In a historic moment for South Africa’s natural heritage, a leopard has been photographed in the West Coast National Park – marking the first confirmed sighting of the species in the area in over 170 years.
According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the image was captured by a remote camera trap, confirming that the elusive big cat has naturally recolonised a region where it had long been extinct.
“The leopard had been extirpated as a species in the mid-1800s and only in the last while naturally returned,” said SANParks spokesperson JP Louw.
A Remarkable Conservation Comeback
The sighting is being hailed as a milestone for South Africa’s conservation efforts – tangible proof that long-term environmental management and collaboration can yield extraordinary results for biodiversity.
The discovery was made possible through a joint initiative between The Landmark Leopard and Predator Project, SANParks, the University of the Western Cape, the Saldanha Bay Municipality, and several private landowners.
The team has been monitoring leopard activity between Cape Town and the Berg River, working to understand and protect the recovery of the region’s wildlife.
“The project has been running for the last few years on the West Coast between Cape Town and the Berg River,” Louw explained.
“Long-term cooperation between conservation bodies and communities was key to the leopard’s return.”
Decades of Work Pay Off
Conservationists credit the leopard’s return to a combination of ecological restoration, improved wildlife legislation, and a growing culture of coexistence between humans and predators.
Over the past two decades, The Landmark Leopard and Predator Project and its partners have worked to restore ecological corridors and reconnect fragmented habitats across the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape provinces.
“These efforts have allowed wildlife like leopards to move more freely and safely through the landscape,” Louw said.
“The return of the leopard to the West Coast National Park underscores the success of long-term conservation partnerships. This result is worthy of celebration.”
A Symbol of Hope for Biodiversity
The sighting not only signifies the resilience of South Africa’s ecosystems but also highlights the power of collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and local communities.
Environmentalists say the leopard’s return is a symbol of hope – proof that with sustained protection, species once lost can reclaim their place in nature.
