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J E T M, P A S, C L, N GK, F GK, R A H. Leopard density and determinants of space use in a farming landscape in South Africa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10562. [PMID: 38719842 PMCID: PMC11079070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61013-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Protected areas are traditionally the foundation of conservation strategy, but land not formally protected is of particular importance for the conservation of large carnivores because of their typically wide-ranging nature. In South Africa, leopard (Panthera pardus) population decreases are thought to be occurring in areas of human development and intense negative interactions, but research is biased towards protected areas, with quantitative information on population sizes and trends in non-protected areas severely lacking. Using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture and occupancy techniques including 10 environmental and anthropogenic covariates, we analysed camera trap data from commercial farmland in South Africa where negative human-wildlife interactions are reported to be high. Our findings demonstrate that leopards persist at a moderate density (2.21 /100 km2) and exhibit signs of avoidance from areas where lethal control measures are implemented. This suggests leopards have the potential to navigate mixed mosaic landscapes effectively, enhancing their chances of long-term survival and coexistence with humans. Mixed mosaics of agriculture that include crops, game and livestock farming should be encouraged and, providing lethal control is not ubiquitous in the landscape, chains of safer spaces should permit vital landscape connectivity. However, continuing to promote non-lethal mitigation techniques remains vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKaughan J E T
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
- Conservation Ecology Group, Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
- Primate and Predator Project, Alldays Wildlife and Communities Research Centre, Campfornis Game Farm, Alldays, South Africa.
| | - Stephens P A
- Conservation Ecology Group, Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Lucas C
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, UK
| | - Guichard-Kruger N
- Primate and Predator Project, Alldays Wildlife and Communities Research Centre, Campfornis Game Farm, Alldays, South Africa
| | - Guichard-Kruger F
- Primate and Predator Project, Alldays Wildlife and Communities Research Centre, Campfornis Game Farm, Alldays, South Africa
| | - Hill R A
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
- Primate and Predator Project, Alldays Wildlife and Communities Research Centre, Campfornis Game Farm, Alldays, South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
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2
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Debbarma S, Bhute AR, Vaibhav V, Parate SV. Fatal wild leopard attack injuries in Uttarakhand, India. Med Leg J 2024; 92:24-26. [PMID: 34861119 DOI: 10.1177/00258172211057370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Leopard attacks on human beings is common in Uttarakhand which is an area of national conservation. The objective of this study is to examine the pattern of injuries and circumstances to encourage ways of reducing such conflicts. There were eight deaths from leopard attacks brought for autopsy to the mortuary between January 2019 and August 2020. Incidents occurred mostly in a forest close to human settlements. One tourist was among the male victims, the remainder of whom were women carrying out household duties near the forest. Leopard attack injuries present in the head and neck were ante-mortem, with abdomen, buttocks and limbs post-mortem. People living at the border of protected areas need alternative means of support to enable them to avoid using forest resources, tourists must be warned to avoid wandering in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapan Debbarma
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
| | - Ashish R Bhute
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
| | - Vikas Vaibhav
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
| | - Shailesh V Parate
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishikesh, India
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3
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Hinde K, Wilkinson A, Tokota S, Amin R, O’Riain MJ, Williams KS. Leopard density and the ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing density in a mixed-use landscape in the Western Cape, South Africa. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293445. [PMID: 37889916 PMCID: PMC10610481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Large carnivores face numerous threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, direct killing, and prey depletion, leading to significant global range and population declines. Despite such threats, leopards (Panthera pardus) persist outside protected areas throughout most of their range, occupying diverse habitat types and land uses, including peri-urban and rural areas. Understanding of leopard population dynamics in mixed-use landscapes is limited, especially in South Africa, where the majority of leopard research has focused on protected areas. We use spatially explicit capture-recapture models to estimate leopard density across a mixed-use landscape of protected areas, farmland, and urban areas in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Data from 86 paired camera stations provided 221 independent captures of 25 leopards at 50 camera trap stations with a population density estimate of 0.64 leopards per 100 km2 (95% CI: 0.55-0.73). Elevation, terrain ruggedness, and vegetation productivity were important drivers of leopard density in the landscape, being highest on elevated remnants of natural land outside of protected areas. These results are similar to previous research findings in other parts of the Western Cape, where high-lying natural vegetation was shown to serve as both a refuge and a corridor for leopard movement in otherwise transformed landscapes. Given the low leopard density and the prevalence of transformed land intermixed with patches of more suitable leopard habitat, prioritising and preserving connectivity for leopards is vital in this shared landscape. Ecological corridors should be developed in partnership with private landowners through an inclusive and multifaceted conservation strategy which also incorporates monitoring of and rapid mitigation of emerging threats to leopards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Hinde
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Rajan Amin
- The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
- Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Justin O’Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kathryn S. Williams
- The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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4
