
Panthera’s Sabi Sand leopard research
This programme is one of the most extensive research studies on leopards in the world and highlights this area as one of the world’s most stable and best protected leopard populations (a density of 12.2 leopards per 100km², the highest density yet recorded).
A well-protected environment and sensitive game-viewing practices have resulted in extremely relaxed leopards in the Sabi Sand Reserve; behaviours that are seldom (or never) viewed among leopards elsewhere, are recorded here frequently.
The Sabi Sand Leopard Project uses the relaxed nature of these leopards and the experience of ecotourism guides to convert daily leopard sightings into high-quality observation data, critical to informing leopard ecology and conservation strategies across South Africa and beyond.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve, home to Singita’s founding Lodge, is home to one of the world’s best protected and high-density leopard populations. Panthera Partnership Leopard Research