Fundamental to the effective management and conservation of any species is a reliable estimation of population size, distribution and trends. This information is generally unknown for the Leopard (Panthera pardus) throughout its range in Africa, including South Africa. Despite the fact that accurate information on the status of this species is minimal, decisions regarding its future are frequently taken and the species continues to be hunted, persecuted and forced out of its natural range. In 2004, South Africa and Namibia applied for, and had approved, an increase in their Leopard CITES quotas, effectively allowing an increase in the numbers of Leopards killed for trophies by foreign hunters. Yet it has been proven that estimates of Leopard numbers in South Africa are hopelessly inaccurate and many other organisations and countries, opposing these increased quotas, urged South Africa to undertake Leopard censusing and research as a matter of urgency before allowing the increased off-take to be implemented.