Leopard Numbers Nearly Triple in Zambia’s Kafue National Park
Conservation efforts in Zambia’s Kafue National Park have yielded impressive results, with leopard populations in the region increasing nearly threefold. The population density now stands at 4.4 leopards per 100 square kilometres, up from 2.9, following long-term initiatives led by Panthera, a global organisation dedicated to wild cat conservation. This success has been attributed to advanced wildlife monitoring techniques, anti-poaching patrols, and community engagement programmes such as “Furs for Life,” which provides high-quality synthetic alternatives to leopard skins for cultural ceremonies. Kafue, part of the Greater Kafue Ecosystem within the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area, serves as a vital biodiversity hotspot central to Africa’s wildlife recovery efforts.
Leopards play a critical role as apex predators maintaining ecological balance. Their resurgence underscores the importance of ecosystem-focused conservation strategies. Panthera’s work in Kafue, which includes innovative technologies like GPS-tagged vultures for detecting poisoning incidents, has not only boosted wildlife numbers but also fostered sustainable practices among local communities. As one of Africa’s largest protected areas, Kafue exemplifies how collaborative conservation can combat decades of ecological decline, sparking hope for leopards and the broader species within the region’s interconnected landscapes.
Source: True Activist
