Boland Project Limietberg survey officially underway!

Published: 26 July 2010

We are very pleased to report that our Limietberg survey is now officially underway! This is the first of three sub-surveys forming the CLT Boland Project. Forty-six camera stations (totaling 70 cameras) are currently deployed across the Limietberg Nature Reserve, surrounding mountain catchment areas and neighbouring private land.

To date we have recorded 14 different mammal species – one of which is an African weasel (Poecilogale albinuca). We were very surprised to find this little character on a farm near Villiersdorp, since all current distribution atlases indicate it’s range to be restricted to the wetter, eastern parts of the country. This Mustelid is no stranger to the CLT though – we even have camera trap records of African weasel in the Cederberg as well as Namaqualand! These records again highlight the enormous value of camera traps in recording elusive nocturnal species.

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Leopard News

Nine adult leopards have already been identified- seven males and two females. We expect this number to grow with more effort, so watch this space!! Below we have a lovely male (M5) roaming about in broad daylight, and having an up, close and personal inspection of our camera!

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The Limietberg survey will run until the end of September, during which time we will scout the southern section of the greater study area for suitable camera locations, in preparation for the southern sub-survey in October.

We leave you with these two classic pictures – a family of porcupines and a genet who is quite interested in his (or her!) looks!

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Until next time
Boland greetings
Anita & Jeannie

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