The coordinators of the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) Boland Project are pleased to announce that three Cape Leopards are continuing to make good use of the Contego Wines2Whales MTB routes.
According to Anita Meyer, CLT Boland Project, after their latest camera checking excursion in mid October it is clear that three Cape Leopards, Scott (BM12, Boland Male #12), Popeye (BM17, Boland Male #17) and Olive (BF14, Boland Female #14) have become regulars on the Wines2Whales routes. “Popeye (BM17, Boland Male #17) and Olive (BF14, Boland Female #14) have been spotted a number of times on the De Rust routes, while Scott (BM12, Boland Male #12) seems to be enjoying the Schapenberg trails. Thanks to the Wines2Whales cameras we have identified a new female that we would not otherwise have picked up on, and we also have new locations for known individuals. As Leopards are such wide-ranging animals, all locations identified by the cameras aid us in forming a rough idea of each individual’s home range. The cameras have also once again captured other animals in action such as large-spotted genet, small grey mongoose, porcupine, grysbok, duiker, honey badger and caracal,” says Meyer.
In September 2011 the organizers of the Contego Wines2Whales MTB Adventure and Race powered by Maserati showed their support of the CLT Boland Project by donating five digital camera traps to the project.
Information on the three leopards spotted on the Wines2Whales route:
Scott (BM12, Boland Male #12) has been recorded over a very large area stretching from just north of Sir Lowry’s Pass, through the Steenbras Mountains and across the Kogelberg Biosphere reserve.
Popeye (BM17, Boland Male #17) ranges quite extensively throughout Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve and the Groenlandberg mountains and has previously been photographed near Houw Hoek Inn.
Olive (BF14, Boland Female #14) has been recorded at three locations in the Groenlandberg Reserve within the dominant male BM17’s territory.
For more information on the Cape Leopard and the work of the CLT Boland Project, go to www.capeleopard.org.za and www.facebook.com/capeleopard.
Event Information:
Starting in the Wine lands of Somerset West, riders will cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus!
CONTEGO WINES2WHALES MTB ADVENTURE: Friday, 2 November 2012 until Sunday, 4 November 2012
CONTEGO WINES2WHALES MTB RACE: Friday, 9 November 2012 until Sunday, 11 November 2012
Start Venue: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Race Village: Oak Valley Sports Field, Elgin (Western Cape)
Finish: Onrus Caravan Park, just outside of Hermanus (Western Cape)
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For more information on the Contego Wines2Whales MTB Adventure and Race powered by Maserati visit www.wines2whales.co.za
Die Kaapse Luiperde!