THE theory that a big cat could be on the loose in Ryedale has won support from an African wildlife charity worker.

Lise Hanssen, founder of the AfriCat Foundation of Namibia, visited the Yorkshire branch of her big cat charity at Sproxton, near Helmsley. During her stay, she commented on the spate of recent big cat sightings in North Yorkshire.

Lise, 32, said: "This if the first time I have visited Yorkshire which I can see has some excellent countryside. Back home, in Namibia, leopards can live very close to human habitation and go largely unnoticed unless they get an appetite for domestic stock. Certainly any big cat would not go hungry in this area where rabbits, pheasants and, unfortunately, sheep would be easy prey.

"The mystery is, of course, why no so-called big cats have been captured or found dead and why spoor (tracks) is not more widely found. I think that on the latter point people may not have the experience of tracking that we have in Africa and some good clues may go un-noticed."

Sproxton resident and founder of AfricaCat UK, Joanna Oliver, says: "I've seen leopard, cheetah and even domestic cats caught in iron box traps in Namibia, which can be a very effective way of capturing animals.

"However, I would not recommend their use in Britain as, unless they are expertly set, they can cause injury and unnecessary suffering to animals."

Both were speaking after a fundraising lunch at which Mrs Hanssen was presented with a cheque for £12,000 for her charity - the product of fundraising by AfriCat UK supporters.

For further details about the charity, contact Joanna Oliver, Rose Cottage, Sproxton, York YO62 5EF or by phone on (07747) 063869.

The organisation also has a website where you can find more information. The website address is www.africat.org.

Updated: 09:26 Wednesday, September 18, 2002