For the first time in 170 years, a leopard has been spotted in the West Coast National Park.
SANParks confirmed that images of the big cat were captured on a remote camera trap in August and October, confirming that the elusive predator has returned to the region after more than a century of absence.
“This landmark sighting marks the natural return of the species to South Africa’s coastal landscapes, a powerful sign of ecological recovery,” SANParks said in a statement.
The leopard’s image was recorded through a collaborative effort between South African National Parks, the Landmark Leopard and Predator Project, the University of the Western Cape, the Saldanha Bay Municipality and several private landowners. The long-running project has focused on tracking and protecting the country’s recovering leopard populations between Cape Town and the Berg River.
Conservationists say the leopard’s return is due to progressive land use, the expansion of protected areas such as the West Coast National Park, and a growing coexistence between people and wildlife.
“Over the past two decades, The Landmark Leopard and Predator Project and other stakeholders, has worked to restore ecological corridors and reconnect fragmented habitats across the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape.”
The efforts have made room for wildlife to move “more freely and safely” in these regions.
SANParks said the leopard’s reappearance “underscores the success of long-term conservation partnerships” and shows the value of cooperation between communities and authorities.
It added that the return of the species “is worthy of celebration”.