Leopard photographed in West Coast National Park for first time in 170 years

A leopard has been photographed in the West Coast National Park for the first time in 170 years.  

SANParks has described the occasion as a landmark sighting that is a sign of ecological recovery.  

The images were captured by a remote camera trap, which is the result of collaboration between multiple groups, including the Landmark Leopard and Predator Project, SANParks and the University of the Western Cape.  

The project has been running for the last few years on the West Coast between Cape Town and the Berg River.

Acting head of communications and spokesperson Rey Thakhuli said the return of the leopard underscores the success of long-term conservation partnerships  

“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. A critical component to these efforts is tolerance and coexistence of landowners and the implementation of wildlife protection legislation, which has been evident in the area.”