Morukuru Goodwill Foundation partners with the Landmark Foundation to track leopards in De Hoop Nature Reserve

For years, whispers of leopards have rippled through De Hoop Nature Reserve – mostly an unmistakable paw print in the sand or a fleeting shadow in the fynbos. But seeing them? That’s another story entirely. But now, thanks to a new partnership between Morukuru Goodwill Foundation and the Landmark Foundation, with the collaboration of CapeNature, these apex predators are about to lose their anonymity – at least to the camera traps that have already begun capturing their secrets. And here’s the cherry on top: you can be part of this story.

Why this project matters

Leopards in South Africa are currently classified as ‘Vulnerable,’ according to the IUCN Red List. These predators are vital to the country’s ecosystem – including within the reserve, keeping prey numbers in check and maintaining the delicate balance of biodiversity. But here’s the problem:

• Habitat fragmentation is blocking their natural movement.
• Genetic isolation threatens their long-term survival.
• Human-wildlife conflict in surrounding areas is becoming more frequent.

Without reliable data, protecting them is a guessing game. Unfortunately, leopards are incredibly elusive. Not only are they expertly camouflaged, but they’re also solitary animals and typically rest during the day in thickets, amongst rocks, or on tree branches. The last major leopard survey in De Hoop was years ago, meaning we have no clear idea how many leopards are here, how they move, or how they’re coping. That’s where science meets wild instinct. Over the next 12 – 24 months, the Landmark Foundation – led by General Manager Dr Bool Smuts – will deploy 31 high-tech camera trap stations across De Hoop Nature Reserve, capturing whatever moves – day and night, rain or shine. The cameras also have infrared night vision and allow for long-term tracking, as well as both image and video capture. With each new image, we’ll piece together a leopard map of the reserve, identifying individuals by their unique coat markings, tracking their movement across the reserve, and ultimately understanding how we can ensure their future survival.

L-R: Jeannine McManus, Corné Lamprecht, Dr Bool Smuts, Lynette Greeff, Hilton Mahachi

Your stay… your impact

If you’re a guest at Morukuru Family De Hoop, you’ll have a chance to get in on the action. Our team at Morukuru Family De Hoop will build this into regular activities, as well as the optional Coastal Conservation with a Purpose package and you’ll be able to participate in the following:

• Joining the team when they inspect the camera traps
• Watching footage of these secretive cats for the first time
• Attending presentations by conservationists

“While funding an important cause, we’re also actively creating a living, breathing conservation experience for our guests,” says Anka Zeeman, Co-founder of Morukuru Family and the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation. “For them, this project won’t be happening in the background – it’ll unfold right in front of them. We’re excited to see how it transforms both our understanding of these big cats and the way guests connect with them.”

So, what’s next?

• We’ve already installed one camera station near Morukuru Ocean House. The next 30 camera stations will be installed in the coming months.
• We’ll capture data every few weeks, giving us an incredible insight into leopards and other secretive species like honey badgers, caracals, and porcupines.
• This research will inform long-term conservation and possibly lead to greater habitat protection.

And you – our adventurous, wildlife-loving guests – get a front-row seat to it all. Stay tuned for details on how to get involved during your next stay.