New leopard for Karongwe

In the first week of April, Constant Hoogstad, Reserve Manager of Karongwe Private Game Reserve, received a call from Gerrie Camacho from the National Leopard Forum. The call was about a male leopard (Panthera pardus) that had recently been admitted to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, having been caught in a nearby residential area of neighboring Mpumalanga Province. Due to living in relatively close proximity to people he had become progressively more relaxed and ultimately was becoming more and more of a concern to conservation authorities in the area. After locals had reported a sighting around their homes and expressed concern for their safety, conservation authorities had stepped in and removed the leopard.

After the male had spent a week at the Wildlife Rehab Centre no suitable home could be found for him, hence Gerrie’s appeal to the Karongwe Reserve Manager. Desperate to conserve such a beautiful creature, the decision was made to bring the male to Karongwe and give him a chance at a new life.

On 12^th April, wildlife vet Dr. Peter Rodgers (Pro-Vet Wildlife Services) assisted Constant Hoogstad with darting, examining and transporting the leopard to Karongwe. During the examination it was noticed that he had damaged some of his teeth but at the time it was not believed to be serious and no abscesses were noticed. While under sedation he was also fitted with a satellite and VHF collar so that both the National Leopard forum and GVI Karongwe Wildlife Research teams could keep track of his movements and monitor his behavior.

On his arrival at Karongwe, wildlife management and GVI research teams (Expedition Members had just arrived the previous day!) stayed with him through the night while he recovered from the effects of the drug, then at about 3am he was released in the middle area of the reserve. GVI research teams followed this up with two weeks of solid nocturnal monitoring in shifts. He seemed to favor the southern portion of the reserve, explored his new home extensively and appeared very relaxed. He was recorded making a number of kills and gave lodge guests, field guides and GVI researchers alike fantastic viewing opportunities.

New leopard for Karongwe