Human-wildlife conflict

 

The Cape Leopard Trust recognises that farmer-predator conflict remains a highly emotive issue – both for those who lose livestock as well as for those of us who are wholly opposed to the destructive and indiscriminate methods of predator control. The Cape Leopard Trust is committed to reducing human-wildlife conflict wherever possible.

In seeking solutions, The Cape Leopard Trust has always been committed to establishing sustainable long-term strategies to human-wildlife conflict, based on scientific fact rather than emotional conjecture. To achieve this, we employ two simple methodologies:

1. We rely on rigorous scientific studies to back up our research findings.
2. We employ constructive solution-seeking strategies that include farmers and other affected parties, as opposed to berating and alienating them.

We do not engage in attacks on those with a different viewpoint, as this compromises our integrity. Instead, we urge all stakeholders to redirect their efforts towards constructive collaboration with the Cape Leopard Trust, with farmers and with statutory organisations, based on tried and tested methods.

The Cape Leopard Trust is however sensitive to the reality of what is happening in certain farming areas in which we are working. On a regular basis we bear witness to the fact that farmers are often pushed to a point of absolute desperation due to pervasive livestock-predator conflict. We are also aware that there are many farmers who have tried various options and methods in an attempt to manage their predator problems in a more humane way, sometimes with mixed success. The fact remains though that there is a perception by the farming induxtry that over R1 billion per annum livestock losses are due to “problem” animals.