Quinton Martins became fascinated by the Cape Leopard, perhaps the most elusive of Africa’s big cats, after spotting their tracks whilst hiking in the Cederberg.  What followed was perhaps the most exciting and challenging journey any young biologist could ever dream to take. He dedicated his life to studying these amazing creatures. The project has gone on to be one of the most successful of its type, enjoying support from a huge range of people. Business has also extended a hand to ensure success and sustainability. “Hunting Johan”, is a documentary about collaring the biggest of the known Cederberg Leopards, the frustrations, the doubts and ultimate victory.

 

The Cape Leopard Trust was established with the primary objective of facilitating and promoting research in support of conserving predator diversity in the Western Cape. The conservation strategies include several bio-geographical research projects, advisory services relating to farmer-predator interactions and fostering new eco-tourism initiatives. It also supports an environmental education component and includes a programme of community involvement with future emphasis being on job creation amongst disadvantaged communities within the Cederberg area.

 

From the outset the objectives of the trust have revolved around adopting the leopard as a flagship species to:

 

This work is of crucial benefit to South African National Parks (SANP) and Cape Nature (CN) in their future predator management strategies, as well as to the general health of the natural environment.

 

Aims of the media campaign

 

What has been done

 

To Do

Ongoing media support