By Jessica Comley, Jeanne van Tonder, Eugene Greyling, Anita Wilkinson, Kathryn S. Williams, Wendy J. Annecke, and Alison J. Leslie.

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Conflict between farmers and predators is a tough issue that affects farmers’ livelihoods and threatens vital wildlife. Our study, led by the Cape Leopard Trust and Stellenbosch University, set out to gain insights from farming communities within and bordering South Africa’s Western Cape province, with the ultimate aim of finding ways to reduce conflict and promote coexistence. Our goal was to understand farmers’ experiences with predators, particularly leopards, their methods for protecting livestock and how they view these animals.  

We surveyed more than 300 farmers, gathering measurable data such as how many livestock were lost to predators, as well as personal stories about their cultural beliefs and long-standing views on wildlife. We analysed the extent of livestock losses, compared the use of lethal methods (like traps or poison) to non-lethal ones (like fences or guard animals), and explored the relationships between different factors like farm type or attitudes toward leopards. We grouped the interviewees’ responses to spot patterns in their approaches, and evaluated their stories to understand how personal experiences and cultural beliefs shape their views on predators.

Our research found that 83% of the respondents farmed with livestock, and 86% of these had faced predation losses. A concerning 78% still used lethal control methods, mostly targeting black-backed jackals and caracals, but encouragingly, there is growing interest in non-lethal alternatives. Only 9% named leopards as their main problem, compared to 57% for black-backed jackals and 21% for caracals. Farmers’ feelings about leopards were complex, those who hadn’t faced leopard conflict often felt neutral, while direct losses fuelled negative views. Cultural beliefs and conservation awareness also played a big role. Alarmingly, our study revealed the widespread use of snares, posing a major threat to biodiversity, either directly by physically harming wildlife or indirectly by reducing predators’ prey.

These findings show an urgent need for better strategies that protect both farmers’ livelihoods and wildlife. By collaborating, farmers and conservationists can develop practical and cost-effective solutions to reduce losses without harming predators. Understanding farmers’ perspectives is key to creating a future where humans and wildlife thrive together.