A. Species
Scientific name: Panthera pardus
Common name(s): Mbabala
Global IUCN Red List Threat Status: Vulnerable
B. Location of use
Geographic location(s):
- Zambia
Country/Region:
C. Scale of assessment
Scale of assessment: Sub-national / Sub-region / Sub-State
Name/Details of location: Western Province
D. Timescale of use
Start Year: 1900
End Year: 2024
E. Information about the use
How is the wild species sourced?: Wild species sourced from its natural habitat
Type of use: Extractive
Practice of use: Hunting and/or Trapping of live terrestrial and aerial animals
Lethal or non-lethal: Lethal
Does this use involve take/extraction of: Only parts or products of the organism
Purpose(s) of end use: Ceremony, religious, and ritual expression and Decorative and aesthetic
Motivation of use: Traditional/Cultural/Spiritual
Is this use legal or illegal?: Illegal under national law and Some use is legal and some is illegal
F. Information about the Users
Which stakeholder(s) does the record primarily focus on?: Local people
G. Information about the sustainability of use
Is there evidence that the use is having an impact on the target species?: Wild species sourced from its natural habitat
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from an ecological perspective been recorded?: Yes, considered unsustainable
Details of assessment carried out: Anecdotal evidence, and wildlife monitoring data.
Brief summary on why the use has been assessed/judged to be sustainable or unsustainable: The use of leopard skins during the Kuomboka ceremony has been assessed as ecologically unsustainable due to high demand leading to significant poaching, which threatens already declining leopard populations in Zambia. Wildlife-related seizures recorded in western Zambia from 2019 to 2021 show that leopard parts constitute 72% of carnivore species seizures, with leopard skins making up 95% of these seizures. This situation has prompted the Barotse Royal Establishment to replace authentic skins with synthetic alternatives, known as Heritage Furs. While culturally significant, this shift aims to preserve traditions while ensuring the survival of leopards, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from an economic perspective been recorded?: Yes, considered unsustainable
Details of assessment carried out: anecdotal evidence
Brief summary on why the use has been assessed/judged to be sustainable or unsustainable: due to the illegal trade driven by poaching and trafficking, which negatively impacts leopard populations and undermines local economies that depend on sustainable wildlife practices and ecotourism. Although leopard skins hold cultural significance, the illegal activities provide limited economic benefits compared to the potential gains from conservation and ecotourism. The illegal trade harms ecosystems and jeopardizes community livelihoods reliant on biodiversity, highlighting the need for alternatives that support conservation and local economies.
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from a social perspective been recorded?: Yes, considered unsustainable
Details of assessment carried out: anecdotal evidence and community engagement initiatives.
Brief summary on why the use has been assessed/judged to be sustainable or unsustainable: The use of leopard skins in the Kuomboka ceremony has been assessed as socially unsustainable due to the cultural pressures associated with their use and the illegal nature of their acquisition. While leopard skins hold significant cultural value for the Lozi people, the demand for authentic skins primarily met through poaching undermines community well-being and social norms. The record highlights that the prestige linked to wearing authentic leopard skins can create resistance to change among users. However, community engagement efforts, particularly through the endorsement of synthetic alternatives known as Heritage Furs by local leadership, have shown promise in shifting social behaviors. The introduction of these alternatives has led to a decline in the desire for authentic skins among paddlers, thereby reducing poaching and trafficking pressures on leopard populations.
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from a human health perspective been recorded?: Yes, considered unsustainable
Details of assessment carried out: anecdotal evidence and findings from conservation initiatives.
Brief summary on why the use has been assessed/judged to be sustainable or unsustainable: due to the risks associated with illegal wildlife trade and its potential for zoonotic disease transmission. The illegal nature of the leopard skin trade creates interfaces between humans and wildlife, increasing the likelihood of pathogen spillover, as evidenced by past outbreaks like SARS, which were linked to wildlife markets. Additionally, the exploitation of leopards can lead to increased human-wildlife conflict, particularly in rural communities where leopards may prey on livestock. This conflict not only threatens leopard populations but can also result in retaliatory killings, further exacerbating the situation.
Has an assessment (or judgement) of sustainability of the use of the target species from an animal health/welfare perspective been recorded?: not recorded
Recommendations provided in the record to maintain or enhance the sustainability of the use of the target species
No
Record source
Information about the record source: grey_lit
Date of publication/issue/production: 2022-01-01T00:00:00+0000
Source Reference(s):
Submission Report for 2023 Herman Goldstein Awards
Panthera
December, 2022
Date of record entry: 2024-07-05