Genetic identification of carnivore scat: implication of dietary information for human–carnivore conflict in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Abstract

Human-leopard conflict exists throughout the distribution range of leopards. The management of such interactions with humans is a high priority for the Nepalese authorities. To gain information on the extent of the human-leopard conflict in the region, we collected carnivore scat over an area of approximately 400 km2 in the lower belt of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. We used species-specific polymerase chain reaction techniques to verify the identity of the scat and identified the diet using micro-histological analysis. Out of 83 scats, 36 were positively identified using molecular analysis as originating from common leopards and 47 were leopard-negative. Wild prey contributed more than 82% of the common leopard diet, with the barking deer comprising most of this (33.5%). Domestic livestock was ranked second, at 17% of the diet. Other carnivores consumed small mammals (rodents, 27%) and livestock (19%), the proportion of which was higher than that consumed by common leopards in this region, alth...