Leopard Research PHASA Foundation ～ Updates

[SafariA]

'Due to their solitary nature, leopards have different ways of communicating with other leopards. There are a variety of methods they can use to communicate and one of the most important ways in which they do this is marking.

Marking takes on different forms, such as scent marking, but perhaps the most interesting is that of claw-scraping. Leopards will stand up or squat against a tree trunk and rake their claws deeply into the trunk which then leaves a visible mark for other leopards.
Upon searching for ideal locations to place our cameras, we look at different leopard signs and markings. We recently started with projects in the Waterberg Mountainous area and due to the presence of water-berry trees, which is suggested to be one of the preferred tree species for cats in that area, many of our camera placements were at or close to a leopard scratch tree.
Leopards scratch their claws on trees for various reasons such as, to keep their claws sharp so that hunting will be an easy task, scratching also keeps their claws clean and free from infection and it could be a means of stretching the ligaments surrounding the claws in order to allow for maximum flexibility. Cats also have an inter-digital gland that releases a substance when they scratch trees and this leaves a scent that other cats and/ or animals pick up and so become aware of their presence.' This flagship research project of The PHASA FOUNDATION and partners is a groundbreaking effort where landowners, outfitters, hunters, scientists and the rural people are working together towards a common goal to benefit leopards, habitat and people alike. BECAUSE HUNTERS CARE!To become part of this project visit our website www.phasafoundation.co.za
#phasafoundation #hunterscare #proudlyphasa #leopardresearch #phasalivelihoods #phasaresearch

 

[SafariA]

PHASA FOUNDATION LEOPARD RESEARCH PROJECT:
This PHASA flagship Project under the PHASA FOUNDATION flag is probably the most significant leopard research ever done in South Africa!

1.Why are we doing the study?
- To determine leopard density on privately owned land in SA
- Filling the information gap
- We need more projects to determine if there is a decline I numbers.

2. Where is the Study being conducted?
Limpopo Province: 5 Projects (3 projects completed, 2 projects running)

3. How does it work?
The set-up of a project consists of various role-players, equipment, and logistics. Projects are identified through suitable locations consisting of a minimum of 10 000Ha property, this can be one property or a few adjacent properties, and Leopard habitat preferences. At respective sites we engage with landowners, staff members from the communities and Professional hunters, through this we combine knowledge and expertise in hope to improve the monitoring.

For the first phase of the project we require property staff members to log the activity of leopards, such as: tracks, drag marks, kills made by leopards, scat or real time sightings. An image is taken of the activity to be logged (tracks, kill, scat, or sighting), the GPS position is recorded, and the GPS record is loaded onto a Google map file. These GPS positions aids and verifies camera trap stations.

4.Who can take part?
Through the PHASA Foundation Leopard monitoring project we have trained staff members in taking theoretical methodology, applying it practically and setting up projects on their properties, doing data collection through leopard activity logging and setting up camera trap stations. This has allowed general members of the public to take part in science projects, without having a formal degree or qualification

5.Benefits of this project:
- Assessing species abundance is absolutely vital to the field of conservation. In order for conservationists to work effectively, they must know whether or not a species is actually in danger.
- More accurate numbers on leopards are established
- Engages working relationships between the monitoring team, landowners and staff members.
- Promotes tourism attraction
- Protecting ecological stability and balance
- Education and learning
Visit our website www.phasafoundation.co.za to see how you can get involved. BECAUSE HUNTERS CARE
#phasafoundation #hunterscare #leopardresearch #proudlyphasa

 

[Shootist43]

To me this looks like a very worthwhile project / program. I like to see the results as they might just indicate where a hunt should be undertaken.

 

[SafariA]

We have some follow ups coming and the findings are very encouraging ....way better than even I imagined takinh imto account this is season 5 with basically ZERO hunting ....they did allocate 7 tags out of the 150 2 years ago .....but very late in the season .

 

[SafariA]

THE PHASA FOUNDATION LEOPARD RESEARCH PROJECT:
See some of the amazing footage being documented on our flagship leopard research project.
Visit our website www.phasafoundation.co.za for more information and how you can join the winning team. BECAUSE HUNTERS CARE.
#phasafoundation #phasaleopards #phasaresearch #leopardresearch #proudlyphasa #countingleopards

Results of first blocks to follow in next few days ！

 

[Ridgewalker]

I’m anxious to see the results!

