Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, set up by Morukuru Family, a leading hospitality firm in South Africa has announce its support and sponsorship for a leopard conservation project undertaken by Landmark Foundation in De Hoop Nature Reserve, a protected area rich in biodiversity about 250 km southeast of Cape Town.

In a press statement, the two organisations say that the project, in collaboration with CapeNature, aims to deploy 31 camera trap stations across the reserve to monitor leopards and other mammal species, providing crucial insights into biodiversity, habitat use and population health.

Bool Smuts

“This collaboration launches a vital initiative to monitor and protect leopards in one of South Africa’s most biodiverse regions. We are very grateful for the support and excited to have already gotten the project underway,” says Bool Smuts, General Manager, Landmark Foundation.

In January 2025, the Landmark Foundation team, represented by Dr Smuts and Jeannine McManus, installed the first camera station near Morukuru Ocean House. These cameras, equipped with day-colour and night-infrared capabilities, are the first step in a long-term effort to balance conservation with sustainable eco-tourism.

“Leopards are keystone predators – crucial to maintaining ecological balance. By investing in this project, we are contributing to the protection of this species while also creating a platform for education and engagement,” says Ed Zeeman, Co-founder, Morukuru Family, and Morukuru Goodwill Foundation.

Ed Zeeman

The statement adds that the leopard monitoring project will offer a unique eco-tourism experience for Morukuru Family customers staying at either Morukuru Ocean House or Morukuru Beach Lodge.

“As the project progresses, we look forward to offering our guests the chance to deepen their connection with De Hoop Nature Reserve’s extraordinary ecosystem. Guests will be able to participate in camera inspections with the Landmark Foundation’s team, view and interpret camera trap results, and attend presentations by Landmark Foundation experts, who will share their conservation insights and findings,” says Zeeman.

De Hoop Nature Reserve, spanning over 34,000 hectares, is a refuge for South Africa’s wildlife. However, challenges like habitat isolation and limited genetic exchange threaten apex predators such as leopards.

“Insights gained from this project will guide efforts to create ecological corridors and mitigate human-wildlife conflict, ensuring the survival of leopards and many other mammals in the Overberg region. The camera traps often reveal various animals – we expect other sightings such as caracal, honey badgers, porcupine and possibly even the elusive African wild cat,” adds Smuts.

According to the statement, in the near future, 30 additional camera trap stations will be installed, with Landmark Foundation regularly replacing SD cards and analysing spatial data through SECR and Bayesian modelling. This robust scientific approach builds on Landmark’s legacy of leopard conservation, spanning more than 20 years and over 74 leopard rescues.