Adult Leopard Research Articles

Large and in charge: cortisol levels vary with sex, diet, and body mass in an Antarctic predator, the leopard seal

Evaluating physiological responses in the context of a species’ life history, demographics, and ecology is essential to understanding the health of individuals and populations. Here, we measured the main mammalian glucocorticoid, cortisol, in an elusive Antarctic apex predator, the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx). We also examined intraspecific variation in cortisol based on life history (sex), morphometrics (body mass, body condition), and ecological traits (δ15N, δ13C). To do this, blood samples, life history traits, and morphometric data were collected from 19 individual leopard seals off the Western Antarctic Peninsula. We found that adult leopard seals have remarkably high cortisol concentrations (100.35 ± 16.72 μg/dL), showing the highest circulating cortisol concentration ever reported for a pinniped: 147 μg/dL in an adult male. Leopard seal cortisol concentrations varied with sex, body mass, and diet. Large adult females had significantly lower cortisol (94.49 ± 10.12 μg/dL) than adult males (120.85 ± 6.20 μg/dL). Similarly, leopard seals with higher isotope values (i.e., adult females, δ15N: 11.35 ± 0.69‰) had lower cortisol concentrations than seals with lower isotope values (i.e., adult males, δ15N: 10.14 ± 1.65‰). Furthermore, we compared cortisol concentrations across 26 closely related Arctoid taxa (i.e., mustelids, bears, and pinnipeds) with comparable data. Leopard seals had the highest mean cortisol concentrations that were 1.25 to 50 times higher than other Arctoids. More broadly, Antarctic ice seals (Lobodontini: leopard seal, Ross seal, Weddell seal, crabeater seal) had higher cortisol concentrations compared to other pinnipeds and Arctoid species. Therefore, high cortisol is a characteristic of all lobodontines and may be a specialized adaptation within this Antarctic-dwelling clade. Together, our results highlight exceptionally high cortisol concentrations in leopard seals (and across lobodontines) and reveal high variability in cortisol concentrations among individuals from a single location. This information provides the context for understanding how leopard seal physiology changes with life history, ecology, and morphology and sets the foundation for assessing their physiology in the context of a rapidly changing Antarctic environment.

Count me in: Leopard population density in an area of mixed land‐use, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Count me in: Leopard population density in an area of mixed land‐use, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Evaluation of Euthanasia Methods Using Injectable Agents in Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Reptile euthanasia techniques are poorly described. This non-blinded randomized study compared pentobarbital, lidocaine, and potassium chloride (KCl) for leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) euthanasia at 20° Celsius and evaluated for post-mortem artifacts. Fifty-three non-clinical adult leopard gecko were scheduled for euthanasia due to Cryptosporidium varanii exposure. Based on pilot study results, geckos randomly received one of six treatments: intracoelomic (ICo) pentobarbital 400mg/kg (ICo-P4, n = 9) or 800mg/kg (ICo-P8, n = 9), intramuscular (IM) alfaxalone 20mg/kg followed by intracardiac (ICa) pentobarbital 800mg/kg (ICa-P, n = 9), KCl 10mEq/kg (ICa-K, n = 9), or lidocaine 100mg/kg (ICa-L, n = 9) or IM alfaxalone 20mg/kg (IM-A, n = 8, control). Serial Doppler heart rate assessments were performed until cardiac arrest, 30 minutes (ICa groups), or 60 minutes (ICo groups). Cardiac arrest occurred in 7/9, 9/9, 9/9, 8/9, and 8/9 geckos in ICo-P4, ICo-P8, ICa-P, ICa-K, and ICa-L, respectively, with median (range) times of 35 (25 - 45), 30 (15-60), 0 (0 - 6.33), 0 (0 - 0.05), and 0 (0 - 0.03) minutes. Side effects were noted in a subset of ICo-P (arched posture) and ICa-K (muscle spasms) geckos. Six geckos in ICa-L had Doppler sound resumption several hours following cessation, with three displaying spontaneous movement. All geckos in IM-A recovered. Intracardiac pentobarbital following IM alfaxalone caused rapid, permanent loss of heartbeat in all tested geckos. Intracoelomic pentobarbital was also effective but had a prolonged time to cardiac arrest. Intracardiac lidocaine is not recommended for leopard gecko euthanasia.

