Gauntlet running caracal Jasper

Jun 05, 2016

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Gauntlet running caracal JasperThis infographic illustrated some of the struggles we've seen our young male caracals face– they are pushed to edge habitat at the urban fringe where they regularly explore urban areas to seek unoccupied territories. In Jasper's case, this meant crossing the major freeway in Cape Town regularly. Not surprisingly, he was eventually hit by a car. His story captivated Capetonians and a blog we wrote about him was featured in numerous media outlets, and was featured even on Africa Geographic's website.  To read the original blog, visit our website.                
 
 

Crossing Roads, Gps Data, Juvenile Males

Annalie, Chris, and 1 other like this.

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Laurel SerieysResearcher

Hi Iris, Jasper was hit at 11am- well during the day, as we have seen for many other caracals. But we do put reflective tape on the collars, but honestly I think that it wouldn't make too much difference. Cars barrel so fast down these roads that I don't think that the reflective tape provides much help.

Jun 05, 20160

Iris GibsonBacker

Is it a night the get hit buy cars... What about reflective collars or is that too "unnatural"?

Jun 05, 20160

About This Project

The Urban Caracal Project: Exploring how wild caracals persist in a rapidly urbanizing landscape

University of Cape Town; Cape Leopard Trust; University of California, Santa Cruz

As global urbanization rapidly expands, wildlife species are increasingly endangered by human activities. We are assessing how the stressors of city life (disease, habitat loss, roads, and pesticides) are affecting caracals (Caracal caracal) in and around Cape Town, South Africa. We are conducting behavioral and genetic assessments and documenting frequent sources of mortality. We are also capitalizing on unique educational opportunities that are affecting conservation across the region.