Patterns of livestock depredation by carnivores: Leopard Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Grey Wolf Canis lupus (Linnaeus, 1758) in and around Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, Jharkhand, India

Abstract

Large predator attacks on livestock play a significant role in fuelling conflicts between stakeholders. Effectively managing these conflicts requires a thorough comprehension of locations susceptible to livestock depredation, and the underlying factors influencing such incidents. The recent spread of Grey Wolf Canis lupus and Leopard Panthera pardus into agriculturally dominated areas in Mahuadanr has resulted in increased proximity between these predators and livestock. We investigated the patterns of livestock depredation in and around Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in the Indian state of Jharkhand using Leopard and Grey Wolf depredation data collected from 2019 to 2021 by the wildlife authorities of the sanctuary. A total of 74 heads of livestock were reportedly killed by Leopard and Grey Wolf in the study area between 2019 and 2021. The Mahuadanr forest beat experienced most of the livestock depredation incidents in 2021, while the maximum depredation incidents happened in Belwar and Lodh sub-beats by Leopard and Grey Wolf, respectively. Livestock depredation incidents varied temporally. Depredation by Leopard occurred more often during evenings (n = 22) and by night (n = 14), but less often during mornings (n = 4). Seasonal livestock depredation by both predators was not statistically significant in our study area. Around Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, hotspots for livestock depredation were identified. The utilization of these findings can facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various aspects related to livestock depredation, while also supporting the design and implementation of effective, long-term conservation strategies for both species.