Mountain refugia limit anthropogenic suppression in a re-established felid population: the case of the Magaliesberg leopard population in South Africa

Although highly adaptable, leopards incur substantial mortality in human-modified landscapes and generally subsist at lower densities than in protected areas. Leopard populations are difficult to enumerate across any landscapes, though there have been strides to improve upon this, particularly in South Africa. This study aimed to determine the population density of leopards in the Magaliesberg mountain range of the North West province in 2015 and provided a longitudinal comparison of these camera-trapping sites. It appraises the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving the status quo of zero leopards found during a prior survey in 2011. Such interventions included a moratorium on sport hunting of the species, and the reintroduction of four individuals, two of each sex, into this area. Camera trapping over 10 months detected seven unique individuals, including one juvenile and six adults, consisting of four males and three females, half of which were previously reintroduced or progeny thereof. A Bayesian capture-recapture abundance model indicated a population of 5–7 individuals occurring within 1 480 km2 of available habitat, yielding a density estimate of 0.34–0.47 adult leopards per 100 km2, which is a relatively low estimate, likely due to population suppression from anthropogenic pressures surrounding the site (i.e., snaring). This study demonstrates that large carnivore populations can recolonise their former range via targeted interventions within topographical refugia.

Non-invasive Monitoring of Antioxidants and Stress in Captive Indian Leopards

Background: Captive Indian leopards are exposed to different kind of stresses part of which can be alleviated through supplementation of carotenoids. However, invasive monitoring of antioxidants is often pro-act as a stressor itself. Hence, use of non-invasive monitoring of antioxidants and stress would be desirable. However, before recommendation, such non-invasive procedures must be compared with conventional ones. Hence, this experiment was designed to compare the cortisol and total antioxidants (TAA) status measured either in serum or faecal samples. Methods: Three diets were tested on twelve adult leopards (7 M and 5 F, BW ranging from 45-63 kg) in an experiment based on replicated Latin square design comprising of three treatments, three periods and three sequences and four animals in each sequence. The ratio of buffalo meat: chicken carcass was 100:0, 90:10 and 80:10 in groups CON, GI and GII, respectively. Result: Intake and absolute quantity of carotenoids absorbed increased (P less than 0.01) with increased level of chicken carcass; however, efficiency of absorption was lower (P less than 0.05) in GII as compared to other two groups. Faecal concentrations of cortisol decreased (P less than 0.0001) and TAA increased (P less than 0.0001) with increased level of carotenoids in the diet. Irrespective of the dietary treatments, concentration of cortisol was lower (P less than 0.0001) and TAA was higher in faecal as compared to serum samples. Regression analysis revealed positive relationship between serum and faecal sample assay with respect to both TAA and cortisol. Thus, faecal samples could be used to monitor cortisol and antioxidant status in Indian leopards. Assay of faecal samples indicated that replacement of buffalo meat with chicken at 20% in the diet improved the antioxidants and alleviated stress in captive leopards.

Neurological Examinations in Healthy Juvenile Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and Adult Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

A variety of neurological disorders have been reported in reptiles, but evaluation of a reptile patient with suspected neurological disease can be challenging. The feasibility of performing and interpreting neurological examinations may be affected by a number of factors, including species, body temperature, individual temperament, and stress levels. The aims of this study were to determine whether standard neurological examinations used in other companion animal species could be adapted for use in lizards to establish a reference for healthy animals. The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) and leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) were selected as two of the most commonly presented pet lizard species. Thirty adult leopard geckos and 30 juvenile bearded dragons were provided by a private breeder as subjects for the study. A complete physical examination was performed on each animal, followed by a standardized neurological examination. Postural reactions, spinal reflexes, and cranial nerve testing were scored as absent, reduced, or present. Certain responses, such as the menace response and response to sound, were consistently absent in all animals, whereas parameters such as jaw tone and righting reflex were present in all animals. Some variation was also observed in response to other tests such as tactile placing and tail pinch. It is hoped that these findings can help clinicians prioritize tests that can be easily performed with minimal stress, and give consistent results in a healthy lizard.

