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The word passion is something I'm happy to say I can use more and more now as we get closer to an announcement regarding International Day of the Leopard. There are really passionate people getting involved, people with genuine regard, concern and above all, the desire to conserve the great cat.
Protection levels throughout the range of the leopard vary, so do perceptions. Those are the human elements. The cat itself is one of the most adaptable and resilient species on the planet. It's ecological importance as an apex predator and umbrella species in so many regions is vital. As I've mentioned before, governments, large chunks of the conservation sector and the general public have dropped the ball on this. If the public get on board and realize the true essence of this issue then we can win.
So a strong group of people are joining together for the leopard. Coexistence, hard science and wildlife crime are themes within a theme and although a big part of my own emphasis is reintroduction (includes rehab, rewiding etc) and how we can put the great cat back into ecosystems where predators need to be, there is a much broader spectrum in my day to day thinking. Sharing those thoughts with true leopard people from around the world is exciting but tempered by the daily loss, the persecution of the species.
So a lot to do but well worth doing, we just need more people to truly understand and support that.
Jai Chituwa.
