Presence Of Leopards Research Articles

A multi-scale, multivariate habitat selection model demonstrates high potential for the reintroduction of the clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa to Taiwan

Abstract Hunting, habitat loss and fragmentation have caused a rapid decline in the distribution and abundance of the clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa across its range, and in several areas, including Taiwan, the species is now extirpated. Taiwan, a former stronghold for the species, is a candidate for its reintroduction, based on increasing prey abundance and high forest coverage. Such future reintroduction efforts, however, are hampered by a lack of analysis of potential clouded leopard habitat on the island. To address this, we explore habitat suitability for the species in Taiwan. We used a multi-scale, multivariate habitat selection model based on clouded leopard presence–absence data from extensive camera-trap surveys across its current range to predict suitable habitat in Taiwan. Our findings indicate that 38% of Taiwanese territory is potentially suitable habitat for the clouded leopard, of which 46% is under protection. This demonstrates the high potential of Taiwan's habitat for clouded leopard reintroduction.

Monitoring of snow leopards in the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve (Kyrgyzstan), between 2011 and 2019, through scat genotyping

Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are a keystone species of Asia’s high mountain ecosystem. The species is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is elusive, limiting accurate population assessments that could inform conservation actions. Non-invasive genetic monitoring conducted by citizen scientists offers avenues to provide key data on this species. From 2011 to 2019, OSI-Panthera citizen science expeditions tracked signs of presence of snow leopards and collected scat samples along transects in the main valleys and crests of the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve (Kyrgyzstan). Scat samples were genotyped at twenty autosomal microsatellite loci and at a X/Y locus (sex identification), allowing an estimation of a minimum of 17 individuals. The genetic recapture of 12 of them provided indications of individuals’ habitat use throughout the reserve. We found putative family relationships between several individuals; however, further research is needed to validate these findings. Our results demonstrate the potential of a citizen science program to collect meaningful data that can inform the conservation management of snow leopards.

Habitat overlap and interspecific competition between snow leopards and leopards in the Central Himalayas of Nepal

Traditionally, leopards (Panthera pardus) and snow leopards (P. uncia) occupy distinct habitats. This study explored the coexistence of snow leopards and leopards within the Gaurishankar Conservation Area in Lapchi Valley, Nepal. Both leopard species are crucial for ecosystem stability as apex predators. Camera trapping data from 2018 to 2023 confirmed twenty species of wild mammals and two species of domesticated livestock in Lapchi Valley, where snow leopards have strong spatio-temporal overlap (Δ=0.74) with leopards. Snow leopards exhibited distinct temporal patterns before and after the leopards’ arrival in the study area. Generalized Linear Mixed Effect Models (GLMM) revealed seasonal and prey-type associations with leopard presence, highlighting the snow leopards' preference for cold season and wild prey. Leopards, however, did not show a significant seasonal preference. The findings highlight Lapchi Valley's ecological richness as well as the need for comprehensive conservation strategies. The record of spatial and temporal overlap between the leopards and snow leopards provides important insights into the behavioral dynamics of apex predators and the need for targeted biodiversity conservation in the face of changing ecosystems. The study emphasizes the valley's transboundary significance, calling for collaborative efforts between Nepal and China to help promote effective conservation management. Lapchi Valley's isolation, traditional and religious importance, and recent infrastructure developments further impact the conservation challenges.

Leopards (Panthera pardus pardus) in Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria: historical records and recent sightings

West-African populations of the African subspecies of leopards (Panthera pardus pardus) are very fragmented, particularly so in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. We compile historical and recent information about the occurrence of these big cats in what is likely their last remaining stronghold: Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP) in Adamawa and Taraba States along the border with Cameroon. Leopards in GGNP’s northern Gumti sector are close to extinction, given that its open plains of savannah are heavily encroached upon by illegal cattle grazing. However, in GGNP’s southern Gashaka sector, leopards are better protected, given its often mountainous and densely forested landscape. We present specific data for a 30 km2 forest-savannah area around a research station at Kwano, which harbours sizeable populations of 35 species of prey species leopards target elsewhere. Here, direct evidence for leopard presence (e.g., footprints, scratchmarks, predation incidences, vocalizations, sightings, cameratrap images) amounts to 1 per year. Albeit this encounter rate is very low, it is relatively steady throughout the last 30 years and into the present. We assume that GGNP’s Gashaka sector represents one of the best chances for leopards to survive in Nigeria.