Route of exposure influences pesticide body burden and the hepatic metabolome in post-metamorphic leopard frogs.

Pesticides are being applied at a greater extent than in the past. Once pesticides enter the ecosystem, many environmental factors can influence their residence time. These interactions can result in processes such as translocation, environmental degradation, and metabolic activation facilitating exposure to target and non-target species. Most anurans start off their life cycle in aquatic environments and then transition into terrestrial habitats. Their time in the aquatic environment is generally short; however, many important developmental stages occur during this tenure. Post-metamorphosis, most species spend many years on land but migrate back to the aquatic environment for breeding. Due to the importance of both the aquatic and terrestrial environments to the life stages of amphibians, we investigated how the route of exposure (i.e., uptake from contaminated soils vs. uptake from contaminated surface water) influences pesticide bioavailability and body burden for four pesticides (bifenthrin (BIF), chlorpyrifos (CPF), glyphosate (GLY), and trifloxystrobin (TFS)) as well as the impact on the hepatic metabolome of adult leopard frogs (Gosner stage 46 with 60-90days post-metamorphosis). Body burden concentrations for amphibians exposed in water were significantly higher (ANOVA p<0.0001) compared to amphibians exposed to contaminated soil across all pesticides studied. Out of 80 metabolites that were putatively identified, the majority expressed a higher abundance in amphibians that were exposed in pesticide contaminated water compared to soil. Ultimately, this research will help fill regulatory data gaps, aid in the creation of more accurate amphibian dermal uptake models and inform continued ecological risk assessment efforts.

Edge effects and distribution of prey forage resources influence how an apex predator utilizes Sri Lanka's largest protected area

AbstractApex carnivores are integral to effectively functioning ecosystems, but their populations are declining worldwide. To ensure the long‐term viability of top carnivore populations, it is important to understand their ecology and behavior throughout their remaining range, including in protected areas, as these can act as vital refuges. In Sri Lanka, an endangered, endemic leopard sub‐species (Panthera pardus kotiya) is the apex predator, and while its island‐wide distribution is influenced by forest cover and protection level of the landscape, ecological and anthropogenic influences of finer scale landscape utilization are poorly understood. In the interior of Sri Lanka's largest protected area, Wilpattu National Park, we used remote cameras and a spatially explicit capture‐recapture methodology to estimate leopard population density and quantify relative prey availability. We then employed linear models to compare four alternative hypotheses proposed to identify factors influencing observed leopard habitat selection within the PA. Adult leopard density was estimated at 10.4 individuals/100 km2 which is at the higher end of the global spectrum of recorded leopard densities, and only marginally lower than other Sri Lankan National Parks which appear to have considerably higher available prey abundance. Leopard site utilization increased with increasing distance from park boundaries, suggesting the presence of edge effects due to anthropogenic disturbance. Leopard occurrence was also higher close to grazing lawns used by prey but not areas of higher prey abundance, evidence of ‘leap‐frogging’, whereby carnivores bias movement toward spatially anchored preferred resources of their prey instead of prey directly. The relatively high core area leopard density, combined with avoidance of boundary areas and frequent observation of injuries suggests the possibility of density‐dependent intra‐specific competition and needs to be further investigated. These results illuminate essential aspects of leopard ecology in a key part of its remaining Sri Lankan range, providing important insights for protected area management.

