Latest news with #InternationalLeopardDay
Euronews
03-05-2025
- General
- Euronews
‘Turned into mere commodities': Inside South Africa's illegal leopard trade
ADVERTISEMENT Like many other big cat species, leopards are severely threatened by commercialisation. Alive or dead, they are traded as commodities to satisfy the growing demand for exotic pets, or for their bones, skulls, and skins to be used in traditional medicine, luxury products, or trophies. On International Leopard Day, 3 May, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is shining a spotlight on the exploitation of leopards in the global big cat trade. 'It's tragic to see how these majestic creatures have turned into mere commodities,' says Vanessa Amoroso, head of wild animals in trade at FOUR PAWS. Leopards are being killed as substitutes for tigers With the growing international demand for tigers, other big cat species like leopards are increasingly being targeted by poachers and wildlife traffickers, say FOUR PAWS. Purposely mislabelled as coming from 'tigers', bones, teeth and other body parts are traded in wildlife markets in Asia to become traditional medicine, luxurious accessories, trophies and more. Related Some shark bites are 'survival instinct', researchers say in defence of threatened predator Inside the new seal rescue centre caring for injured pups in the Netherlands Despite the pressure on their wild populations and having the strictest protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), around 12,000 leopards and their parts were traded between 2020 and 2023 worldwide, according to the CITES database. Tulani at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, South Africa. © FOUR PAWS | Monika M Girardi 'Leopards across Africa, the Middle East and Asia have lost nearly 75 per cent of their natural habitats because of habitat destruction and poaching,' says Amoroso. 'While wild big cat populations are at the brink of extinction, others are bred in questionable breeding facilities for the sole purpose of being traded across the world - alive or as body parts.' South Africa is a major actor in the global big cat trade Despite international scrutiny, South Africa continues to play a key role in supplying and fuelling the global demand for big cats and their body parts. It does so by allowing this intensive captive breeding industry to flourish under their ineffective legislation, says FOUR PAWS. The group's Break the Vicious Cycle campaign documents South Africa's leading role in the commercial exploitation and trade of big cat species. 'The protection of big cats is not uniform across the world and varies from country to country. It even varies between big cat species,' says Amoroso. The protection of big cats is not uniform across the world. © FOUR PAWS 'Wildlife traffickers and dealers are aware of this and are always on the search for easy solutions to make money. If getting a tiger is too complicated, they will quickly move on to more accessible and less protected substitutes.' 'FOUR PAWS is urging governments across the world to align with international standards on wild animal protection, such as CITES, to end unscrupulous wildlife trafficking and exploitation for profit,' adds Amoroso. ADVERTISEMENT A big cat sanctuary for threatened leopards FOUR PAWS also advocates for the protection of big cats at their LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa. It was established nearly two decades ago, in 2006, to give traumatised big cats rescued from exploitation a second chance with species-appropriate care. Tulani and Mike quickly found comfort in each other's company. © FOUR PAWS Two of its first inhabitants were the leopards Mike and Tulani. After being rescued in 2006, they are now a 'senior couple' at LIONSROCK. Related Millions of people are tuning in to watch a 24-hour livestream of moose migrating in Sweden Critically endangered Galapagos tortoises become first time parents at nearly 100 years old Tulani was born at a South African safari farm in 2002, before being bought as a cub by her previous owner to be kept as a pet. Mike was a wild leopard that was captured and kept in private captivity. ADVERTISEMENT Though leopards enjoy solitude, Tulani and Mike quickly found comfort in each other's company. Nearly twenty years have passed, but both leopards are still spotted enjoying the African sun together.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- General
- IOL News
Celebrating International Leopard Day: a call to protect South Africa's majestic leopards
A leopard in the Kruger National Park. Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Newspapers. The beauty and majesty of leopards (Panthera pardus) are not just a captivating sight; they also play a crucial role in the ecological balance of their habitats. However, as the world marks International Leopard Day on 3 May, conservationists urged a collective commitment to combat the threats leopards face, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. In South Africa, leopards are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with their population steadily decreasing. Once roaming vast areas, their habitats have been diminished to a mere 25% of their historical range. The alarming decline of these iconic apex predators signals an urgent need for concerted efforts to protect them both in the wild and in captivity. Four Paws South Africa and Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary have joined forces to highlight the significance of safeguarding leopards through their global initiative. 'South Africa can and must set a precedent for global wildlife protection efforts by ensuring that all big cats are safeguarded for future generations,' said Fiona Miles, Director at Four Paws. 'By developing world-class standards and policies, South Africa can lead global advocacy for stricter protections for big cats, shifting the mindset from financial value to the intrinsic value these sentient animals have.' At Lionsrock, the sanctuary provides a haven for rescued leopards, allowing them to live in environments that cater to their natural behaviours. Among the residents, Bakari, Mike, and Tulani have experienced the tragic realities of captivity. Bakari's journey to Lionsrock reveals a troubling past; he was initially kept as a photo attraction in a German zoo and later faced distress in confined spaces alongside lions—animals that are natural enemies of leopards. However, with love and care, Bakari has found solace and safety in his new habitat. Mike and Tulani, known as the sanctuary's 'resident couple,' have also overcome powerful adversities. Tulani was raised in a safari farm while Mike was captured in a live trap. Both leopards now thrive in the care of dedicated staff who provide them with enrichment and a peaceful existence. Sanctuary Manager Hildegard Pirker passionately comments, 'Leopards are incredibly adaptable and intelligent animals, but their survival is constantly challenged by human activities. We provide them with the space and care they need to live dignified lives.' As part of their mission, Four Paws advocates for an end to the exploitation and commercial trade of big cats. International Leopard Day represents a vital opportunity to raise awareness about the ethical treatment of wildlife. It is a call for society as a whole to recognise the significance of legal protections surrounding both wild leopards and those in captivity. Pivotal to this awareness is understanding the differences between leopards and their counterparts, jaguars, which are often confused. While leopards can be found across Africa and parts of Asia, jaguars inhabit the Americas. Their unique rosette patterns further distinguish them: leopards have smaller, more densely packed spots compared to the larger rosettes with central spots that characterise jaguars. Acknowledging these differences is pertinent in providing specific care for each species and catering to their welfare needs. As we celebrate International Leopard Day, let us commit to advocating ethical wildlife practices and stricter laws to protect these magnificent creatures. The plight of leopards is a shared responsibility, and through initiatives led by organisations like FOUR PAWS South Africa and sanctuaries like Lionsrock, we can ensure that future generations will share the planet with these extraordinary animals.