 

[SafariA]

LEOPARD RESEARCH PROJECT. THE PHASA FOUNDATION is proud to start processing the scientific information gathered on our ongoing Leopard Research Project. Thusfar this flagship project has identified and financed 5 areas in Limpopo, of which Rhinoland near Lephalale was the first. The study-area was 12000 ha (29 652 acres) and a minimum of 11 individual adult leopards was positively identified, of which 8 was female and 3 being males. Many other groundbreaking information was gather and being processed. The full processed result and data will be made available as project progresses. THE PHASA FOUNDATION is very proud of this initiative and we will be making a positive difference in the leopard management in South Africa. BECAUSE HUNTERS CARE!
We will keep you up to date and to see how you can contribute to this project and be part of the conservation effort of PHASA, please visit our website on www.phasafoundation.co.za.
#phasafoundation #hunterscare #proudlyphasa #countingleopards #leopardresearch

 

[flatwater bill]

What a well thought out and planned study. I have seen only one wild leopard in my life, and consider it the epitome of beauty and strength.....I salute this project and PHASA in general.............FWB

 

[SafariA]

THE PHASA FOUNDATION lives up to their “HUNTERS CARE” legacy! On 19 July 2020. PHASA member Deon Kruis contacted Phillip Bronkhorst and reported a leopard that was trapped in a snare on an adjacent farm. The snared leopard was spotted next to a road that is in regular use by many pedestrians from the local community. A snared and distressed leopard holds extreme danger to the community and Phillip reacted immediately by calling the Limpopo environmental affairs officer to report the situation. Although permission was granted to euthanise the leopard, Phillip insisted to try and save the leopard. A quick call to Foundation Director, Tonie de Bruyn and to Pieter Potgieter,THE PHASA FOUNDATION president to explain the situation, funds to finance the operation was granted! A vetenarian was called and deployed to the scene. Arriving at the scene the leopard franticly tried to launch itself at the vetenarian, who accurately darted and tranquilised the injured cat. The young leopard male was treated and transported to a boma to be monitored and treated to full recovery. The prognosis is exceptionally good, and we are sure that the leopard will be released and relocated very soon. Thank you to all involved in this rescue attempt and with the funds that THE PHASA FOUNDATION made available, it was possible to save this magnificent cat. We thank the PHASA members for their prompt action to safeguard the community and for their conservation effort towards leopards in the Lephalale area. We are proudly PHASA because HUNTERS CARE is not only a tagline, but a way of living! To see more about THE PHASA FOUNDATION LEOPARD RESEARCH PROJECT and how you can get involved, visit our website www.phasafoundation.co.za #phasafoundation #hunterscare #phasacares #leopardresearch #phasa #phasaconservation #leopardconservation

 

[SafariA]

THE PHASA FOUNDATION Leopard rescue comes to a happy ending. Earlier this week we reported on a young leopard male that was ensnared and injured in the Lephalale district. THE PHASA FOUNDATION made this rescue attempt possible by financing this operation when help was called upon. We are happy to report the the leopard recovered well enough to be released into an approved wilderness area where he can resume his life. Once again we thank the prompt reaction of PHASA members and THE PHASA FOUNDATION to save this leopard's life. We are proudly PHASA, because HUNTERS CARE! Watch and enjoy this "feel good" video and see the true conservation value of the caring hunters within the PHASA family.
#hunterscare #proudlyphasa #phasafoundation #phasafamily #leopardresearch #leopardconservation #leopardrescue

 

[Mort Hill]

What a great story and response from hunters. Just the kind of effort that really only a true hunter would understand. Thx PHASA Foundation, and @SafariA for posting!

 

[flatwater bill]

I released a 12 pound Tom Cat from a No 3 coil spring trap......and I'll tell ya, you didn't want any part of that Tom.........I salute the brave men who saved that leopard........Great report..............FWB

 

[SafariA]

I hereby apologise for the long delay in getting uodates to you...... obviously with the long shutdown in South Africa things slowes down considerably. Luckily the leopards did not get notice about lockdowns or shutdowns. Herewith a report on the next block done

"Good day everyone,
Herewith a short report pertaining to the leopard project.
Thank you for the opportunity to have worked on your properties, the hospitality from Nyati Wilderness, spending time with all the different members, as well as to Riaan for assisting during the project and arranging all the logistics. Please note, all images and information shared is just an indication. All data is still being peer-reviewed and analyses will take place once this is completed. We will submit a final report to PHASA Foundation and landowners as an indication of the Leopard population of the sampled area.