HISTOPLASMOSIS IN NONDOMESTIC FELIDS: A REVIEW OF SIX CASES

One adult leopard (Panthera pardus) and five adult tigers (Panthera tigris) presented with a range of nonspecific clinical signs, including lethargy (6/6), mobility deficits (4/6), and hyporexia (3/6). Hematology and biochemistry revealed a hyperproteinemia characterized by hyperglobulinemia (4/6), hepatocellular enzyme activity increases (3/6), azotemia (3/6), leukocytosis (2/6), hyperbilirubinemia (2/6), or a combination of conditions. Further diagnostics and management varied with the presenting signs and clinicopathological findings, including supportive care, diagnostic imaging, and blastomyces urine antigen analyses. Two animals died, and four were euthanatized. Postmortem findings included granulomatous pneumonia (6/6), fibrinous pleural effusion (3/ 6), pericardial effusion (2/6), and diffuse icterus (1/6). Histopathology revealed round to oval structures with a thin clear wall and purple inclusions within cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system, consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum, in each animal. Disseminated histoplasmosis was found in five cases, with organisms present in the lung (5/5), liver (3/5), lymph nodes (3/5), spleen (2/5), bone marrow (2/5), thyroid (1/5), tongue (1/ 5), kidney (1/5), or a combination of organs. One tiger was found to have pulmonary histoplasmosis without evidence of disseminated infection. On the basis of clinical and pathological findings, histoplasmosis was diagnosed. This case series illustrates the difficulties in antemortem diagnosis of histoplasmosis on the basis of complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, and antigen testing and underscores that histoplasmosis should be considered a differential diagnosis in any felid presenting with nonspecific clinical signs in endemic areas.

Результаты дистанционного исследования леопарда (Panthera pardus saxicolor, Pocock, 1927) в Зангезурском национальном парке им. акад. Г. А. Алиева Нахичеванской автономной республики Азербайджана

Since 2006, with the support of WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action), remote research of leopards (Panthera pardus saxicolor, Pocock, 1927 = P. p. ciscaucasica, Satunin, 1924). The main research is carried out on the eastern slopes of the Zangezur Mountains in the Aliyev Zangezur National Park of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. To study the leopard, photographic traps of the Cudde Back (17 pieces), Panthera (5 pieces) and Bushnel (64 pieces) brands in the amount of 86 pieces are used. In 2019 alone, 373,622 photos and 45,553 videos were taken. On 340 photos and 71 video materials, adult leopards were recorded, and on 20 photos and 5 video materials, a female leopard with cubs was filmed, and a photo of a female and a male was found on 7 photos and 4 video materials. During this period, 12 adults and 3 calves were identified.

Leopard seal diets in a rapidly warming polar region vary by year, season, sex, and body size

BackgroundResolving the preferred prey items and dietary proportions of leopard seals is central to understanding food-web dynamics in the rapidly-warming Antarctic Peninsula region. Previous studies have identified a wide range of prey items; however, due to anecdotal or otherwise limited information, leopard seal diets remain unresolved by seal sex, individual, body size, region, and season. Over the 2013, 2014, and 2017 field seasons we collected scat, tissue samples (red blood cells and plasma; n = 23) for stable isotope analyses, and previously-reported animal-borne video from 19 adult leopard seals foraging near mesopredator breeding colonies at Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island. We summarized a priori diet information from scat and video analysis and applied a three-isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S), four-source (fish, fur seal, krill, penguin) Bayesian mixing model to examine temporal variability in both prey sources and leopard seal tissues.ResultsThe austral spring diets of males and females focused on Antarctic krill (31.7–38.0%), notothen fish (31.6–36.5%), and penguin (24.4–26.9%) and were consistent across all 3 years. Several lines of evidence suggest the transition to summer foraging was distinct for males and females. Female diets transitioned rapidly to higher δ15N values (+2.1‰), indicating increased consumption of penguin (29.5–46.2%) and energy-dense Antarctic fur seal pup (21.3–37.6%).ConclusionsThe seasonal increase in leopard seal δ15N values, and thus fur seal in their diet, was predictably related to larger body size; it may also be forcing reductions to the largest Antarctic fur seal colony in the Antarctic Peninsula. Our ensemble sampling approach reduces historical biases in monitoring marine apex predator diets. Further, our results are necessary to best inform regional fisheries management planning.

Unsustainable anthropogenic mortality disrupts natal dispersal and promotes inbreeding in leopards.

