Leopard Population Thrives in Zambia’s Kafue National Park
In a conservation success that offers hope for Africa’s wildlife, a wildcat-focused organization reports that leopard populations in parts of Zambia’s Kafue National Park have nearly tripled. With an increase of 2.9 leopards, there are now 4.4 per 100 square kilometers in the monitored areas. While the numbers may seem modest, the scale of Kafue National Park makes this achievement remarkable. Spanning an impressive 22,700 square miles—two-and-a-half times larger than Yellowstone National Park—Kafue forms part of the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, a vast, protected mosaic three times its size and comparable in scale to the state of Massachusetts.
“It’s very large and has tremendous potential for recovery, but it’s been so beaten up for so many decades,” said Jon Ayers, Board Chairman of Panthera, the world’s only conservation group solely dedicated to wildcats. “As exciting as the project has been, there’s still tremendous opportunity to see it grow back to its original vibrancy,” he shared.
Leopards: Unsung Heroes of Conservation
Unlike lions, their more famous counterparts, leopards often dwell in the shadows, both literally and figuratively. Yet, their role in ecosystem health is vital. Leopards, being apex predators, regulate prey populations and maintain balance in their habitats. Their survival is directly linked to the overall health of their ecosystems, making them an important focus for conservation efforts. However, they receive far less attention and funding than lions.
“There are probably six different species of cats in that ecosystem. Because they’re on the top of the food chain, they indicate the health of the whole ecosystem,” Ayers explained. Protecting leopards means safeguarding biodiversity on a broader scale. Their survival ensures that other species sharing the landscape, including lions, cheetahs, and prey animals, also thrive.
Jon Ayers: A Personal Mission
Ayers’ commitment to wildcat conservation stems from both passion and personal resilience. In 2021, following a cycling accident that left him partially paralyzed from the torso down, Ayers sought a purposeful challenge to redirect his focus. Joining Panthera’s board provided him with a renewed sense of purpose. “It’s not easy going through something like this and most people don’t do very well,” Ayers said. “Not that I’m perfect, but being able to work on something like this is the greatest gift to me… because it helps me through a transition in my life, and because it gives me purpose.”
His leadership has driven Panthera’s impactful initiatives in Kafue, which have reversed the decline of lion populations and facilitated the near-tripling of leopard numbers. Panthera’s strategies combine innovative technologies with a deep understanding of local ecosystems.
Cutting-Edge Conservation Techniques
Panthera’s work in Kafue employs a range of advanced methods to monitor and protect wildlife. Camera trap surveys, smarter anti-poaching patrols, and GPS-tagging of white-backed vultures as an early-warning system for poisoning activities are just a few of the tools in their arsenal. These strategies provide critical insights into animal movements, population trends, and threats.
“Panthera just led the largest survey of lions and leopards ever accomplished in Kafue,” Ayers noted. Camera traps, in particular, have proven to be an invaluable tool for estimating leopard populations. “Leopards are more ubiquitous and have more fixed territories than lions or cheetah, which makes camera trapping these cats more effective than usual,” Ayers explained.
Understanding population trends is essential for assessing the success of conservation efforts. “It’s kind of like, how do you know if you’re winning the game if you don’t have a scoreboard? So the surveys act as a scoreboard,”Ayers added.
Cultural Collaboration: The “Furs for Life” Program
In addition to fieldwork, Panthera has excelled in building relationships with local communities. Their “Furs for Life” program addresses a unique challenge: the traditional use of leopard furs in cultural ceremonies. Through collaboration with indigenous groups, including the African Congregational Church, Panthera has successfully introduced high-quality synthetic furs as alternatives.
“These indigenous groups use leopard furs as part of their rituals. And they needed to go out and kill leopards to get the leopard skins so that young and upcoming members could have leopard skins as part of their celebrations,” Ayers explained. “By working with these leaders, we’ve said, ‘Hey, that’s not so good for the ecosystem on which you rely. Why don’t we substitute very authentic synthetic furs?’”
The results have been remarkable. During the period when leopard populations surged, there were no recorded poaching incidents for ceremonial furs among local communities. This culturally sensitive initiative showcases the power of conservation strategies that respect and incorporate traditional practices.
The Greater Kafue Ecosystem: A Conservation Jewel
Kafue’s significance extends beyond its borders. The park is a cornerstone of the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, which itself forms part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA). Spanning five countries—Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—KAZA is the largest terrestrial conservation landscape in the world, covering 520,000 square kilometers, an area larger than France.
KAZA’s scale and importance have led to the development of a unique visa that facilitates border crossings for tourists, enhancing its appeal as an ecotourism destination. The interconnected nature of these protected areas underscores the need for cross-border collaboration in conservation efforts.
Hope for Future Generations
Leopards (Panthera pardus) remain classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List, with declining populations across much of their range. Protected areas like Kafue are among the few remaining strongholds where these majestic cats can thrive. Panthera’s work in the region demonstrates the power of dedicated conservation initiatives to reverse decades of ecological damage.
The resurgence of leopards in Kafue offers a beacon of hope for Africa’s wildlife. As Ayers put it, “As long as Panthera is involved, one can rest assured there will be leopards to be found here.” The organization’s commitment ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to witness leopards in the wild, a testament to what can be achieved when science, community, and passion converge.
Kafue’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature and the potential for recovery when humanity chooses to act. Through continued innovation and collaboration, the ecosystems of Kafue and the greater Kavango Zambezi region can flourish, offering hope not just for leopards but for all species that call this extraordinary landscape home.
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
True Activist / Report a typo
