It didn't really surprise me that the element of the story about the conviction of a wildlife trafficker involved in the smuggling of the body parts of over 1000 leopards (some reports say 1200) didn't raise a ripple compared to the 125 tigers mentioned in the same story, it would have been the same if the leopard had been mentioned along with lions or jaguars or snow leopards, there is simply not the same sentiment from society. We posted the piece at Living with Leopards (www.facebook.com/livingwithleopards) and @WildTigerNews (www.twitter.com/wildtigernews).
It made me wonder how many people thought about the ecological effect this type of carnage has and of course this is just the tip of the iceberg, no one really knows how many leopards are dying.
Then there is the simple fact that one of nature's great masterpieces is seeing so many magnificent individuals suffer awful fates, this is itself a blight on humanity.
Being a voice for the leopard as well as being actively involved in the big cat's protection is difficult, most days it seems there are very few listeners who make the transition to being true supporters, who have the courage to become loyal to the most persecuted of the big cats.
But the struggle will go on, we will not lie down. The next round of dialogue is starting regarding getting full protection status for the leopard here in Nepal and within the realms of coexistence strategy, rehabilitation and anti-trafficking the days are full. I've looked into the eyes of too many leopards now, some dead, some injured, some with a chance, to ever go back on the promise to help this species in its quest to live with us. As the next phase with the leopard Dipnani gets closer, I think about her future, her role in nature if she can be reintroduced to the wild ... in the context of those 1025, and many, many more, leopards who have been taken away...
With the loyalty factor being so low compared to other species means I really thank those who show real support, you are a minority who make a difference. As said at wildleopard.net you can simply email projects@wildtiger.org if you are interested in holding a photography exhibition (big or small) or similar and we'll be expanding on the concept soon.
