When I hunt in South Africa in areas that have leopards, I see more leopard footprints than almost any other species. Claiming they are decreasing and needing protection would be like saying the coyote population here is in decrease. Here is the perspective of a South African who lives at the pointy end of the spear where these decisions have the most impact.
Dear Outdoor E-News,
"In response to the article: ‘Leopard’s to be Found Endangered’ on your Outdoor Adventure E-News Newsletter. Leopards are on the increase in South Africa due to the high mortalities of large and small game plus our domesticated cattle, sheep & goats.
Leopards are now being found like jackals and caracals in areas that were never inhabited by leopards before and causing severe damage.
Please remember the international hunter is after a large / full grown tom / male cat. Therefore to derive an income and to control numbers only large / old toms are usually hunted. Considering the above the landowners are prepared to accept losses from female leopards as the losses are compensated by international hunters fees paid. However if no income is derived by the landowner there is no incentive nor compensation for animal / income loss by the landowners. The predator / leopard is then regarded by the landowner as a thief / vermin and will destroy the whole family of leopards due to the lack of a financial incentive.
Will any business tolerate theft without compensation?
South Africa increased the leopard take off by doubling the permits issued to foreign hunters over the past 5 years because reported leopard numbers have increased. To allow leopard numbers to increase is allow the landowner to derive [no] income!
Kind Regards"
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