The Mobi-Kraal Story
Human-Predator Coexistence
Large predators like leopards require huge tracts of suitable habitat to thrive, but in many places a large proportion of the potential habitat available is adjacent to agriculture – in many cases livestock farms. If farmers do not have access to affordable, effective and non-lethal methods to prevent predation, some farmers may resort to killing predators as a way of protecting their interests.
Through discussions with farmers in leopard conflict areas, the Cape Leopard Trust identified the need to design a mobile, predator-proof kraal (protective enclosure) to better protect livestock from predation, to safeguard environmental integrity, and to improve food security and farmer predator interactions
A Permanent Kraal is not always a viable option
Securing livestock in a fortified kraal overnight, especially when animals are young or at times of vulnerability, is one of the best methods to reduce predation. However, for many farmers a permanent kraal is not a viable option as livestock may roam over large, rugged areas and farmers may need to continually shift their herds to prevent overgrazing and the spread of disease.
A radical and creative strategy is required to transform negative interactions between people and wildlife into mutually holistic coexistence.
Multi-Species Conservation Effort, Reduced Livestock Losses
The Mobi-Kraal project aims to promote human-predator coexistence, enabling many livestock owners to farm alongside predators with a more positive mindset. Although our aim focuses on the continual survival of leopards, this solution ultimately advances multi-species conservation while assisting farmers struggling with predation both locally and at a broader global level.
Reduced livestock losses will protect predators, biodiversity and critical ecosystems.
Once trialled and proven to be effective, the Mobi-kraal design will be made freely available to farmers, agricultural companies and other conservation organisations to encourage widespread adoption.
Multi-Species Conservation Effort, Reduced Livestock Losses
The Mobi-Kraal project aims to promote human-predator coexistence, enabling many livestock owners to farm alongside predators with a more positive mindset. Although our aim focuses on the continual survival of leopards, this solution ultimately advances multi-species conservation while assisting farmers struggling with predation both locally and at a broader global level.
Reduced livestock losses will protect predators, biodiversity and critical ecosystems.
Once trialled and proven to be effective, the Mobi-kraal design will be made freely available to farmers, agricultural companies and other conservation organisations to encourage widespread adoption.
The Cape Leopard Trust is hosting the Conservation Kraal Challenge to select a winning Mobi-kraal design to trial in varied landscapes. Join the competition to help leopards and farmers in South Africa and beyond.
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About the Cape Leopard Trust
The Cape Leopard Trust is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation engaged in innovative research, conservation and education projects established to facilitate and promote the conservation of biological diversity.
