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Hi grp

Just wondered if anyone has ever seen a leopard in the berg while hiking, or any anecdotal evidence of any sightings, newspaper reports of camp fire yarns.

Thanx
Karl

I had often thought that they must be around in the Berg (since they certainly are here in the Magaliesberg). What I have heard is second hand information, but apparently someone did encounter the remains of a baboon and saw leopard droppings in Lower Injasuthi Cave. Also, apparently one of the rangers and his girlfriend where lying in their sleeping bags in Dead Dog Cave when a leopard literally walked in, but left without incident! So, it seems remote areas with good game, like Injasuthi, are home to some leopards.

Hi Intrepid

Thanx for that. I had heard about a leopard and cubs in the iNjisuti area, but have not heard about the ranger couple that had a leopard walk in on them. I sure would like to see one.

Last week I spoke to someone from the Zoological Society in London about rare cat sitings in the Sahara. Leopards, the expert maintained, are great survivors and there are plenty more around than we give credit for. I reckon there are surely some still around in the Berg. Apparently they do well off dassies and such small mammals. The thing to do is put up a camera trap in likely spots.See article about success with these cameras in the Hoggar
www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/sahara-cheetah.html#cr

Been thinking about this - on balance I'd prefer leopards to stay something of a mystery in the Berg. Else it wont be long before the rifles are out there hunting to protect the golfers.....

True. However as a photographer, it is something that i wld love to just come across and be able to "shoot" as part of a hiking trip.