More than 200 years after its last known appearance, a leopard was accidentally caught in a trap meant for small game in Mungoma, a village in the Idiofa territory of Kwilu Province. This fascinating yet alarming event raises major questions: where did the animal come from? Is this a sign of a natural return… or a symptom of a much more troubling wildlife trafficking network?
On May 14, 2025, the residents of Mungoma gathered in astonishment around the animal, which had been captured in a nearby forest. The leopard, its legs tied with pieces of wood, was brought back to the village as an unexpected trophy. The trap, designed for small animals, was by no means intended to capture a large predator.
The traditional chief, surrounded by fascinated villagers, forbade any consumption of the animal’s meat. For him, the animal represents more than just game: it is a symbol of power, rarity, and perhaps even an omen.
According to some village elders, no leopard has been seen in the region for nearly two centuries. Yet the appearance of this individual brings a troubling question to the forefront: are we witnessing the natural return of the species, or a forced relocation?
According to information received by Kilalopress, no scientific or veterinary authority was dispatched to the scene at the time. No examination was conducted to determine the animal’s age, sex, or genetic origin. Without this data, it’s impossible to know whether this is an isolated survivor, a migrant from a neighboring region, or a leopard introduced illegally.
Was the trap legal? Article 75 of Law No. 14/003 on Nature Conservation prohibits the capture of protected species without authorization. Under this article, anyone conducting illegal activity in a protected area faces a fine ranging from 100 million to 1 billion Congolese francs. In addition to the fine, Article 75 also stipulates a prison sentence of six to twelve months for state officials who illegally grant permits for such activities. The leopard (Panthera pardus) is listed in Appendix I of CITES and is protected under Congolese law.
However, in rural areas of several forest provinces in the DRC, the coexistence of customary law and formal law creates a legal grey area. According to our sources, the hunter claims he set his trap in the usual way, to catch rodents or small antelopes. At this stage, should he be considered guilty, or simply a witness to a broader environmental imbalance? Could the leopard have escaped from an illegal trafficking network?
In Congolese public opinion, several NGOs have reported a resurgence of illegal exotic animal trade in the DRC’s forest regions, particularly toward Asian countries. Leopard skins, teeth, bones, and claws can fetch very high prices on black markets. The absence of a criminal investigation into this case raises concern: was this leopard truly “wild,” or did it escape from a clandestine transport network?
While some saw this event as a blessing, others perceive it as a threat. Since its capture, some villagers in Mungoma have been hesitant to return to the forest. Adelar Kintolo, chief of the Banga sector, acknowledged that fear is spreading among the population: “We’re wondering if there weren’t two. Where is the other one?”
The territorial administration has now raised the need for scientific studies to determine whether other individuals are living in the area. But nothing has yet been implemented. The ICCN (Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation) has not publicly responded. No experts have been sent. No measures have been taken to protect the forest area or collect the animal’s biological data.
Yet, according to our sources, this incident could have been the starting point for scientific research, or even the launch of biodiversity monitoring strategies. The return of this leopard to Mungoma is not something to take lightly. Whether it signals an ecological rebalancing or the trace of illegal trafficking, it represents a major environmental warning. According to our sources, this incident puts the future of Congolese biodiversity, the enforcement of conservation laws, and the responsiveness of our institutions to the test.
By Kilalopress
