About the Project

We are collecting valuable ID photographs of leopards from the public, professional guides and researchers alike. Citizen science at its best! These images remain property of the photographer and is copyrighted to them. We simply use them in conservation.

These photographs will be compiled into a database, which will then be plotted on an interactive map where anyone can upload photos and complete the information. This database will be used to track, census and plot home ranges of leopards in Southern Africa.

Our first project began in the Greater Kruger Park in Southern Africa and has now expanded to Southern Africa as a whole. We travel to the areas twice a month in order to Identify new animals. We intend to compile such databases or other regions in Southern Africa, in protected reserves and outside thereof.

What we do?

• Collect High resolution ID photos from the public, professional guides and researchers, which detail where and when the leopard was seen

• Share photos on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

• Develop techniques to ID different animals, for example: spot patterns, Knicks, cuts, eye colour, size etc. And we aim to eventually use facial and spot pattern recognition software.

• Record GPS coordinates to project the data collected on to the whole of Southern Africa. 

Our Goal:

To develop an interactive map , whereby anyone can upload ID photos, as well as extremely valuable data using GPS technology. 

For example: 

• Was the animal Male or Female. 
• If female, did she have cubs?
• How many cubs?
• Were the cubs Male/Female
• Was there a kill? 
• What kill was it? 
• Where was it? In a tree? Etc..

We will then have a platform for the public to view individual leopards territories and galleries of each leopard.. And for amateur and pro photographers to showcase their work.

We'll be able to  positively track,  census and plot home ranges.

For unidentified leopards in huge land blocks, we will then use negative or assumed territories to plot territories, based on the known territories in that area. We'll also use camera traps in these blocks.

All this data will form the foundation to project on to other areas in Southern Africa, based on demographic and environmental factors.

Our Aim: 

• To collect data from Southern Africa in one format and to be stored in one location, while having as little impact on the animals as possible.

• To collaborate with conservation organisations and share our data in order to minimise data collection efforts and costs.

• To raise funds and awareness for leopard conservation.

• Reduce the use of collars as we believe they are not as effective as positive photo ID's. 

Photos have no impact on the animal. Collars on average cause an increase in bodyweight of about 8-10kg for every year that it is on the leopard. This can cause choking and strangulation.

• Complete accurate population estimates.

• Prepare a database of leopard blood lines in certain areas.

• To essentially be effective in aiding leopard conservation in Southern Africa.