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Leopards at risk of extinction
By Dr Anina Lee
Throughout their range leopards are in rapid decline, having disappeared from North Africa, much of the Middle East and Asia. Declines have been so severe that the species is now considered vulnerable to extinction. No comprehensive estimates of the number of leopards remaining in the wild exist. – UCT News
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About half of the planet’s remaining leopards are found in Africa. They can be found over large parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including most of South Africa, but excluding the Greater Karoo basin. They are adapted to many habitats and can be seen from arid, desert regions to humid forests and mountainous areas.
PHOTO: Ron Magill
However, only about 20% of South Africa is presently suitable habitat for leopards, but it is fragmented, making it less ideal for leopards with wide-ranging territories. Currently 68% of leopard habitat is outside of protected areas, where leopards are most at risk.
If leopards are so wide-spread, why are they so close to extinction? Predictably, the answer is – wait for it – humans beings.
The critical threats globally are ongoing and include habitat loss and fragmentation, prey depletion, conflict with people, unsustainable trophy hunting, poaching for skins and body parts, and indiscriminate killing. One of the main threats to leopards in South Africa is the illegal skin trade.
Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 20)
