‘Free roaming’ leopards outside Pilanesberg ‘being monitored’
The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism in North West says it’s monitoring the reports of free-roaming leopards.
The department’s director Jonathan Denga says local communities have raised concerns about leopards roaming in rural areas near the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
"We are aware of the various and sporadic reports of the problem leopards causing a scare and allegedly killing livestock in the vicinity of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. A leopard was captured two weeks ago after reports that it had killed livestock in Moruleng and relocated to an area where it will have minimal contact with livestock.”
The latest sighting has been reported in the Dwarsberg area.
Denga says the department has already set a trap to capture the animal.
“We understand the concerns and anxieties of the affected communities, and we want to reassure them that we are taking these matters seriously. The department will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders, including the affected communities, to address any potential threats and implement appropriate measures to prevent any incident that may pose danger to their lives.”
The department believes the proximity of the reported sighting to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve could indicate that the leopard escaped from the reserve.
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