Searching for spots: a comprehensive survey for the Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr in Saudi Arabia

AbstractThe Arabian leopard Panthera pardus nimr is categorized as Critically Endangered, with < 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Historically the species ranged over an extensive area of western Saudi Arabia but, with no confirmed sightings since 2014, investigating potential continued presence and distribution is of critical conservation importance. We present the results of a comprehensive survey designed to detect any remaining Arabian leopard populations in Saudi Arabia. We conducted 14 surveys, deploying 586 camera-trap stations at 13 sites, totalling 82,075 trap-nights. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with 843 members of local communities across the Arabian leopard's historical range to assess the presence of leopards, other predators and prey species. Predator scats were collected ad hoc by field teams and we used mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify the originating species. We obtained 62,948 independent photographs of animals and people, but none were of Arabian leopards. Other carnivores appeared widespread and domestic animals were numerous, but wild prey were comparatively scarce. Three questionnaire respondents reported sightings of leopards within the previous year, but targeted camera-trap surveys in these areas did not yield evidence of leopards. Of the 143 scats sent for analysis, no DNA was conclusively identified as that of the leopard. From this extensive study, we conclude there are probably no surviving, sustainable populations of Arabian leopards in Saudi Arabia. Individual leopards might be present but were not confirmed. Any future Arabian leopard conservation in Saudi Arabia will probably require reintroduction of captive-bred leopards.

Finding a safe space: Denning range dynamics of African wild dogs in Zimbabwe

AbstractAfrican wild dogs utilise a den for ~10–12 weeks after birthing, during which home ranges are contracted and usually in areas away from roads and water sources, with low prey and predator abundances, high terrain ruggedness and vegetation cover. Our study in Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC) investigated which ecological and environmental factors determine the selection of denning areas and behaviours. Camera trap data collected from four den grids and three random den grids were analysed using binomial generalised linear and occupancy models. Denning wild dogs preferred areas with higher kudu and impala presence and areas closer to roads and water sources. Wild dogs may den in areas we perceive as riskier in an attempt to reduce energy expenditure when hunting. The detection of wild dogs strongly decreased with higher lion presence, while increasing with steeper slopes, higher vegetation cover and leopard presence. Given lion habitat preferences, SVC wild dogs could be using areas which reduce their exposure to lions, while solitary leopards do not necessarily pose a risk to wild dog packs. Our study highlights that the denning behaviours of wild dogs may be inconsistent both within and among populations, and that comprehensive research approaches be taken to understand their denning behaviours, assisting the development of appropriate management/conservation strategies.

Prediction of potential habitat suitability of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) and niche overlap in the parts of western Himalayan region

AbstractThe snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) are the inhabitants of remote areas at higher altitudes with extreme geographic and climatic conditions. The habitats of these least‐studied species are crucial for sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem. We employed the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) species distribution model to predict the potential habitat suitability of snow leopards and blue sheep and extracted common overlapped niches. For this, we utilised presence location, bio‐climatic and environmental variables, and correlation analysis was applied to reduce the negative impact of multicollinearity. A total of 134 presence locations of snow leopards and 64 for blue sheep were selected from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The annual mean temperature (Bio1) was found to be the most useful and highly influential factor to predict the potential habitat suitability of snow leopards. Annual mean temperature, annual precipitation and isothermality were the major influencing factors for blue sheep habitat suitability. Highly influential bio‐climatic, topographic and environmental variables were integrated to construct the model for predicting habitat suitability. The area under the curve (AUC) values for snow leopard (0.87) and blue sheep (0.82) showed that the models are under good representation. Of the total area investigated, 47% was suitable for the blue sheep and 38% for the snow leopards. Spatial habitat assessment revealed that nearly 11% area from the predicted suitable habitat class of both species was spatially matched (overlapped), 48.6% area was unsuitable under niche overlap and 40.5% area was spatially mismatched niche. The presence of snow leopards and blue sheep in some highly suitable areas was not observed, yet such areas have the potential to sustain these elusive species. The other geographical regions interested in exploring habitat suitability may find the methodological framework adopted in this study useful for formulating an effective conservation policy and management strategy.

