Spotted at Last – Leopards Captured on Camera in De Hoop Nature Reserve
For years, the leopards of De Hoop Nature Reserve have remained one of nature’s best-kept secrets – silent, solitary, and seldom seen. But now, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, the Landmark Foundation, and CapeNature, we’re thrilled to share a remarkable sighting: two leopards have been captured on camera trap footage in the reserve.
The camera trap stations were placed in February 2025, and we first spotted a caracal and her kitten. Very special indeed. But the leopards initially remained elusive.
Caracal
Finally, 4,223 images collected over a 50-day period from a network of camera trap stations revealed not only the unmistakable presence of a male leopard roaming from the Potberg office to Infanta, but also what appears to be a female leopard on the Infanta side. This finding is more than just exciting – it’s significant. It brings us one step closer to understanding the range and behaviour of these beautiful cats.
“This is an incredibly hopeful moment,” says Ed Zeeman, co-founder of Morukuru Family and the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation. “To confirm the presence of not one, but two leopards, is a testament to the importance of long-term conservation work – and the power of collaboration. It underscores our shared commitment to protecting not only leopards but the broader biodiversity of De Hoop.”
“At CapeNature we believe in the value of partnerships. The De Hoop Partnerships demonstrate returns across the dimensions of conservation, local economy development and job creation.”, says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO. “Confirmation that the Greater De Hoop Nature Reserve and surrounds still contributes to favourable habitat for Cape leopard in the Overberg region highlights the success of continuous collaborative conservation efforts. These monitoring projects provide valuable information to ensure the long-term conservation needs for the management of the species.”
“This is exactly the kind of data we hoped to uncover,” explains Dr Bool Smuts, General Manager of the Landmark Foundation. “The presence of a male and possibly a female too suggests a viable range and the potential for population stability, provided we continue to protect and connect these habitats.”
And there’s more. Alongside these leopard sightings, the camera traps have offered a window into the secret lives of 17 other mammal species, including caracal, porcupine, honey badger, baboon, Cape grysbok, and even the rarely glimpsed bushpig. Each image is a small revelation, and a reminder of how vibrant and vital this wilderness truly is.
Cape grysbok
This project is about more than just data – it’s about connection. And guests staying at Morukuru Ocean House or Morukuru Beach Lodge are invited to be part of the journey. They can join the Landmark Foundation team on field excursions, help retrieve SD cards, view the latest camera trap footage, and attend fireside talks with conservation experts. It’s a chance to experience the wild in a way that’s both meaningful and hands-on.
Honey badgerBushbuck
Each captured image adds a new brushstroke to the portrait of De Hoop’s rich ecosystem. We’re just at the beginning of a long and rewarding journey, one that blends science, storytelling, and a deep love for the land.
BushpigPorcupine
Want to be part of it? Join us at Morukuru Family De Hoop and step into a conservation story in the making.
Large-spotted genet
The camera trap stations were placed in February 2025, and we first spotted a caracal and her kitten. Very special indeed. But the leopards initially remained elusive.
The camera trap stations were placed in February 2025, and we first spotted a caracal and her kitten. Very special indeed. But the leopards initially remained elusive.
“At CapeNature we believe in the value of partnerships. The De Hoop Partnerships demonstrate returns across the dimensions of conservation, local economy development and job creation.”, says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO. “Confirmation that the Greater De Hoop Nature Reserve and surrounds still contributes to favourable habitat for Cape leopard in the Overberg region highlights the success of continuous collaborative conservation efforts. These monitoring projects provide valuable information to ensure the long-term conservation needs for the management of the species.”
“This is exactly the kind of data we hoped to uncover,” explains Dr Bool Smuts, General Manager of the Landmark Foundation. “The presence of a male and possibly a female too suggests a viable range and the potential for population stability, provided we continue to protect and connect these habitats.”
And there’s more. Alongside these leopard sightings, the camera traps have offered a window into the secret lives of 17 other mammal species, including caracal, porcupine, honey badger, baboon, Cape grysbok, and even the rarely glimpsed bushpig. Each image is a small revelation, and a reminder of how vibrant and vital this wilderness truly is.
