Caracal release by Limpopo Field Guiding Academy

Limpopo Field Guiding Academy have sponsored a release site for two caracal in a re-wilding process that is part of the company's ongoing committment to conservation. LFGA have been involved in the sponsorship of rehabilitation and re-wilding processes since 2006.

The latest project involves the release of two caracal (male and female siblings) who were born into captivity. Typically persecuted in the wild by farmers, caracal are an essential component of savanna ecosystems. This release follows the successful release of  another caracal ealier this year. That individual has been tracked and monitored since release and has successfully established territory close to its release site. It is hoped that the latest pair will enjoy similar success and the release site has been carefully chosen with this in mind. Challenges to the release process are human contact and other caracal with established territories. LFGA have monitored exsisting caracal movement in the area over the past 10 years as part of their tracking products and are confident that the pair will be able to integrate into the existing caracal population.

Improvements in management of the area of release over the past 12 years and specifically the burning regime, have resulted in a higher density of rodents, which in turn support larger populations of small and medium sized predators. The caracal is a highly adaptable cat with a wide prey base, with mainly mammals up to the size of medium-sized antelope featuring in their diet. Other prey items include arthropods, reptiles, amphibians and birds up to the size of guineafowl.

Nocturnal and solitary, caracal are rarely seen in areas of persecution and it is hoped that projects like this will increase the sighting potential of these unique cats in the greater area of release. Students of Limpopo Field Guiding Academy may have the chance to track these cats in future, and sightings will be an added bonus. The current re-wilding project included participation by LFGA students and graduates.

The current sponsorship includes the release site, two vehicles and equipment for staff managing the project.

For more information regarding nature guide training and tracking courses, visit our website at http://www.limpopotraining.co.za/