Human-Leopard Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) Conflict in Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal

Leopard (Panthera pardus) is a globally vulnerable large cat, widely distributed in Nepal. It occurs in different protected and outside protected areas in the human-dominated landscape. We used semi-structured questionnaires to know the Human-Leopard Conflict (HLC) and people’s perception towards Leopard conservation in the conflict-prone areas of Godawari, Lalitpur. The signs survey was conducted to know the presence of Leopards in the study area. Households were sampled using the snowball sampling technique. The presence of signs such as scats, pugmarks, and scents marks in the forest and nearby settlement areas indicated that there was a frequent occurrence of leopards in the study area. The Leopard frequently attacked livestock and pets and sometimes humans. Local people believed that the major reasons behind HLC were insufficient prey species and human disturbances in the habitat of Leopards. The majority of the respondents were against the conservation of Leopards because of the frequent depredation of domestic animals in the study area. The research findings will be useful in making a conservation action plan for Leopards and conflict mitigation strategies in such human-dominated semi-urban and urban landscapes.

New records of the Anatolian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana Valenciennes 1856) in Türkiye

In this study, new records of the Anatolian leopard obtained in Türkiye after 2004 were presented. Many field studies were carried out in 37 provinces in Türkiye, from Kars in the far east to Edirne in the west, from Antalya in the south to Kastamonu in the north. Until 2013, footprints of the leopard were primarily used to indicate leopard presence, and in later studies, camera traps and thermal cameras were also used in addition to the footprints. As a result of the study, a total of 84 new records from 54 different localities were obtained from all regions except the Marmara region in Northwestern Türkiye. Most of the records were obtained from Northeastern (NE) Türkiye, where most field studies were carried out. A total of 84 new records are listed as follows; 66 footprints, 4 camera trap photos, 1 camera trap video, 3 thermal camera videos, 2 cell phone videos, 1 cell phone photo, 4 locals seen, 1 full skin, 1 death, and 1 fatal attack.

Neo-taphonomic analysis of the Misiam leopard lair from Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania): understanding leopard-hyena interactions in open settings.

Misiam is a modern wildebeest-dominated accumulation situated in a steep ravine covered with dense vegetation at Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania). It is interpreted here as a leopard lair to which carcasses have been transported for several years. Felid-specific bone damage patterns, felid-typical skeletal part profiles, taxonomic specialization and the physical presence of leopards observed by the authors show that leopards at Misiam can be specialized medium-sized carcass accumulators. Hyenas also intervened at intervals in the modification of the retrieved faunal assemblage. This makes Misiam a carnivore palimpsest. Here, we additionally show that leopards only transport and accumulate carcasses on occasions, that they can seem highly specialized despite being dietary generalists, and that such a behaviour may be prompted by seasonal competition or during the breeding season or both. Misiam is the first open-air leopard lair with a dense bone accumulation reported. There, leopards engaged in intensive accumulation of carcasses during the wet season, when the southern Serengeti short-grass plains undergo the effect of the famous wildebeest migration and this migratory species reaches the gorge. The ecological importance of this behaviour and its relevance as a proxy for reconstructing prehistoric carnivore behaviours are discussed.

