Buffalo to leopard: "This shows I belong here" (9)

I believe the answer is:

doorplate

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'shows i belong here' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'buffalo to leopard' is the wordplay.
'to leopard' can be anagrammed to 'DOORPLATE'.
Though, I'm unsure how the anagram is indicated.

'this' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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