This post is at Facebook (along with other updates not at this blog site) if you wish to comment.
So following on from the post last night on Facebook (early warning system re elephant activity), a big thanks to the elephant crew. For me and a few others I'll be mentioning in coming weeks it's very much a leopard focus. My day usually starts with an early morning check or clearance of cameras monitoring local leopard activity which is important in the overall context of coexistence as well as the rehabilitation project. The increasing tiger population here means leopard dynamics are changing and it is vital to stay ahead of the game especially as just over the border in India there has been a spike in serious conflict, with too many human fatalities, this of course influencing tolerance greatly.
But leopard issues are far reaching and an email from a colleague updating the trophy hunting situation in Namibia was very concerning. The relationship of trophy hunting to the illegal trade of leopard skins cannot be ignored, market drivers are market drivers, it's that bloody simple. The need for progress here in Nepal regarding full protection status for the spotted cat is also a vital element, this is something that leopard conservation really requires. Instances of disturbance are also a major concern, the wildlife tourism industry, a strong lobby here, has some genuine issues to sort out. Wildlife behaviour in protected areas where tourism is a factor needs to be considered by those in that industry, disturbance by a long lens toting guide or tourist may have serious ramifications for an innocent villager down the track, and once again, this can potentially lead to retaliation.
A lot going on. I feel very at home in the jungle but it is not an escape, it is a place where the raw realities are actually more confronting because you see and feel what is at stake. While total awareness of one's surroundings has to be constant, deep thought is never far away...
