, are facing mounting pressures as their habitats increasingly overlap with human activity. These magnificent creatures are often forced to leave their natural reserves in search of food, leading them into farmland where they prey on livestock such as sheep, pigs, and chickens. The result is a conflict that endangers both the livelihoods of farmers and the survival of leopards.

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The human-leopard conflict is not only a pressing issue for local communities but also a significant conservation challenge. In many cases, retaliatory killings of leopards occur when they are seen as threats to livestock, further pushing this already vulnerable species towards endangerment. That’s where the Landmark Foundation comes in. Supported by Free The Wild, this organization is leading efforts to mitigate these conflicts and protect both wildlife and communities through direct action, research, education, and advocacy.

 

Direct Action on the Frontlines of Conflict

 

Over the past few months, the Landmark Foundation has responded to numerous human-leopard conflicts in critical areas such as the Langkloof near Uniondale, the Cederberg Karoo, and the Piketberg and Riebeek West regions. Their interventions aim to prevent lethal measures from being taken against these leopards, providing farmers with non-lethal alternatives like herding, kraaling (enclosing animals in a safe area), and aversion tactics. In some severe cases, they deploy non-lethal box traps to capture leopards and fit them with GPS collars. These collars help track the animals and monitor their movements, ensuring they stay out of conflict zones.

 

In recent fieldwork, two sets of fall-door traps were deployed in high-conflict areas to capture and study leopards that have repeatedly caused problems despite other mitigation efforts. Once captured, the leopards are fitted with GPS collars that drop off after 6 to 12 months. These collars allow the team to track the animals in real-time and intervene before conflicts escalate. In cases where damage occurs, the Landmark Foundation's compensation scheme enables farmers to receive financial compensation, thereby discouraging lethal control measures.

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Pioneering Research to Protect Leopards

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The Landmark Foundation’s research efforts span a vast range of locations, from the Cederberg Karoo and Hermanus to the Riviersonderend Mountains and beyond. Through extensive fieldwork, including the setup of camera traps and grid research sites, the team has been able to identify leopards, assess population densities, and monitor prey availability and biodiversity health. These insights are critical for understanding how leopards interact with their environment and what factors lead to increased conflict with humans.

 

In addition to population studies, the Landmark Foundation is engaged in groundbreaking genetic research in collaboration with leading institutions such as Cardiff University, Teesside University, and the University of the Western Cape. Their goal is to map the full genome of southern African leopards, revealing the impact of human activity on gene flow and uncovering cases of genetic bottlenecking. This research is vital for ensuring the long-term survival and genetic diversity of leopard populations.

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Expanding Habitats and Engaging Communities

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Education is a cornerstone of the Landmark Foundation's conservation strategy. Their schools program, which focuses on everything from food gardens and recycling to biodiversity education, is helping shape the next generation of conservationists. In recent months, they have also presented their findings and engaged with key stakeholders, including SANParks, the City of Cape Town’s biodiversity management team, and Cape Nature. These presentations aim to influence policy changes and co-opt state officials into supporting leopard conservation efforts.

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In terms of habitat expansion, the Landmark Foundation is investigating recolonisation and re-wilding projects to help leopards return to areas where they have been previously eradicated. This, combined with their advocacy work to reform animal welfare legislation, shows a holistic approach to conservation that goes beyond conflict mitigation.

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Why Support Matters

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The efforts of the Landmark Foundation are more crucial now than ever before, and Free The Wild is proud to play a role in supporting this critical work. As human populations grow and land use continues to expand, the challenges faced by leopards will only intensify. Without immediate and sustained intervention, these majestic predators will be pushed closer to extinction.

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Through your generous donations, we can help the Landmark Foundation continue its vital work. From direct action on conflict sites to groundbreaking research and public education campaigns, every contribution plays a part in ensuring the survival of leopards and the peaceful coexistence of wildlife and people in Southern Africa.

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As you scroll to the bottom of this page, you’ll see images captured from the Foundation’s latest fieldwork. These images showcase the leopards in their natural habitat, the camera trap setups used to monitor their movements, and the dedicated teams working tirelessly to protect them. Each picture tells a story of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

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Join us in supporting the Landmark Foundation and help us create a future where leopards can continue to thrive. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the survival of this incredible species.

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Below, you will be able to see some of the amazing animals captured on camera traps positioned in key locations by the Landmark Foundation, to help study and understand the movement of Leopards in the region.