Diverse Locations and a Long History: Historical Context for Urban Leopards (Panthera pardus) in the Early Anthropocene From Seoul, Korea

While the urban landscapes of the early Anthropocene may appear hostile to large carnivores, humans and leopards (Panthera pardus) are known to co-inhabit major urban centres like Mumbai (India), Nairobi (Kenya) and Johannesburg (South Africa). We provide evidence that the presence of leopards in urban landscapes is not, however, a new phenomenon and has occurred repeatedly over the early history of the Anthropocene. Using records of Amur leopards (P. p. orientalis) in Seoul, Korea, at the end of the 19th century, a capital city and major urban centre with a high human population density, we explore socio-cultural, political and ecological factors that may have facilitated human-leopard co-occurrence in an urban landscape and the factors that eventually led to the leopards' extirpation. We suggest that, in the absence of unsustainable levels of persecution by humans, leopards are able to persist in urban landscapes which contain small patches of dense vegetation and have sufficient alternative food supplies. In light of the continued expansion of urban landscapes in the 21st century and increasing conservation focus on the presence of large carnivore populations there, this paper provides historical context to human co-existence with leopards in urban landscapes during the Anthropocene–and what we can learn from it for the future.

SEBARAN JEJAK MACAN TUTUL DI KAWASAN HUTAN LINDUNG GUNUNG TIKUKUR KPH BANDUNG SELATAN

The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus) is an endemic species to Java and currently classified as critically endangered species on IUCN Red List, since there possibly even less than 100 left in the wild. One of habitat of Javan leopard is Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Mountain KPH Bandung Selatan. The object of research is to find out the existence signs, map the distribution, and describe the findings of leopard’s prey and any disturbances that occur to the java leopard in the Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Mountain KPH Bandung Selatan. The method of research are preliminary research and intensive research. Preliminary research was by interview, while intensive research by transect and album camera trap method. Based on the research, the number of leopard presence signs are one voice heard and two feces found. The existence of java leopard in the Protected Forest Area of Tikukur Moutain KPH Bandung Selatan is horizontally spread in 2 types of land use, namely forests and plantations. It vertically spreads at altitude of 1445-1617 masl with a sloping and sloping slope. The prey found are java langurs, partridge, and pigs. The disturbances occurred to the java leopard in the protected forest area of Tikukur mountain are in the form of PHBM, military training, hunting, and other activities namely, climbing activities.

Population monitoring of snow leopards using camera trapping in Naryn State Nature Reserve, Kyrgyzstan, between 2016 and 2019

Four field seasons of snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) camera trapping inside Naryn State Nature Reserve, Kyrgyzstan, performed thanks to citizen science expeditions, allowed detecting a minimal population of five adults, caught every year with an equilibrated sex ratio (1.5:1) and reproduction: five cubs or subadults have been identified from three litters of two different females. Crossings were observed one to three times a year, in front of most camera traps, and several times a month in front of one of them. Overlap of adults’ minimal territories was observed in front of several camera traps, regardless of their sex. Significant snow leopard presence was detected in the buffer area and at Ulan area which is situated at the reserve border. To avoid poaching on this apex predator and its preys, extending the more stringent protection measures of the core zone to both the Southern buffer area and land adjacent to Ulan is recommended. • Citizen science is a useful tool for monitoring snow leopard ( Panthera uncia ) populations over long periods of time. • Naryn State Nature reserve hosts a breeding population of at least 5 snow leopards with a balanced sex ratio along the study. • Snow leopards territories overlaps regardless of their sex in Naryn State Nature reserve. • Significant snow leopard presence at the edge and buffer zone of the reserve advocates for extending the core reserve limits.

First report of leopard fossils from a limestone cave in Kenting area, southern Taiwan.

