Leopard Data Portal

We need your help to conserve leopards!

By being observant in nature and sharing valuable data on leopard field signs, the presence of illegal snares, and other threats to leopards, you can contribute towards our scientific research and monitoring projects.

The Cape Leopard Trust is compiling verifiable observations of leopards and their signs as well as threats to their survival across the Western, Northern and Eastern Cape from 2010 to the present.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

You can share your data using our purpose-built web portal, which has three tailored platforms:

Leopard Spotter

Submit your sightings of leopard activity in the Western, Northern or Eastern Cape. ‘Sightings’ can either be photos of direct observations, camera trap photos, or field signs like spoor/tracks, scats/droppings or scratch marks on trees. View our quick guide to leopard field signs HERE for information and examples.

Why is this information important?

Leopard Spotter data are used to assess leopard distribution in the Cape provinces and conduct habitat suitability assessments.

Snare Aware

Be snare aware and report snares found in the Cape provinces. Snares are simple anchored nooses made from wire, cable, rope, or other materials, used to capture animals.

Why is this information important?

Hunting with snares poses a serious threat to the persistence of leopards. This hunting method depletes the leopard’s prey base by removing prey species like grysbok, duiker, porcupine and rock hyrax from the habitat. Leopards themselves can also be maimed or killed in snares. Your information on snares found, together with our own snare patrol data, help us in the development of adaptive management plans and to advise landowners on how to mitigate and prevent this form of hunting on their properties.

Threat Tracker

Report potential threats to leopards in the Cape provinces when you see something that may present a danger to leopards. Examples include traps, leopard roadkill, poisoning activity and even livestock depredation events* attributed to leopards.
(*In this instance we view the leopard’s behaviour as the potential threat to the species, rather than pinpointing farmers or properties as threats. Uncovering patterns or hotspots of depredation by leopards may inform mitigation measures.)

Why is this information important?

Threat Tracker data will enable us to implement targeted conservation strategies. In addition, data on threats will be merged with our leopard sighting database to assess habitat suitability.

How to participate

  • Get out in nature and keep your eyes peeled. You could arrange a Leopard Spotter walk, hike or run to enjoy nature and look for signs of this elusive cat.
  • If you find a leopard sighting, snares, or some other threat to leopards, take a photo of it and record your location. For spoor/tracks and scats/droppings submissions, please include a standard size reference (such as a matchbox, lighter or coin) in your photo if possible.
  • Access the Leopard Data Portal here: app.capeleopard.org.za/
    • Create your account
    • Confirm your registration via email
    • Log in to the app and start submitting your data.
  • Tell your friends and family about the Leopard Data Portal. The more people we can rally to submit records, the better!

Our online portal is both desktop and mobile friendly. Being web-based, it is compatible with various operating systems and you don’t need to download it to your mobile device. Simply save the link to your phone’s home screen and use it as an app.

However, the portal is not available offline, so if you are in an area without signal, save your photos and location pins and upload your records when you get back into reception.

Please note that each data point must be inputted in the app individually, therefore if you have many records to share or prefer to contribute via email, please email clt@capeleopard.org.za to request a spreadsheet for submissions.

Be a citizen scientist

Upload your leopard records and help our research efforts!

Submit your data