Leopard Project Namibia

[AfricaHunting.com]

As a result of the lack of empirical evidence regarding Leopard populations, distribution and population dynamics, a great many suppositions and assumptions are currently being bandied about as “proof” of an alarming decline in Leopard populations, whereas other sources such as, for example, commercial farmers; are claiming that they have noticed an alarming increase in Leopard population resulting in a rise of Human / Wildlife Conflict incidences.

NAPHA has realized the critical importance of conducting a comprehensive, independent and non-partisan study of one of our most valuable natural resources, the African Leopard.

NAPHA intends, through this comprehensive study, to achieve the following objectives:

• Ensuring the continued survival of this iconic African species in Namibia.
• Compiling a complete scientifically determined background on the population of the species within our country’s borders.
• Determining population densities of the species within specific areas of the country (with particular reference to areas where human/ wildlife (Leopard) conflict is reported to be most prevalent and in those areas where indications show a decline in Cheetah populations).
• To determine scientifically based criteria and quota setting for trophy hunting of this species by our Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
• Evaluation and recommendations of CITES criteria for trophy hunting quota settings.
• To compile a scientifically based evaluation and concomitant recommendations to be made by Namibia to the upcoming CITES CoP in 2019.
• To advise on trophy hunting regulations (findings and recommendations).
• To establish the general value of the species for the Namibian community in general (with specific references to losses incurred due to human/ wildlife conflict).
• Sharing the information and findings of this study with stakeholders and other African countries to enable them to better manage their Leopard populations.
• To make this information available to our line Ministry (MET) and to assist them in implementing scientifically based conservation measures for this species.
• To use this study as a guideline to assure a sustainable future for this species.
• To provide USFWS (and other bodies) with scientific data in support of trophy imports.
• We are very happy to inform our members that a contract has been signed between NAPHA and Dr. Louisa Richmond-Coggan for her services retained to coordinate this project. She has excellent credentials and vast experience in this field and comes highly recommended.

We envisage this project to last at least until December 2018, with a provisional possibility of extending the study or developing it to include more species.



Source: Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA)

 

[GA Hunter]

Thanks for sharing.

First of all I hope the data they gather is accurate. Secondly I hope this is not the beginning of the end of leopard hunting in Namibia.

 

[abnhog]

Is there any indication that this will affect booked leopard hunt in 2018?

 

[GA Hunter]

I guess I expected more people to comment on this.

Isn't this the same path taken that lead to the current cessation of leopard hunting in RSA?

It would seem to me that with an animal as elusive as a leopard any type of study would take years to be of any value.

 

[BRICKBURN]

RSA summarily cancelled Leopard hunting and then started the research.

NAPHA looks to be on the leading edge. Research before the USFWS decides to unilaterally ban Leopard imports because the USA don't follow CITES and disregard data/research provided by the export country.

I hope the research project goes well.

 

[GA Hunter]

RSA summarily cancelled Leopard hunting and then started the research.

NAPHA looks to be on the leading edge. Research before the USFWS decides to unilaterally ban Leopard imports because the USA don't follow CITES and disregard data/research provided by the export country.

I hope the research project goes well.

Certainly seems like a sensible approach. Not something you see very often with these matters.

Thanks for the info.

 

[akeate]

The US doesn't want to be confused with the facts. They want to succumb to the pressure from meat eating keyboard warriors who subcontract their killing of their food.

 

[CAustin]

The US doesn't want to be confused with the facts. They want to succumb to the pressure from meat eating keyboard warriors who subcontract their killing of their food.

Yep!!

 

[Ridgewalker]

Yep!!

+1

 

[tigris115]

Did the USFWS really put a whole ban on leopard imports? Also when the hell are they going to elaborate on the lion ban?

 

[johnnyblues]

I hope they find they country overrun with the great cat! I m hoping to get a tag in 19!

 

[Fred Gunner]

I hope they find they country overrun with the great cat! I m hoping to get a tag in 19!

To late, Johnny sing the Blues Bro. Just booked my 2019 Leopard hunt. Not to worry I'm sure that now I've put my $$$ down They'll ban Leopards

 

[johnnyblues]

To late, Johnny sing the Blues Bro. Just booked my 2019 Leopard hunt. Not to worry I'm sure that now I've put my $$$ down They'll ban Leopards

Lol. I hope not bro. Good luck! And good luck to me for 2019!