Longshia-dong Cave, a limestone cave located in the Kenting area within the Kenting National Park of southern Taiwan, yields numerous terrestrial mammalian fossils. Many of them were not reported in historical literature and are neither present in Taiwan. For instance, no historical literature mentioned leopards inhabited in Taiwan, and thus their existence remained unknown. This study describes three fossil leopard (Panthera pardus) teeth uncovered from Longshia-dong Cave. Two isolated lower premolars and one lower molar, respectively p3, p4 and m1, were discovered in a very small area (11 × 6 cm) and show a series of progressive increase in size. Thus, the three teeth should have been belonging to the same individual from the subfamily of Pantherinae. Traditional linear measurements and two-dimensional geometric morphometric analysis for the occlusal surface outlines were conducted on the fossil teeth and extant pantherines inhabited in Asia such as clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa), leopards (Panthera pardus), and tigers (Panthera tigiris). Results show that the fossil teeth are similar both in size and morphology to the teeth of extant leopards, suggesting the assignment of the fossil teeth to leopards. This study, for the first time, reported the presence of leopards in the Late Pleistocene of Taiwan. In addition, the smaller size of the fossil teeth in comparison with Chinese fossil leopards is putatively attributed to insular dwarfism or individual size variability, yet more studies are required.

Prediction of leopard habitat suitability in Taman Negara main forest complex, Malaysia

Aim: This research assessed the distribution of leopard to predict the habitat suitability in Taman Negara National Park and adjacent forest area. Methodology: Environmental factors for habitat suitability were derived from geographical information system (GIS) data such as elevation, slope, land-use, distance from urban and distance from river. Leopard presence data from 1993 to 2008 were integrated with the environmental parameters using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling to assess habitat suitability across the study area. Results: The results showed that distance from river contributed the most (39.3%) in the habitat suitability modeling followed by distance from urban (31.4%), elevation (12.3%), land use types (10.1%), and slope (6.9%). Distance from river and urban showed highest contribution that influenced leopard distribution in which most suitable habitat occurred in proximity with river and further from urban. Habitat suitability of leopard were distributed among 48% over 2,218,389 ha of the study area. Interpretation: The findings of this study provides knowledge on how the species move and exploit different habitat niches for more effective conservation management. It provide models for future wildlife conservation and urban planning.

Modeling the distribution and movement intensity of the Arabian Leopard Panthera pardus nimr (Mammalia: Felidae)

This study attempts to link the distribution and movement rate of the critically endangered Arabian Leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) to environmental and anthropogenic features, and to identify environmental constraints and priority areas for the recovery of leopard in Arabian Peninsula. Generalized linear and additive models were used to fit leopard presence/absence locations to environmental and anthropogenic variables. Movement rates between the polygons of modeled leopard presence were inferred and mapped using the isolation-by-resistance model, where probability values of the species distribution model were treated as those of conductance. Our results suggest that currently the Arabian Leopard prefers to live and move in terrain that has high values of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and is difficult for humans to reach. The current network of protected areas largely under-represents the species suitable habitat only covering its 11%, and most of the survey effort to detect and ensure the survival of the leopard in the peninsula has taken place outside the polygons identified by our models as core areas for the species. Our models coupled with existing data suggest the following scenario of the species biogeography: The Arabian Leopard accumulated genetic and phenotypic differences from its conspecifics at a series of glacial maxima during the last glacial period in the Yemeni refugium, from where it expanded elsewhere in the Holocene warming following the expansion of suitable landscape types. Humans expanded too, eventually restricting the source populations of the leopard to an area intersecting eastern Yemen and western Oman today. Our models may serve as a tool for planning future research and conservation for Arabian Leopard.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Resembling Syndrome

