Animal tracking

Tracking animals, especially elusive ones like leopards, requires significant skill and precision. Boyd Varty discusses the challenges of tracking leopards, highlighting that leopards are solitary and operate in thick terrain, often allowing themselves to be seen only on their own terms. He recounts the expertise of a tracker named Richard Sowela, who specialized in tracking leopards under difficult conditions, such as during midday when the light is flat, and thus tracking is notably harder 1.

Leopards, because of their solitary nature and light walking, are described as the most difficult animals to track. On the other hand, the Shanghaan people, known for their profound tracking skills and storytelling, have greatly influenced Varty's understanding and techniques in tracking, demonstrating how cultural knowledge contributes substantially to effective animal tracking 2.

This discussion exemplifies how traditional tracking skills, deeply rooted in understanding animal behavior and environmental signs, are crucial for successfully navigating and engaging with the wild.