Mystery cat

Throughout August Ingwe Leopard project will be conducting an in depth study to determine what predator species are found within the wetlands area of Kudu Game Ranch. Several methods of recording predator movements are currently in place including the use of 11 camera traps spaced throughout the wetlands area along major roads and junctions. Sightings of predators are also recorded as well as all signs which include all spoor and scat encountered. So far the camera traps here recorded 13 different species none of which were predator species. However many tracks and signs of varying predators have been recorded. The spoor of Side Striped Jackal, Slender mongoose (see above image) and Water Mongoose have been recorded. There has also been a positive sighting of a cape clawless otter and scat samples of Leopard, Caracal and Serval have been found. So although at this stage no images have been captured on predators in the wetlands there presence is still very much known.

Written By Emma Loader, Ingwe Researcher