Baviaans Leopard Research Group
Become part of a global community working to understand and protect the Leopards of the Baviaanskloof.
Why the Cape Leopard needs you
Silent. Solitary. Mysterious. The Cape Leopard is one of Africa’s most elusive big cats—and one of its most threatened.
In the rugged cliffs and canyons of the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, leopards still roam free. But we know almost nothing about their movements and population size. The Baviaans is the third largest wilderness area in South Africa – though remains wild in most places with very little infrastructure. The reserve manager, the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) is resource strapped, and does not have the capacity for tracking Leopard populations through a camera project. In partnership with the ECPTA, the Leopard Research Group is aiming to close that Gap.
What the Leopard Research Group is doing
The Leopard Research Group is a passionate community of people from around the world, united by a mission to understand and protect the leopards of South Africa’s Baviaanskloof.
We invite you to join us and be part of this incredible journey.
As a community we are building a long-term conservation project using camera traps—motion-activated cameras hidden across the mountains and valleys of the Baviaans. These cameras capture images of leopards in their natural environment and generate the hard data needed to guide conservation.
We currently have 8 camera stations (16 cameras) in the field, but our goal is 50 camera stations across the greater Baviaans area.
Every camera:
- Helps track leopard movement and behaviour
- Feeds scientific research and protection strategies
- Creates local jobs for trained community members to maintain the cameras and harvest the data.
- Builds our collective understanding of an iconic species
We share all data and imagery with key partners like the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency and the Cape Leopard Trust.
“I’ve always loved leopards, but being part of this project makes it real. Seeing actual images from the camera I sponsored—of a wild leopard walking through the night—it gave me goosebumps. It’s more than a donation. It’s a relationship with a wild place.”
“Supporting the Leopard Research Group is one of the most meaningful things I’ve done. The work they’re doing is scientific, strategic, and rooted in the community. I know my contribution is helping both the leopards and the people of the Baviaanskloof.”
“I live thousands of miles away, but through this project I feel deeply connected to the Baviaanskloof. Every time a new leopard sighting is posted, I feel proud to be part of something wild, beautiful, and important.”
“What I love about this project is how it ties conservation with community. It’s not just about the cameras—it’s about creating jobs, building knowledge, and giving people a role in protecting their own heritage.”
How can you join the Leopard Research Group
The Leopard Research Group membership is for people or companies that have sponsored a leopard camera for one year.
Your R9,800 membership covers
- The cost of one new camera
- The costs to check and maintain the camera for a year
- Data processing and sharing with conservation researchers
As a member, you’ll receive:
✅ Regular updates with photos and sightings
✅ Access to a private online forum with fellow sponsors and researchers
✅ Your name (or your company’s) on our Wall of Wild Guardians
✅ The knowledge that you’re protecting something truly wild, rare, and essential