Background: To present myriad and unique presentation of Vogt-Kayanagi-Harada Disease (VKHD) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) resembling syndrome. Methods: This is observational series of four cases of VKH disease with variable unique visual presentation which ranged from blurring of vision, tinnitus, hot flushes on face and abdomen, presence of floaters with hedache, breathlessness and history of weight loss. The patient age ranged from 14-56 years. Symptoms developed acutely ranging from 4-12 weeks. Visual acuity varied from 1/60 to 6/6 on Snellen chart. A detailed ophthalmic evaluation, radio imaging and neuroimaging were done as needed on patients. FFA confirmed disc leakage, subretinal pooling of dye in posterior pole and pin point leaks in three cases. The fourth case revealed dilated capillaries, pin point leaks outside zone of hyperflourescence and presence of leopard spots.USG B-scan in same case showed choroidal thickening and an oval hypointense juxtapappilary lesion. OCT-macula revealed a convex retinal profile, thickening of retinal pigment epithelium choriocapillaries complex, multiple subretinal low reflective areas consisting with serous neurosensory detachment and hyper reflective spots in inner retinal areas consistent with findings suggestive of metastasis. All four patients presented in acute uveitic stage. Barring one patient, three patients had bilateral disease. Incomplete VKH disease was diagnosed in three cases. Metastatic intraocular carcinoma with multiorgan involvement with primary in cervix was diagnosed in one case. Two cases of VKH disease were in remission having responded well to oral steroids and immunesuppresive therapy. One case passed to chronic stage with visual deterioration. One case with multi-organ metastasis went on to receive chemotherapy, brachytherapy, whole body and pelvic radiation. Conclusions: VKH disease has variable presentation and a high degree of suspicion is needed to differentiate it from similar occurring malignant and non-malignant intraocular inflammation. Early staging of VKH disease helps in planning adequate treatment leading to greater improvement in disease outcome and simultaneously preventing progression to chronic stage.

Range Extension and Movement of Vulnerable Leopard (Panthera pardus) Towards the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India

In this communication, we report range extension and persistent movement of the vulnerable leopard (Panthera pardus) towards the Thar Desert, west of its established range from 2010 to 2018. Our study documents 14 cases of the presence of male leopards in five districts and 55.7–413.7 km away from the known distribution limit. The species movement could be due to lower competition, food and water availability, increased agricultural and forest coverage in the Indira Gandhi Command area.

Coexistence of Sympatric Carnivores in a Relatively Homogenous Landscape and the Effects of Environmental Factors on Site Occupation

We used a total of 589 independent photos of three species — the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) — from 81 camera traps to study coexistence of those sympatric carnivores. We computed an occupancy model and ran single-season and two-species models to examine patterns in occupancy, detection and coexistence. Our study revealed simultaneous presence of red foxes and leopards both in space and in time. Leopard cats and leopards avoided each other, and red foxes and leopard cats coexisted particularly at night. Vegetation cover was found to be the most important factor in candidate models for site occupation.

Temporal overlap of carnivorous mammal community and their prey in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand

Abstract. Sukmasuang R, Charaspet K, Reontik J, Pla-ard M. 2020. Temporal overlap of carnivorous mammal community and their prey in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. Biodiversitas 21: 922-932. This study on the temporal overlap of the carnivorous community and their prey in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary was conducted from March 2017 to February 2018. Camera traps were deployed systematically with a total of 4,463 trap nights. Fourteen carnivorous mammals were recorded, which were mainly present at night, with the exception of the dhole, small Indian mongoose, crab-eating mongoose, and yellow-throated marten. The clouded leopard's presence overlapped between day and night. Using the average coefficient overlap(Δ) between a carnivore, and the other carnivorous species, the leopard cat was found to have the highest Δ value, followed by the hog badger, Asiatic jackal, small Indian civet, Asian palm civet, large Indian civet, large spotted civet, Asiatic black bear, dhole, Malayan sun bear, yellow-throated marten, small Indian mongoose, crab-eating mongoose, and clouded leopard. The potential prey species that had the highest Δwith the carnivorous species, was the Siamese hare. This study shows the importance of preserving the carnivorous community within the area. An important threat is a likelihood that carnivorous species in the area may be exposed to external diseases from infected domestic animals when coming out to hunt in the communities surrounding the protected area.