Anthropogenic mortality of wildlife is typically inferred from measures of the absolute decline in population numbers. However, increasing evidence suggests that indirect demographic effects including changes to the age, sex, and social structure of populations, as well as the behavior of survivors, can profoundly impact population health and viability. Specifically, anthropogenic mortality of wildlife (especially when unsustainable) and fragmentation of the spatial distribution of individuals (home‐ranges) could disrupt natal dispersal mechanisms, with long‐term consequences to genetic structure, by compromising outbreeding behavior and gene flow. We investigate this threat in African leopards (Panthera pardus pardus), a polygynous felid with male‐biased natal dispersal. Using a combination of spatial (home‐range) and genetic (21 polymorphic microsatellites) data from 142 adult leopards, we contrast the structure of two South African populations with markedly different histories of anthropogenically linked mortality. Home‐range overlap, parentage assignment, and spatio‐genetic autocorrelation together show that historical exploitation of leopards in a recovering protected area has disrupted and reduced subadult male dispersal, thereby facilitating opportunistic male natal philopatry, with sons establishing territories closer to their mothers and sisters. The resultant kin‐clustering in males of this historically exploited population is comparable to that of females in a well‐protected reserve and has ultimately led to localized inbreeding. Our findings demonstrate novel evidence directly linking unsustainable anthropogenic mortality to inbreeding through disrupted dispersal in a large, solitary felid and expose the genetic consequences underlying this behavioral change. We therefore emphasize the importance of managing and mitigating the effects of unsustainable exploitation on local populations and increasing habitat fragmentation between contiguous protected areas by promoting in situ recovery and providing corridors of suitable habitat that maintain genetic connectivity.

Partial replacement of dietary buffalo meat on the bone with chicken carcass improves serum antioxidant profile of zoo-housed Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca).

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of gradual replacement of dietary buffalo meat on the bone (BMB) with chicken carcass (CC) on nutrient utilization, serum cortisol, and total serum antioxidant profile of zoo-housed Indian leopard. Twelve adult leopards were randomly distributed into a replicated Latin square design comprising three treatments, three periods, four animals, and three sequences. Leopards in group T1 were fed normal zoo diet of BMB. On the basis of dry matter, 10% and 20% of BMB was replaced with CC in groups T2 and T3 , respectively. Each experimental period comprised 21 days. During each period, a digestion trial of 4-day collection period was conducted after an adaptation period of 17 days. On Day 21 of each experimental period, blood was collected from all the animals by puncturing the ventral coccygial vein. Intake and apparent digestibility of major nutrients were similar among the groups. Replacement of 20% BMB with addition of CC increased (p < 0.001) the calculated supply of I, niacin, and vitamin A. Carotenoid intake increased (p < 0.01) with increased level of CC in the diet. Serum concentration of cortisol decreased (p < 0.01) whereas serum concentration of total carotenoids increased (p < 0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. Serum concentration of antioxidant enzymes increased (p < 0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. It was concluded that replacement of 20% of BMB with CC increased antioxidant profile. This may reduce oxidative stress in zoo-housed Indian leopards without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization.

Persian leopard predation patterns and kill rates in the Iran–Turkmenistan borderland

Describing predation patterns and especially estimating kill and consumption rates is essential for understanding the functional responses of predators. An understanding of the carrying capacity of the landscape, based on prey availability, also helps to formulate recovery plans for persecuted species. We studied the feeding behavior of the Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) in Tandoureh National Park (355 km2) in northeastern Iran, near the Turkmenistan border. Between September 2014 and May 2017, we collared and monitored 6 adult leopards (5 males and 1 female) using GPS-satellite Iridium collars. We investigated 310 clusters of fixes as likely to be kill sites. In total, 130 kills were identified to species, suggesting a mean kill rate of approximately 3.3 ± 0.3 (SE) kills/month per adult male leopard, which is higher than reported by most previous studies. The leopards varied considerably in the time they spent outside the national park; only 1 individual appeared to subsist mainly by raiding livestock. The availability of medium-sized ungulates at adequate densities is likely to be important for future leopard conservation efforts. The management of problem individuals also may promote coexistence of humans and leopards, even in prey-rich areas.

Anchoring and adjusting amidst humans: Ranging behavior of Persian leopards along the Iran-Turkmenistan borderland.

