‘Spotted at Last’: Trail Cameras Show Rare Glimpse of Leopards

Trail cameras have helped lift the veil on some secretive predators living in South Africa’s De Hoop Nature Reserve—leopards. The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation calls these elusive animals “one of nature’s best-kept secrets” and explains why the camera-trap footage is so important to those who care about the area.

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“For years, the leopards of De Hoop Nature Reserve have remained one of nature’s best-kept secrets—silent, solitary, and seldom seen,” wrote the organization in a statement announcing the rare trail-cam photos. “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.”

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The foundation explains that the trail cams placed in February collected well over 4,000 images throughout the reserve. Within this body of evidence are some precious images that show not one but two different leopards in the area.

“This finding is more than just exciting—it’s significant,” wrote the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation in its statement. “It brings us one step closer to understanding the range and behaviour of these beautiful cats.”

Ed Zeeman, co-founder of Morukuru Family and the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation said the presence of these two leopards is a “testament to the importance of long-term conservation work—and the power of collaboration.”

See the trail cameras’ images of elusive leopards in South Africa here:

See all the images here.

Header stock image by Mint Images RF/Getty Images

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