Understanding how species are classified as endangered provides essential context for conservation efforts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, established in 1964, is the most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi, and plant species. This list is a vital indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity, offering more than just a catalogue of species and their statuses. It serves as a critical tool for informing and catalyzing conservation actions and policy changes necessary to protect the natural resources we rely on. The IUCN Red List provides detailed information about species’ ranges, population sizes, habitats, ecology, uses, threats, and the conservation actions needed to protect them. With this in mind, we can better appreciate the challenges facing species like the leopard and the efforts required to ensure their survival.

So, Are Leopards Endangered?

Leopards in South Africa are not officially classified as endangered but are considered vulnerable. Their populations face significant threats primarily due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are in place to monitor and protect leopard populations, but their status can vary regionally within the country. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists leopards globally as vulnerable, which reflects the overall declining trend in their populations across their range, including South Africa.

“A new approach to conservation is less about walling wildlife off in nature reserves and more about adapting our world to suit animals.” by Heather Richardson

This is a line from an article I recently read called ‘The bold plan that can save South Africa’s leopards’ by Heather Richardson on BBC. I love and completely agree with the importance of this message. Basically, it states that a new conservation strategy focuses less on isolating wildlife within nature reserves and more on adjusting our world to accommodate animals. This strategy could prove vital for the survival of South Africa’s leopards, preventing them from spiralling into genetic deterioration and potential extinction.

Whether you have been to Londolozi before or are planning a visit, you will know that we are situated in the Sabi Sand Private Nature Reserve, which is known for (arguably) the highest density of leopards in the world. With 37 independent males and 57 independent females at a grand total of 94 independent leopards (that have been recorded and excludes the unknown nomads). Thus, this area is less of a concern for leopards, but the IUCN status refers to other regions in South Africa as well.

Despite their apparent abundance in the Sabi Sands, leopards in South Africa face an uncertain future. Surrounded by farms, roads, and developments, they are confined to smaller areas. This confinement has led to inbreeding in some populations, which can severely affect their resistance to diseases and climate events like droughts, potentially leading to local extinctions.

Leopards, known for their elusive nature, face significant challenges in South Africa. Unlike lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs, which are actively managed and moved around to support genetic diversity and population growth, leopards are a unique case. A striking 62% of their known range exists outside protected areas, creating complex conservation issues.

“In the face of global development, how can conservationists protect species like leopards that require room to roam, but are increasingly meeting barriers, from busy roads to conflicts with farmers?” by Heather Richardson.

The Problem of Fragmentation

The BBC article refers to a research paper done by Vincent Naude revealing the consequences of missing essential wildlife connections. The research focused on two leopard populations in South Africa: one in the Sabi Sands and another in the Phinda-Mkhuze Complex in KwaZulu-Natal. The Phinda-Mkhuze leopards are recovering from years of over-exploitation, with human activities causing half of the leopard deaths. Although their numbers are improving, Naude notes that this population is more genetically related than expected.

Several factors contribute to this inbreeding. Inbreeding occurs when there is insufficient safe land for leopards to disperse without human conflict. Male leopards typically roam up to 200 miles from their birthplace to avoid inbreeding, but this natural behaviour is hindered by human development. Hunting for skins, traditional medicine, and historical hunting practices targeting larger males have disrupted natural competition, leading young males to remain and breed within their natal range.

Genetic diversity is crucial for the health and resilience of a species, helping them survive challenges like extreme droughts or diseases. When a population becomes too small, it enters a “depressant spiral,” leading to genetic deterioration. Naude explains that this isn’t always obvious through physical traits but can cause population collapse.

Because leopards already occur at such low density, it doesn’t take much to tip them from a depressant spiral to the start of the process of extinction, known as an “extinction vortex”

Conservation Efforts

It is not all doom and gloom, below are some of the conservation efforts and ideas to help conserve leopards:

The Importance of Wildlife Corridors

To combat these issues, Naude and his colleagues propose establishing wildlife corridors to link reserves and other protected areas, promoting gene flow and population health. Wildlife corridors are tracts of land that allow animals to move and migrate safely, potentially taking the form of undeveloped land pockets or underpasses beneath busy roads.

In regions where Naude works, such corridors are currently lacking. However, lessons can be learned from India, where researchers have successfully implemented wildlife corridors. Trishna Dutta, a scientist at the University of Goettingen in Germany, studied corridors between protected areas in central India. Despite the fragmented landscape, she found that animals, including tigers, leopards, and sloth bears, used these corridors to move and reproduce, thereby enhancing genetic diversity.

Building wildlife infrastructure

Another method is to take the local approach. In many cases, an underpass or bridge is all it takes to reconnect the ecosystem. Often, one of the main causes of wildlife death by humans is roadkill. Animals try to cross highways and get knocked over, but building bridges or underpasses could connect fragmentations and protect wildlife.

Moving Forward

The gradual expansion of wildlife corridors in South Africa could help reconnect fragmented ecosystems, benefiting species like leopards. Encroaching nature has unintended consequences for both animals and human societies. As Pratt notes, many people now recognize that maintaining whole ecosystems is crucial for human health as well.

In summary, leopards in South Africa face unique conservation challenges due to their wide-ranging habitats and the pressures of human development. Establishing wildlife corridors, as demonstrated successfully in India, could be a key solution to promoting genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of these majestic cats.