Understanding the space use and movement ecology of apex predators, particularly in mosaic landscapes encompassing different land-uses, is fundamental for formulating effective conservation policy. The top extant big cat in the Middle East and the Caucasus, the Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor, has disappeared from most of its historic range. Its spatial ecology in the areas where it remains is almost unknown. Between September 2014 and May 2017, we collared and monitored six adult leopards (5 males and 1 female) using GPS-satellite Iridium transmitters in Tandoureh National Park (355 km2) along the Iran-Turkmenistan borderland. Using auto-correlated Kernel density estimation based on a continuous-time stochastic process for relocation data, we estimated a mean home range of 103.4 ± SE 51.8 km2 for resident males which is larger than has been observed in other studies of Asian leopards. Most predation events occurred in core areas, averaging 32.4 ± SE 12.7 km2. Although neighboring leopards showed high spatiotemporal overlap, their hunting areas were largely exclusive. Five out of six of leopards spent some time outside the national park, among human communities. Our study suggests that a national park can play an ‘anchoring’ role for individuals of an apex predator that spend some time in the surrounding human-dominated landscapes. Therefore, we envisage that instead of emphasizing either land sharing or land sparing, a combined approach can secure the viability of resilient large carnivores that are able to coexist with humans in the rugged montane landscapes of west and central Asia.

Sex‐specific dietary specialization in a terrestrial apex predator, the leopard, revealed by stable isotope analysis

AbstractApex predators in terrestrial ecosystems, such as leopards in the African savanna, feed on a wide variety of prey species, yet it is unknown whether individuals specialize on certain prey, and whether specialization changes with body traits. Here, we asked whether individual specialization of adult leopards (Panthera pardus) varies with sex, body mass, body length and age classes. We used the variation of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in 643 segments of whiskers as a temporal record of past diets and established isotopic dietary niches for 36 adult leopards (18 males, 18 females). Based on a variance analysis for stable carbon isotope ratios, we found that between‐individual variation was larger than within‐individual variation, indicating a high degree of overall specialization within the studied leopards. Female adult leopards exhibited larger isotopic dietary niche widths than male adult leopards. Isotopic niche width did not vary with body mass, body length or age. Our data suggest a difference in the level of specialization between the sexes, which might be explained by more opportunistic feeding of small‐sized female leopards, most likely connected with a higher use of small prey species of different isotopic composition. Inter‐sexual resource partitioning likely facilitates territory sharing between the sexes.

Persian leopard's (Panthera pardus saxicolor) unnatural mortality factors analysis in Iran.

Due to the relatively low offspring survival rate, surviving adult leopards play a critical role in the species’ viability. The unnatural mortality of leopards, caused by human activities can seriously compromise the species’ long-term population survival. An analysis of spatial distribution and sex ratio of unnatural mortality of 147 recorded Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) carcasses during a fifteen-year period (from 2000–2015) in Iran indicated that road mortality is the second most frequent cause of unnatural mortality of Persian leopards’ after illegal hunting (or prey poisoning, such as poisoned meat) by villagers, shepherds and military forces. The greatest percent of unnatural mortality events were recorded in the Golestan provinc in the north of Iran and eastern most parts of the Hyrcanian forests. Using distribution models of species, based on road accident locations as species data, we mapped the species’ distribution and critical areas of unnatural mortality of Persian leopard that can be used in prioritizing leopard-human conflicts management. Our results showed that mortality records were significantly higher in non-protected compared to protected areas. Males constituted 65 percent of the records used in the study as males dispersed more widely compared to the females. This imbalance can have severe demographic effects. A large proportion of leopards’ activity, occurrence area, and habitat lies in non-protected areas, which is mirrored by the greater number of unnatural mortality outside protected areas. Most of the incidents were due to human factors, thus management interventions such as traffic speed limitations, signs, cameras, and faunal bridges as well as increasing public participation and awareness (especially among rural communities) will positively affect the species’ conservation programs. This research aimed to produce unnatural mortality of leopards’ risk map throughout Iran and discuss the different aspects of this phenomenon, major human-caused threats and the efficiency of the legal protected areas in satisfying the species’ ecological requirements. We propose management interventions such as traffic speed limitations, signs, cameras, and faunal bridges as well as increasing public awareness and participation, especially among rural communities, to support the species’ conservation.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Fish Oil on Nutrient Utilization, Haematology and Serum Metabolites of Captive Indian Leopards (Panthera pardus fusca)

