Camera Trap confirms the presence of leopards in the Deep Hoop nature reserve
A milestone moment in leopard conservation. This is because the two leopards have been spotted through joint efforts by the Molkle Goodwill Foundation, Landmark Foundation and Capernature.
Cape Town, May 2, 2025 – An exciting development for the protection of the Overburg area has led to positive identification of two leopards in camera trap footage at Deep Hoop Nature Reserve thanks to collaborations by the Molkl Goodwill Foundation, Landmark Foundation and Capernature.
“It’s a very hopeful moment,” said Ed Zeeman, co-founder of the Molkle family and the Molkle Goodwill Foundation. “Checking the presence of two leopards rather than one is a testament to patient power, long-term conservation work and meaningful collaboration. This underscores De Foop’s shared commitment to protecting not only leopards but also the wider biodiversity of De Foop.”
“At Capenature, we believe in the value of partnerships. The DE Hoop Partnership shows the overall return of conservation, local economic development and job creation aspects,” says CEO Dr. Ashley Naidoo. “The continued contribution of Greater Dihoop Nature Reserve and Surround to the favourable habitat of Cape Leopards in the Overburg region underscores the success of ongoing cooperative conservation efforts. These surveillance projects provide valuable information to ensure long-term conservation needs for species management.”
Over the course of 50 days, 4,223 images were collected throughout the reserve, revealing the presence of a male leopard in roaming between the Potberg office and Infanta, as well as a potential woman on the Infanta side. These sightings represent an important step in understanding the behavior, territorial and ecological roles of these elusive cats.
The camera trap has been operating since February 2025 and is equipped with both daytime and nighttime features. They also documented 17 other mammal species, including Caracal, Porcupine, Honey Badger, Haboon, Cape Grysbok, and Bushpig. This rich variety of wildlife data highlights the ecological significance of reserves and provides important insights into species distribution, habitat use, and ecosystem interconnectivity.
Dr. Boursmatz, general manager of the Landmark Foundation, said: “Camera traps provide a non-intrusive way to monitor rare and wide range of species like leopards. The presence of men and potential women suggests the potential for survival and population stability, as long as they continue to protect and connect these habitats.”
As part of this ongoing initiative, guests at Molkle Ocean House and Molkle Beach Lodge have unique opportunities to engage with the project through field experiences such as camera inspection, photo interpretation and presentations by Landmark Foundation experts.
The Leopard Surveillance Project is the basis of a broader conservation strategy aimed at securing ecological corridors and mitigating human and wildlife conflicts in the area.
This initiative will be made possible through the partnership between the Molkul Goodwill Foundation, Landmark Foundation and Capenature, and collaborates to ensure a sustainable future for South African wildlife.
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For more information, please contact your Rinse Wassenaar (email protection) Marketing Manager
Landmark Foundation
The Landmark Foundation’s mission is to save and protect South Africa’s wildlife. This focuses on apex predators like leopards, with light-like light surrounds in other species and their habitats. We believe in a holistic approach to integrating science, community engagement and policy advocacy to create a sustainable ecosystem.
https://www.landmark.foundation/
The Molkul family
Reconnecting family, friends, nature and you is the promise of the Molkl family, a well-known and award-winning hospitality group and members of Relais & Châteaux. Three dedicated houses in the Madikwegame Reserve of the Morkur family, as well as the Morkur Ocean House in Deep Nature Reserve, each offering a “Morkur Freedom Concept” for guests to create unique and personalized holidays. Molkle Beach Lodge at DeHoop Nature Reserve can be booked per suite or exclusively. Located in Sandton, Johannesburg, Assol Place Hotel & Villa is comprised of a nine-room boutique hotel and a four-bedroom private villa. The Molkur family is dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for the reserve, protecting the planet and offering special travel packages.
www.morukuru.com
Molkul Goodwill Foundation
The Morkl family’s commitment to conservation, community and sustainability led to the establishment of the Morklgrill Foundation (MGWF) in 2007 by Ed and Anka owners.
Zeeman. We will work with the Parks Committee, Capernatua and with the local community to support, educate and guide nature-based projects and ultimately help conserve wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.
www.morukuru.com | https://morukuru.com/morukuru-goodwill-foundation/
Relais & Châteaux – Meaningful Moves
Founded in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is a association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants around the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs. Most of the time, families are passionate about crafting and are deeply committed to building warm and lasting relationships with their guests. Members of Relais & Châteaux protect and promote the wealth and diversity of global culinary and hospitality traditions, ensuring they continue to thrive. They are equally dedicated to preserving local heritage and environment, as clarified in the association’s vision presented to UNESCO in November 2014.
www.relaischateaux.com
Capernatua
Capenature is a mandatory public institution to promote and ensure the conservation of biodiversity within the Western Cape. The entity manages mountain catchments and reserves that provide ecosystem services to Western Cape citizens. This requires excellent scientific data, a healthy understanding of Finbos’ ecology, and a commitment to integrated biodiversity management and planning principles. Most of this work, although far from the public eye, is directly related to the quality of life of millions of people in the state.
www.capenature.co.za
