Hundreds of leopards killed each year, that's just what we know about...

The figure of 4600 leopards killed (south Asia) in the last 15 years as part of the illegal trade in various parts of the world is being used as baseline.  Do the maths.  I'm about to head to higher altitude to get equipment, part of the leopard gig, this figure will be playing on my mind.  This is just what we know about.  No one knows the true figure.

I'll be talking about some collaborations soon to battle this situation, part of which is to get people to bloody well wake up.  As I keep saying, not being an "icon species" can mean a blatant disregard.  These cats deserve more support.  At the moment it's not happening and as an advocate for these animals I find that situation quite disgusting.

I'll blog when back at my laptop in a few days.

The courage of the mountain species...

I thank those who support WildTiger unconditionally.  You know who you are.  In a world where so many talk a big game you go that crucial step further, you make a difference in wildlife protection.

I admire mountain species very much.  It's tough up here.  In this zone where two great cats, the leopard and snow leopard overlap (I'll have more on this relationship soon), there is a harsh and brutal existence in an environment that is unforgiving.  The prey of these great cats, such as Himalayan tahr and blue sheep, I shake my head in wonder at the strength of these animals.  Tough people live here too.  It has been my privilege to live among them for long periods and in those moments where my own legs scream out for rest I am always reminded of the courage of man and beast who reside here, the people and wildlife of the Himalaya.

The spate of leopard skin seizures is a huge concern.  For every seizure no one knows how many leopards have died.  The role of the hunter/poacher is just part of this.  The skins and bones of these big cats usually end up with people who live in cities, places where consumerism knows no boundaries.  Well, there are many ironies I could attach to that statement...

The world as we have altered it means wildlife needs our help more than ever.  Even for these mountain species courage is no guarantee for survival.  Once again I thank those who have the courage to protect.

A near encounter, keeping big cat's locations safe...

 I was a little surprised when images of Asa appeared on a certain grid, he was there a little over 30 hours before I was. This was the closest we have been in a year. He could well have been watching me. I usually time camera checks for when I think he is in a different zone. The area this camera was in had good prey density though, good for a leopard.

Hemanta calls WildTiger farmers of conservation in that we get our hands dirty. The last few days have been muddy and bloody (thank you leeches). But it was rewarding as I've found sign of an adult female leopard, two sub adults (sex unknown) and Asa. Perhaps now, at close to two and half years old, Asa is the dominant male in the area but really it's not possible to say. The terrain is so steep, this isn't the the African savanna or the Terai, this is the Himalaya, you're either going up or down, it's slippery and leg muscles feel it.

Keeping the data safe is imperative. The surge in poaching is a serious concern and even images I send to colleagues I crop and send the image details separately. There's too much information given away over the net, poachers aren't stupid but stupidity is playing into their hands mainly because of ego and funding tactics.

An interesting thing is that Asa's area has had very little conflict of late, and none with leopard. I've got a theory on this but I need more data to be more sure. The ecosystem is robust as well. Put predators back where they belong and positive things happen. The other two leopards in the program are also doing well. There'll be a report on this when appropriate but like I say, these precious animals need to be kept away from prying eyes. Just let them do what they best, be secret cats, a fundamental part of nature.

Another leopard skin seized today, more resources needed for this neglected species

Another skin leopard skin seizure today here in Nepal, the third skin seized this week.  The situation is getting chronic.  There is a rule of thumb that for every tiger poached there are about five leopards.  Personally I think that number is higher now, we are probably losing at least a leopard a day in South Asia.

This is a deeply concerning situation.  If you can help our work regarding anti poaching action, leopard - human conflict and the Leopard Rewilding program please go HERE.

Below are some of the images available.  Every cent counts now for a species that compared to many others is seriously neglected.

Thanks for your support at this crucial time for the leopard.

Leopard stuff, a secret cat we're learning to live with...

Every day tiny increments of progress. No one knows how few leopards there are left, no one knows on any given day how much conflict there will be. Leopards don't just live in protected areas like icon species, they are a far ranging highly important ecosystem engineer. But they are a secret cat, not a tourism species and they have taken enough human life to spread fear and misunderstanding. Being a defender of these animals is damn hard because of their profile but slowly gains are being made. Every child lost and every leopard lost in the meantime hits hard, for some there are wounds that will never heal but we can live with leopards, we just have to keep learning how and put measures in place. Today is another day to keep doing that...

Leopard v Wolf...

A hot morning but was trying to track a big cat heading towards dog territory. The sign gave out quickly, in some ways it was a relief, to get out of the jungle humidity. Still sweating as I write this on my phone, it's well known that here in Nepal as well as in India, dogs have become a favorite prey of leopards. The big cats forced to live close to human settlements and with declining natural prey base, these are reasons given. Hang on, not so fast. All morning, and for a long time before as I have watched dogs show wolf like behavior, both in packs and alone, I imagine what that triggers in a leopard... the competing carnivore, the apex predator want to be.
"Not only is the dog/wolf a good feed but it is a competitor in my jungle" ... think like a leopard. The more I learn the less I know about the secret cat (and Wikipedia needs a bullshit test), hours in jungles giving classes that only tease the mind...

Sleepless night, concern for the leopard...

As humans continue to over populate and over consume I honestly believe that the preservation of species like tiger and leopard is of more and more urgent need. The leopard, a neglected species so close to my heart, has been a strong theme in a series of emails I've sent to colleagues over a sleepless 24 hour period. As I sit here having a moment to reflect with a sustaining coffee I wonder just how many people honestly understand the situation...

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