Trail cameras captured 647 images of leopards in the Boland Mountains of South Africa’s Western Cape. The images will help researchers calculate the species’ density and boost conservation efforts, Nova News reported.
Researchers set up 90 camera stations across 2,500 square kilometers to obtain images and videos of the region’s most elusive mammals, including leopards. Five months later, the Cape Leopard Trust shared its findings.
The cameras captured more than 190,000 photos of 22 mammal species, including Cape fox, gray antelope and African striped weasel. Of these images, 647 are of leopards. Researchers identified 38 people, including 22 men and 11 women. Two of them gave birth to cubs.
One of the leopards identified is BF 15, named Stella, which researchers have been monitoring since 2010.
Unfortunately, eight cameras were stolen during the study.
The trust said: “The financial loss is huge, but the loss of leopard information on these sites is devastating.”
In general, images from trail cameras can provide useful data for tracking animal movement, species density, and conservation efforts.
Humans’ ability to study wildlife is limited. Trail cameras provide a non-invasive option to observe wildlife in their natural environment. Using data from trail cameras, conservationists can figure out where to best invest efforts to protect ecosystems and endangered species like the West African leopard.
Ensuring that endangered species are protected and able to thrive is important not just for them, but for the entire ecosystem. When a species becomes extinct, it disrupts the balance of the ecosystem, causing changes in food supplies for wildlife and ourselves. Trail camera data can also help conservationists protect endangered species.
Trail cameras have been able to capture rare footage of wildlife, from red squirrels in Scotland to Andean lynx in South America. The cameras documented leopard species around the world, including in China, where conservation efforts have led to a comeback of the so-called gold coin leopard.
With these findings, the Cape Leopard Trust hopes to continue research on leopards in the region and advocate for greater regulation of illegal activities that may harm the region’s mammals, including hunting and poaching. Part of the Trust’s work is teaching the next generation about the importance of conserving native species. During the five-month investigation, the organization visited seven schools and educated more than 1,800 students about its work.
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