Leopards Make a Dramatic Comeback in South Africa After 170 Years!

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, leopards have returned to the western coast of South Africa after an absence of 170 years. This milestone was marked by a camera trap photo released by South Africa National Parks (SANparks), capturing the majestic predator in the West Coast National Park. Conservationists have hailed the moment as a key success in efforts to rewild and restore habitats, proving that teamwork between local governments, private landowners, and conservation groups can create meaningful change.

Organizations like the Landmark Leopard and Predator Project worked tirelessly over the past two decades, focusing on human-wildlife coexistence and reconnecting fragmented habitats to allow leopards to roam freely once more. The return of these cats not only signifies a victory for conservation but also sparks excitement about the potential for future wildlife recovery efforts. And while it’s a win for the leopards, let’s hope they remembered to update their Instagram accounts after being off the grid for so long!