WATCH: Lion spotted between Hazyview and White River
Paw prints have been found on two farms and the MTPA is searching for the lion.
A male lion was spotted on a farm near the former Cybele Forest Lodge on Sunday April 26. Malcolm Easton, owner of the farm, said he came across some paw prints on Monday.
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He happened to have cameras in this area, and after asking the security company about it, they confirmed it was indeed a lion. The cameras are not originally set up to detect animals, but have since been updated.
Pieter du Preez, a farmer south of the Da Gama Dam, also found some paw prints on his farm, but this was last week Tuesday.
Dr Ferreira du Plessis, from the MTPA, said they first became aware of the lion last week Thursday. He said all reports at this stage point to it being only one lion.
He said a team of MTPA rangers are out and about looking for the lion.
The first priority will be to dart the lion when it is found. Different situations require different solutions and Du Plessis said there are many factors. Two main factors would be the nature of the terrain where the lion is found, and also its behaviour.
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If the lion is captured, it will then be taken to a facility where it will be kept for a minimum of two weeks. Du Plessis said this is to “neutralise the lion’s GPS” and to examine him. During this time they can then decide what would be best for the lion; to go to the Kruger National Park or perhaps another reserve.
If anyone spots the lion, they can contact Du Plessis on 082-901-3172
