It's been well over a year since the report was published outlining the plight of the leopard over its global range. I've just made this posted this at Facebook and there is a link to an article about the report below:
It's difficult on a daily basis to witness this decline, the same mistakes being repeated. Yesterday, as I was checking the leopard being rehabilitated, being prepared for the wild again, I audibly used the words "you are precious, we will get you back out there"... the problem is very few really understand how precious each of these cats has become, the extent of the problem. Nature took hundreds of thousands of years to evolve this masterpiece but because it does not parade round in front of jeeps like other big cats, the emphasis and respect is not there. I actually feel a bit sorry for those who don't understand, you are disconnected from nature. I thank those who support, the leopard needs loyalty, we've got a battle on our hands...
It's difficult on a daily basis to witness this decline, the same mistakes being repeated. Yesterday, as I was checking the leopard being rehabilitated, being prepared for the wild again, I audibly used the words "you are precious, we will get you back out there"... the problem is very few really understand how precious each of these cats has become, the extent of the problem. Nature took hundreds of thousands of years to evolve this masterpiece but because it does not parade round in front of jeeps like other big cats, the emphasis and respect is not there. I actually feel a bit sorry for those who don't understand, you are disconnected from nature. I thank those who support, the leopard needs loyalty, we've got a battle on our hands...
‘Nobody was expecting this’: range loss puts leopards in big trouble
In the article, Dr Vidya Athreya says - “Leopards... just because they are adaptable does not mean they are doing okay. I would say they are hanging there by their tooth and claws.”...
When I think of all the dynamics in this situation, and Vidya is right, the leopard's adaptability may not be enough, it tells me many things about the overall attitude, how a marginalized being not getting respect despite nature's work in creating something truly special, it makes me question people's true motives.
As someone who dedicates his life to these animals I realize that like the leopard, we are going to have to adapt to this lack of respect and support. So new tactics are needed, a more effective way of operating, that in itself brings hope. The International Day of the Leopard will be a good kick off point for that and in time we'll truly know who is more walk than talk in helping a magnificent animal coexist with us...
As someone who dedicates his life to these animals I realize that like the leopard, we are going to have to adapt to this lack of respect and support. So new tactics are needed, a more effective way of operating, that in itself brings hope. The International Day of the Leopard will be a good kick off point for that and in time we'll truly know who is more walk than talk in helping a magnificent animal coexist with us...
