A study from South Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve shows that targeted conservation measures—such as revised hunting policies, conflict mitigation programs and community engagement—significantly reduced leopard mortality and boosted population growth. While cub production was initially higher before these interventions, overall reproductive output improved after implementation, suggesting a positive long-term impact on population viability. These results demonstrate that regulated hunting, when guided by adaptive management and science-based policy, can coexist with effective conservation outcomes.
The study acknowledges the value of flexible, holistic approaches that involve local communities in wildlife stewardship. By addressing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring responsible land use, conservation strategies like those used at Phinda provide a model for balancing ecological goals with economic and social realities. This success story supports the broader case for sustainable use practices, including well-managed hunting, as vital tools in preserving Africa’s big cats and other threatened species.