This experiment was conducted to asses the effect of fish oil supplementation on nutrient utilization, haematology and serum metabolites of captive Indian leopards fed solely on buffalo meat on bone (BMB). Nine adult leopards (age 3–18 yrs; average BW 42.5 kg) were randomly distributed into 3 equal groups, in a replicated Latin square design. All the animals were fed normal zoo diet of BMB at 2.5 kg/d/animal for 6-d a week. The basal diets of the animals in three groups were supplemented with either 13 g of tallow (T1), 6.5 g of tallow and 6.5 g of fish oil (T2), or 13 g of fish oil (T3). Intake of nutrients was similar (P>0.05) among the groups. Digestibility of OM, CP and gross energy was higher (P<0.01) in groups T2 and T3. Serum concentrations of urea (P<0.001), total protein and globulins were higher and ratio of albumin: globulin was lower (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 as compared T1. However, serum total cholesterol was lower (P<0.05) in T3, only. Thus, it is concluded that supplementation of fish oil in captive Indian leopards would improve protein digestion and reduce serum cholesterol without affecting diet palatability, nutrient utilization and haematology.

Comparison of subcutaneous dexmedetomidine–midazolam versus alfaxalone–midazolam sedation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

ObjectiveTo compare dexmedetomidine–midazolam with alfaxalone–midazolam for sedation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius). Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, complete crossover study. AnimalsNine healthy adult leopard geckos. MethodsGeckos were administered a combination of dexmedetomidine (0.1 mg kg−1) and midazolam (1.0 mg kg−1; treatment D–M) or alfaxalone (15 mg kg−1) and midazolam (1.0 mg kg−1; treatment A–M) subcutaneously craniodorsal to a thoracic limb. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), righting reflex, palpebral reflex, superficial and deep pain reflexes, jaw tone and escape response were assessed every 5 minutes until reversal. Conditions for intubation and response to needle prick were evaluated. Antagonist drugs [flumazenil (0.05 mg kg−1) ± atipamezole (1.0 mg kg−1)] were administered subcutaneously, craniodorsal to the contralateral thoracic limb, 45 minutes after initial injection, and animals were monitored until recovery. ResultsHR, but not fR, decreased significantly over time in both treatments. HR was significantly lower than baseline at all time points in D–M and for all but the 5 and 10 minute time points in A–M. HR was significantly higher in A–M at all time points after drug administration when compared with D–M. Sedation scores between protocols were similar for most time points. All animals in A–M lost righting reflex compared with seven out of nine (78%) geckos in D–M. Geckos in A–M lost righting reflex for significantly longer time. Mean ± standard deviation time to recovery after antagonist administration was 6.1 ± 2.2 minutes for D–M and 56 ± 29 minutes for A–M, and these times were significantly different. Conclusions and clinical relevanceCombination D–M or A–M provided sedation of a level expected to allow physical examinations and venipuncture in leopard geckos. A–M provided a faster onset of sedation compared with D–M. Recovery was significantly faster following antagonist reversal of D–M, compared with A–M.

Aspects of the home range ecology of the leopard tortoise in the semi-arid central Karoo: An area threatened with fracking

Whilst fracking is used globally, impact studies on wildlife are limited. The semi-arid Karoo, South Africa, a large ecosystem with a high degree of endemism, is targeted for fracking. We investigated how adult leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) use their environment by determining individual and seasonal variation in home range and effects of weather factors on these pre-fracking. Data were obtained from Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitters placed on leopard tortoises (n = 11) on private livestock farms near Beaufort West, South Africa for a year. Kernel density estimation (KDE) was used to estimate home range. Individuals had a mean (±SE) home range of 121.86 ± 28.12 ha, (range 40.53–258.52 ha) with a core area of 76.55 ± 17.33 ha (range 21.22–83.89 ha). No difference was found between annual male and female home ranges. Two telemetered individuals were excluded from analysis because they exhibited apparent nomadic behaviour. Several individuals did not visit permanent water sources, possibly suggesting that dietary water intake was sufficient. Generalised Linear Mixed Models were used to explain monthly home range estimates (95% KDEhref) in regards to biologically significant predictor variables. A single top model (ΔAICc < 2) was produced, indicating importance of individual variability (sex, body mass) and weather (temperature, rainfall) variables. Our results provide baseline data pre-fracking in the region, and as such, should be repeated following commencement of fracking.