African Wildlife & Environment Issue 80

WESSA PEOPLE

these iconic cats, both inside and outside of formally protected areas. As a part-time lecturer at TUT’S Department of Nature Conservation, Leanne strives to impart her passion for South African conservation to her students, and many of them have become regular volunteers for the SMS project. Leanne is a firm believer in creating awareness for the plight of wildlife and has presented talks on the topic at many scientific and public meetings. Leopards are a charismatic and well-known species, and she uses her work on these cats to engage her audience and rally their support for conserving the environments crucial to the continued existence of this and other species. After the tragic snare-induced death of one of the female leopards in her study, Leanne knew that more needed to be done to combat poaching in the Magaliesberg mountains. She welcomed the initiative from the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve to train and employ Eco Rangers to

assist in anti-poaching operations, and in creating conservation awareness. WESSA assisted in the training and deployment of these rangers, who are now actively involved in the SMS project as well as making valuable strides in involving and educating local communities in wildlife protection. Only 12% of land in South Africa is formally protected, and Leanne believes that it is only through public buy-in and the inclusion of local communities that our country’s vast areas of unprotected wildlife habitats can be sustained for future generations. Organizations like WESSA are enabling scientists and the public to come together to protect the rich and unique treasure that is South Africa’s wildlife.

Leanne Venter leanne.annie@gmail.com

59 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 80 (2021)