Zero Tolerance

What are the implications of the moratorium on leopard hunting? There is a credible position for and against…

- Bryan Havemann

After a decision by the Scientific Authority, the Department of Environmental Affairs in South Africa has extended the moratorium on leopard-hunting that was first imposed in January 2016. The decision was based on the review of available scientific information on the status and recovery of leopard populations in South Africa. A zero quota for 2017 has been endorsed for the hunting of leopard, with the possibility of introducing a precautionary hunting quota in South Africa in 2018.

The Scientific Authority took into account input from the Scientific Steering Committee for Leopard Monitoring, which is comprised of government institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations, representatives of industry, and universities. Also taken into account were the results of systematic camera-trap surveys as well as relevant data from the information obtained using Cat Spotter — the latter intended to assist research companies and institutions with data on Africa's predator species. Photos (which have the location pinpointed on Google Earth maps) show the exact location of the animal, and any other information such as its sex, age and activity can be recorded. Citizen scientists can still make meaningful contributions to the understanding of leopard densities in South Africa, especially outside the formally protected areas. Mammal Map, a pioneer system that was set up many years ago through the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town, has also recorded many leopard sightings throughout South Africa.