On 3 May we celebrate International Leopard Day. Many of us admire these magnificent creatures, but why do we have a specific day dedicated to Panthera pardus, the most versatile and adaptable of the big cat group that also includes lions, jaguars, tigers and snow leopards? What is it that makes the leopard so special?
Despite being really versatile and adaptable when it comes to the habitat in which they can survive and the prey species they consume, leopards have lost 75% of their historical distribution. The leopard species is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and the current population trend is decreasing. (Read more) As we have been working closely with the Cape Leopard Trust for many years, we know all about these figures – especially when it comes to the Cape leopard.
“The Cape leopard is the stuff of legends”, says Africa Geographic. “This seldom seen, highly elusive apex predator survives in some of the most inhospitable habitat possible – the rugged, low nutritional fynbos biome of the Cape Fold Mountain ranges.” Historically home to a rich, natural wildlife, urbanisation and human development in the Cape province resulted in a much smaller natural habitat for wildlife and today many of the region’s original species, such as black rhino, Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, Cape buffalo, hippos, elephant, spotted and brown hyenas as well as wild dogs, can only be found in fenced reserves. Some, like the Cape lion, quagga and bluebuck are extinct. Vulnerable and under threat, but the Cape leopard still roams free.
Perhaps its elusiveness has something to do with it, but the fact that the Cape leopard can adapt to change, are opportunistic when it comes to food (rock rabbits (dassies) to klipspringers, Cape grysbok and porcupines) and roams vast areas, increased its survival odds. Of course, the exceptional efforts of the Cape Leopard Trust and other passionate supporters also contributed.
The Cape leopard is, however, special for more than its survival skills. Although they are the same species, Cape leopards are slightly different to their cousins in the bushveld. They are about half the mass of the leopards in the northern parts of South Africa – perhaps because they get more exercise. The home range of a male Cape leopard is between 200 and 1,000km², compared to the 25 to 50km² of savannah leopards. While the whole family is classified as vulnerable, Cape leopards are more threatened due to the limitations of their habitat and the tempo of urbanisation in especially, the Cape Winelands.
The conflict between humans and wildlife is the Cape leopard’s biggest threat. The loss of habitat might be the main reason, but illegal hunting with snares, veld fires and persecution by farmers protecting livestock also contribute, even though these cats rarely attack livestock.
Because they are very cautions, Cape leopard sightings are extremely rare and normally very brief. Except when cornered or when cubs are threatened, Cape leopards are generally not confrontational and would rather retreat. While its elusiveness has protected Cape leopards, it might also harm them when it comes to awareness of their plight. Research, education and finding holistic solutions are the aim of invaluable organisations like the Cape Leopard Trust and the reason why we at Leopard’s Leap Wines have supported their efforts since their inception in 2004.
Other than fulfilling an important role in the ecosystem as the Cape’s top predator, the charm and scarcity of the leopard make it even harder to resist. No wonder that the inspiration of that spectacular spotted fur has ensured leopard print never to go out of fashion and of course, inspired artists from photographers to painters and even winemakers!
Being all about business (even though it is wine business!) over the last few years, I recently reminisced about my own winemaking days and the result, thanks to the help of Leopard’s Leap winemaker, Renier van Deventer, is a lovely red wine blend that celebrates the terroir and biodiversity of the Cape winelands and of course, the king of the Cape mountains! Named after both its Latin name and a magnificent male that roams the Franschhoek mountains, Pardus makes me proud, and I delight in pouring it as often as I can! (Click here for an introduction to the maiden 2018 vintage)
Keeping out of the limelight might contribute significantly to its survival, but I love being part of the team at Leopard’s Leap who try to keep the Cape leopard centre stage with every glass we pour, sharing the story of the Cape leopard, encouraging the appreciation and conservation of these majestic cats.
Featured image: Pardus roaming the Wemmershoek mountains surrounding the Franschhoek Valley and the home of Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards.