Home range structure and space use of a female Amur leopard, Panthera pardus orientalis (Carnivora, Felidae)

Abstract

Based on the locations reported over 15 months from the satellite GPS-collar of Amur leopard female, we estimated the size of its home range, the time of parturition, the location of dens, and hunting sites for large prey. The successive changes in the size and location of the home range and the core area during 30-day periods were traced. The home range remains stable, when the female moves without cubs outside the estrus period. During estrus and pregnancy, the size of the home range and the core area increases, and the core area is displaced. After the birth, the sizes of the home range and core area are sharply reduced. After the weaning of the Amur leopard female leaves the den and begins to move across the home range, the sizes of the range and the core area start to increase.