Recent images released by the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) Boland Project reveal that the Cape Leopard continues to frequent both existing and new sections of the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Mountain Bike (MTB) routes.
“The FNB W2W MTB Events has been a supporter of the CLT Boland Project since 2011 when we first donated five digital camera traps to the project,” says Johan Kriegler, FNB W2W MTB Director. “The new steepest climb on Stage One at Vergelegen Wine Estate has recently been visited by both a Leopard and a Caracal. We are excited to see that these majestic felines are still enjoying the FNB W2W MTB routes.”
“Camera traps on MTB routes are extremely useful,” says Jeannie Hayward of the CLT Boland Project. “Although leopards are adept at traversing rough terrain and dense vegetation, they do like ‘the path of least resistance’.
We are extremely grateful for the support received from FNB W2W. This year we have continued our research in the Boland area with specific focus on investigating and identifying threats to leopard survival.”
Three leopards have recently been recorded frequenting the FNB W2W MTB Routes: 1. Bacardi (Boland Male 26/BM26) has been photographed both at Lourensford Wine Estate and Vergelegen Wine Estate. 2. Diego (Boland Male 27/BM27) has been photographed at Vergelegen and Paul Cluver. 3. Scott (Boland Male 12/BM12) is an established, dominant male that holds a vast territory in the Kogelberg Biosphere.
Bacardi (Boland Male 26/BM26) has been photographed both at Lourensford Wine Estate and Vergelegen Wine Estate.
The FNB W2W camera traps act like ‘permanent fieldworkers’, recording animal movement day and night, rain or shine. Placing these cameras along the FNB W2W routes gives the Boland Project the opportunity to survey new locations within the study area, not only for leopard activity but also for the presence of other nocturnal and shy mammals like the Honey Badger, Cape Fox and Genet.
EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Wines2Whales MTB Events
Starting in the Winelands of Somerset West, riders will cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus!
- FNB Wines2Whales MTB Adventure: Friday, 04 November 2016 – Sunday, 06 November 2016
- FNB Wines2Whales MTB Ride: Monday, 07 November 2016 – Wednesday, 09 November 2016
- FNB Wines2Whales MTB Race: Friday, 11 November 2016 – Sunday, 13 November 2016
Each FNB W2W MTB entrant will receive an adidas branded jacket. Together with Duesouth, the official retail partner of the FNB W2W MTB Events, adidas will set up an exhibitor’s area in the Race Village. Riders and supporters can look forward to a firsthand experience of adidas’ newest TERREX range.
The prize purse breakdown for the 2016 FNB W2W MTB Race can be viewed here: http://wines2whales.co.za/rider/race-prize-purse/
Like our Facebook page: The Cape Leopard Trust / Wines2Whales
Follow us on Twitter: @Cape_Leopard / @w2wmtb
For more information on the FNB W2W MTB events contact Chris on 083 760 3158, e-mail race@wines2whales.co.za, adventure@wines2whales.co.za or ride@wines2whales.co.za or visit www.wines2whales.co.za
Source: Newsport Media