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Liu M, Wang Y, Xia F, Bu H, Liu Y, Shen X, Li S. Free-ranging livestock altered the spatiotemporal behavior of the endangered North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) and its prey and intensified human-leopard conflicts. Integr Zool 2023; 18:143-156. [PMID: 35195342 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Widespread distribution of livestock in the natural habitats of large carnivores may negatively impact carnivore populations by reducing wild prey availability and increasing human-carnivore conflicts. In this study, we used camera-trapping data collected in the temperate forests of the Taihang Mountains in North China during 2016-2019 to examine whether and how free-ranging cattle affected habitat use and Diel activity patterns of the endangered North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) and its 2 wild prey species, Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Residents were also interviewed to record livestock depredation events by leopards during 2015-2019. We found that roe deer spatially avoided sites frequented by cattle, but wild boar did not. In the growing seasons, leopards shared habitats with cattle and tended to increase their diurnal activities where cattle were present. All 3 study species exhibited fine-scale spatial-temporal segregation to cattle. Leopards selectively preyed on calves over adult cattle and livestock depredation frequency was positively correlated with the detection rates of cattle and wild prey, but not that of leopard. These findings not only show that through behavioral adaption large carnivores and their ungulate prey may persist under livestock disturbance, but also highlight how important proper livestock management is for conserving North Chinese leopards in this region. To enhance livestock management and mitigate human-leopard conflicts, we recommend specific actions, such as better guarding of free-ranging cattle or adoption of a captive farming system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhang Liu
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Lab, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Lab, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, Beijing, China
| | - Hongliang Bu
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Lab, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlin Liu
- Chinese Felid Conservation Alliance, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Lab, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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5
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Estimating density of leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) using spatially explicit capture recapture framework in Gir Protected Area, Gujarat, India. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01255-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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6
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Ario A, Mercusiana S, Rustiadi A, Gumilang R, I Gede Gelgel Darma Putra Wirawan, Ahmad Slamet T. The Javan Leopard Panthera pardus melas (Cuvier, 1809) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in West Java, Indonesia: estimating population density and occupancy. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2022. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.7483.14.7.21331-21346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Javan Leopard is endemic to the Indonesian island of Java and has been classified as Endangered. Reliable information about its population status, distribution, and density is lacking but are essential to guide conservation efforts and provide a benchmark for management decisions. Our study represents the first empirical density and occupancy estimates for the Leopard in West Java and provides baseline data for this region. We used camera trap data collected from February 2009 to October 2018 in six study areas comprising a sampling effort of 10,955 camera trap days in a total area of 793.5 km2. We identified 55 individual Leopards in these areas and estimated Leopard density using spatially explicit capture-recapture. Population density estimates range from 4.9 individuals/100 km2 in Gunung Guntur-Papandayan Nature Reserve to 16.04 individuals/100 km2 in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park. Latter is among the globally highest Leopard densities. Based on detection data, we modelled single-season Leopard occupancy using three sampling covariates and eight site covariates. Modelling revealed that the two covariates forest cover and presence of Wild Boar are the strongest predictors for Leopard occupancy in our study areas. We recommend assessing and monitoring Leopard distribution, density and occupancy in other areas of Java and emphasize that a landscape approach for conservation of the Javan Leopard is imperative.
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Adhikari B, Baral K, Bhandari S, Szydlowski M, Kunwar RM, Panthi S, Neupane B, Koirala RK. Potential risk zone for anthropogenic mortality of carnivores in Gandaki Province, Nepal. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8491. [PMID: 35136552 PMCID: PMC8809436 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic pressures in human-dominated landscapes often contribute to wildlife mortality. Carnivores are especially vulnerable to human-induced mortality due to the perceived threat to livestock and humans. Despite having widespread conservation implications, carnivore mortality data have been largely underutilized within Nepal. This study utilized Maxent to identify high-risk areas and explore the contribution of habitat attributes associated with carnivore mortality using the casualty database within the Gandaki province of central Nepal. We categorized the risk to carnivore species in three taxonomic groups, Felid, Viverridae, and Herpestidae, and identified a 3704-km2 area within the province at high risk for carnivore casualty. The middle mountains were the riskiest physiographic zone, and the Annapurna Conservation Area represented the largest risk zone among the four protected areas. Agricultural land was the most problematic area in terms of carnivore casualty. The human population was positively associated with high-risk areas and the number of casualties, whereas protected area cover had a negative association. This study identified that the common leopard was at the highest risk of mortality and therefore would benefit from the implementation of an action plan and species-specific conservation strategies, especially within identified high-risk zones. An expansion of protected areas in the middle mountain region would serve to greatly reduce carnivore casualty. Species distribution modeling can be further used with national-level spatial and temporal mortality data to identify the most prominent casualty times and pinpoint potential casualty locations throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binaya Adhikari
- Institute of ForestryTribhuvan UniversityPokharaNepal
- Pokhara Zoological Park & