Since January 2025, the Ingwe Research Program has been running a road ecology project on the R40, the 47km route that cuts through the Greater Hoedspruit area. In 84 survey days, the team has recorded 198 animal mortalities across 38 confirmed species, though the actual figure is likely significantly higher. Some carcasses have not yet been identified with certainty and appear to represent other species, potentially bringing the total to 56. Seven leopards were also killed on the R40 and one more on Argyle Road, all reported by residents.
The project runs three workstreams. Roadkill patrols map every mortality along the route. Culvert monitoring tracks which species use the underpasses beneath the road. Hotspot analysis, conducted by a conservation detection dog and his handler, identifies where leopards cross.
Africa Geographic joined the team in the field and has produced a 40-minute documentary about the project. The documentary, Spots on the Line, will premiere at Southern Cross Schools in Hoedspruit on Wednesday 19 August.
“The R40 is a road people in this area know well,” says Marine Servonnat, Executive Director of the Ingwe Research Program. “What the documentary does is make visible what happens on the road after dark, or early in the morning, when most people are not watching.”
Ingwe has been monitoring leopards in the Greater Hoedspruit area since 2022. The organisation currently covers 3,200 square kilometres across 31 reserves and 45 partners and lodges, with 265 individual leopards identified through its citizen-science mobile app and AI-assisted coat-pattern recognition.
The premiere is hosted in partnership with safari company Africa Geographic. Through its mix of tailor-made luxury African safaris, conservation journalism and bespoke donations, Africa Geographic shines a spotlight on authentic Africa to foster celebration and understanding.
Three original prints from the Ingwe project will be available for purchase on the night, alongside Ingwe’s road-awareness merchandise.
To Book Your Place
In-person premiere – Southern Cross Schools – Wednesday, 19 August – Doors open at 18:00. Tickets are limited to 200 guests and include light catering.
Tickets will be available from: www.ingweresearchprogram.org/shop
Ticket options: R155 – Entry plus Ingwe bracelet, R135 – Entry plus bumper sticker, R100 – General entry
Online screening: R50 – Access to the documentary through a private YouTube link (check website)
