IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Myers, N. | |
| The leopard _Panthera pardus_ in Africa | |
| 1976 Full Book | |
The survey was instituted to assess the status of the leopard in Africa south of the Sahara (hereafter referred to as sub-Saharan Africa). The principal intention was to determine the leopard's distribution, and to ascertain whether its numbers were being unduly depleted by such factors as the fur trade and modification of Wildlands. Special emphasis was to be directed at trends in land use which may affect the leopard, in order to determine dynamic aspects of its status. Arising out of these investigations, guidelines were to be formulated for the more effective conservation of the species. Since there is no evidence of significant numbers of leopards in northern Africa, the survey was restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. Although every country of this region had to be considered, detailed investigations were appropriate only in those areas which seemed important to the leopard's continental status. Sub-Saharan Africa now comprises well over 40 countries. With the limitations of time and funds available, visits could be arranged to no more than a selection of countries. The aim was to make an on-the-ground assessment of at least one country in each of the major biomes, viz. Sahel, Sudano-Guinean woodland, rainforest and _miombo _woodland, in addition to the basic study of East African savannah grasslands discussed in the next section. Special emphasis was directed at the countries of southern Africa, to ascertain what features of agricultural development have contributed to the decline of the leopard in that region and whether these are likely to be replicated elsewhere. There was also need to assess trade pressures in that region, since South Africa exports more products made from spotted cat skins than the whole of the rest of Africa. Ethiopia and Djibouti also merited visits, due to their reputation as significant channels for the trade in illicitly-obtained furs. In the event 22 countries were visited and an extensive correspondence conducted with 10 others. |
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