CapeNature has confirmed the unfortunate death of a young male leopard caught in two illegal gin traps near Heidelberg, close to the Boosmansbos World Heritage Site.
The six-month-old cub, weighing just 13kg, was found on 2 July with one front paw and one hind leg caught in the traps. Despite a rapid response by CapeNature’s rescue team, the leopard succumbed to its injuries.
This devastating incident, now under investigation by CapeNature and the South African Police Service, underscores the serious legal and ethical responsibilities of landowners under both local and international wildlife laws.
Leopards are listed as a Protected Species under Western Cape legislation and CITES Appendix I, making the capture or killing of them without a permit a criminal offence. Gin traps and other leg-hold devices are banned for this purpose, and their use constitutes cruelty under the Animal Protection Act of 1962.
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo emphasised that dialogue and non-lethal solutions are essential:
“We understand the challenges faced by landowners and farmers… Solutions are always possible through dialogue.”
In recent months, leopard-related conflicts have also been reported. In April 2025, an adult male leopard killed a calf on a farm near Grootvadersbosch. That leopard, estimated to be seven years old, was captured, collared, and released under supervision and has not attacked livestock since its release.
While leopards are often mischaracterised as livestock predators, CapeNature notes that livestock makes up less than 1% of their diet.
The death of this young leopard draws attention to the urgent need for education, collaboration, and lawful practices. CapeNature and the Cape Leopard Trust have responded by updating the Landowner’s Guide to Human-Wildlife Conflict, promoting practical, non-lethal methods to reduce conflict. The guide is now available in English and Afrikaans.
This incident also comes shortly after CapeNature’s 2025 Snapshot: New Species, Big Threats was released, which revealed both encouraging biodiversity wins and mounting threats to wildlife across the Western Cape. From the discovery of new freshwater species to intensified habitat pressure due to climate change and land-use shifts, the snapshot highlights the fragile balance of the Cape’s ecosystems. The young leopard’s death is a sobering reminder of what’s at stake.
As custodians of the Western Cape’s biodiversity, CapeNature continues to call on the public to report wildlife crimes and support ethical, informed conservation.
Report wildlife crime or request support
- City of Cape Town 107 or 021 480 7700 on cellphone
- Overberg 028 425 1690
- West Coast 022 433 8700
- Eden 044 805 5071
- Central Karoo 023 414 2603
- Cape Winelands 021 887 4446
Download the updated Landowner’s Guide to Human-Wildlife Conflict here. For more on CapeNature’s 2025 biodiversity snapshot, read the full story here: CapeNature’s 2025 Snapshot: New Species, Big Threats