A Cape leopard died after being hit by a vehicle on
the N1 on Monday evening, CapeNature said in a
statement on Tuesday.
CapeNature said the leopard, a mature female,
sustained a head injury in the collision, which happened around 19:00 between
Worcester and De Doorns.
“The leopard was rushed to a nearby
veterinarian at Worcester Animal Clinic for a prognosis. During the examination
the cat unfortunately succumbed to its injuries and died,” said
spokesperson Loren Pavitt.
“The carcass will be retained, and will
contribute towards valuable research.
“CapeNature would further like to acknowledge
the swift reaction by members of the public for contacting and notifying
conservation authorities of the incident.
“Motorists are urged to be vigilant when
observing warning signs indicating animal activity in the vicinity,
particularly along mountain passes bordered with natural vegetation where
wildlife roam,” she said.
According to Africa Geographic, Cape leopards are much
smaller than those found elsewhere in Africa; in fact, they are approximately
half the mass of savannah leopards.