The project consisted of 22 camera trap stations, 44 cameras over a period of 90 days. We have identified 3 Females (2 cubs on Goudrivier) and 4 males, on the PDF spread sheet below an indication is given on where cat activity was at the different stations. Out of the 22 Camera trap Stations, 13 stations presented cat activity.

We hope to repeat this study again next year, and see what their activity patterns will be, if it has stayed the same or if there will be changes.
More images of other findings will also be shared. We are still processing through the data and will share this shortly.

If you have any further questions, please let us know.

Regards,
Mariska & Anneke
Singatha Conservation Research Fund"


This shows us a healthy population of leopard as it is impossible to get all leopards in the area on camera. These were identified as 9 different leopards. So this is proof of the bare minimum in the area . The study area normally covers roughly 25 000 acres with cameras set out in a grid pattern over the whole area . Watch out for the next block in a day or 2 ....a big surprise is in stall !

Anybody that would like to get involved in this project is welcome to contact the Phasa Foundation.

Www.phasafoundation.co.za

 

[SafariA]

This next block gave us the very rare opportunity of capturing a very seldom seen phenomenon .... An awesome Strawberry Leopard female and to make it even more special she had 2 cubs ....!

" Good day everyone,
Herewith a short report pertaining to the leopard project.
Thank you for the opportunity to have worked on your properties, as well as to Riaan Jacobs for assisting during the project and arranging all the logistics. Please note, all images and information shared is just an indication. All data is still being peer-reviewed and analyses will take place once this is completed. We will submit a final report to PHASA Foundation and landowners as an indication of the Leopard population of the sampled area.

The project consisted of 23 camera trap stations, 46 cameras over a period of 90 days. The project presented some beautiful data, especially with the identification of a Strawberry Leopard with two cubs on Elandsfontein. This is a very rare sighting especially as her cubs do not present the recessive red gene. We have identified 4 Females (2 cubs) and 3 males, on the PDF spread sheet below an indication is given on where cat activity was at the different stations. Out of the 23 Camera trap Stations, 15 stations presented cat activity.

We hope to repeat this study again next year, and see what their activity patterns will be, if it has stayed the same or if there will be changes.

More images of other findings will also be shared. We are still processing through the data and will share this shortly.

If you have any further questions, please let us know.
Regards,
Mariska & Anneke "

Visit www.phasafoundation.co.za to get involved .

 

[SafariA]

Pretty much all the study areas so far has shown healthy leopard populations . Most between 8 and 12 on the avg of 25 000 acre blocks.

Also exiting to see quite a lot af day activities in places. The best yet obvioulsy the Strawberry leopard citing in the Waterberg block.

Will have the next block out in a few days . Very exiting to see these studies bring more info on these illusive animals !

 

[SafariA]

PHASA takes hands with Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency (MPTA): We are proud to announce that THE PHASA FOUNDATION reached out to MPTA by partnering with them in our LEOPARD RESEARCH PROJECT. MPTA suffered severe budget cuts and therefore received no funds for essential research equipment needed.
THE PHASA FOUNDATION supplied 40 full camera kits which includes 40 trailcams, 40 camera boxes and stilts, SD cards, batteries, and cables. This will be used for leopard research in Mpumalanga as part of the extensive LEOPARD RESEARCH PROJECT launched and funded by THE PHASA FOUNDATION.
On the photo we see the handing over of the camera kits. From left to right we see Tommie Steyn (MPTA), Gerrie Camacho (MPTA), Pieter Potgieter (PHASA FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN), Mariska Nel and Anneke van der Merwe(both SingathaCRF).
With PHASA engaging with government agencies, we show our commitment to cooperation and transparency to all stakeholders in our industry. The value of this contribution to MPTA is well over R 190 000 (US$ 11 500). BECAUSE HUNTERS CARE!
#phasafoundation #leopardresearch #research #hunterscare #Mpumalanga #MPTA #phasa #proudlyphasa

 

[SafariA]

Herewith a very informative video on the leopard research program ! A must watch !

 

[SafariA]

The next region was in Rooiberg area. We had 44 camera stations up and got some great results. These were spread over 5 different properties.

A Total of 11 leopard were identified. 6 Females and 5 males. Wonderful to see these cats move about even in the middle of the day !

We are running 3 new areas and we will post the results as soon as we have the data verified .

This project has been planned forna long time and took a while to get off the ground but now nothing can stop us ! Become part of this great initiative !

Www.phasafoundation.co.za