In September 2000, Monika Schiess-Meier, M.S. Zoology, founded the "Leopard Ecology & Conservation" project in Khutse Game Reserve.

Leopards in Botswana are endangered through human activities. A tremendous increase of livestock farming causes habitat loss, and if they are suspected of hunting cattle, they are frequently killed.

The goal of the project is to promote the long term viability and conservation of this secretive and beautiful big cat.

To ensure the survival of the leopards in Botswana, the project has the following main emphases:

    * Gain knowledge of behaviour, ecology and population genetics of leopards
    * Develop efficient and convenient methods of protecting livestock
    * Collaborate with the locals and promote environmental education