Search for leopard roaming Roodeplaat reserve continues
The department says it doesn't know where the leopard came from or to whom it belongs.
Leopard monitoring systems and trackers will be deployed to track down the leopard spotted in and around the Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve.
Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (GDARDE) spokesperson Andile Gumede said this is being done in the interest of public safety and to ensure the leopard is safely captured and relocated.
On Friday, August 25 GDARDE warned Roodeplaat residents to be on the lookout for a roaming leopard after a zebra reportedly was found with injuries that could have been inflicted by such an animal.
Gumede said it is not yet known where the leopard is from.
“The reserve is not permitted to keep leopards due to their nature and behaviour. In that regard they are dangerous animals which should be kept in a zoo or a registered sanctuary.”
Gumede said a widespread search for the leopard has been activated.
“The department is committed to protecting both the leopard and the local community,” Gumede said.
Gumede added that a meeting between the reserve and the department would take place to work out more solutions and measures for the leopard’s safe relocation.
He warned people against approaching the leopard should they spot it.
“The public is urged to refrain or not even try to corner and capture the leopard, as it is dangerous and it might result in the injury or even death of the people who try to capture it.”
As a solution, people who spot the animal should report the sighting.
“For a swift response, the public should contact the department on 082 607 0379,” Gumede added.
He said if the leopard is spotted, the reserve and the department will deploy a wildlife veterinarian to safely tranquillise and relocate it to a sanctuary or other suitably protected area.
Warnings of leopard possibly roaming in Roodeplaat
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