Pushing the Boundaries of Animal Safety for Researchers

The CLT have had a very exciting 2010 pushing the boundaries to make animal trapping safer.

We were previously using cage traps only, however, cage trapping can on occasion result in broken canines and damaged claws to trapped leopards.  Indeed some other researchers and NGOs have had leopards being killed using cage traps where they were most likely not set properly. To minimise as far as possible the potential for such injuries, the CLT is actively working to develop safer cage traps and trap monitoring systems. We are also exploring more suitable trapping methods. To assist us, we have employed the services of a full-time veterinarian with over 30 years of experience including having carried out carnivore research in Botswana. Her expertise will be crucial to us  improving current and establishing new trapping methods.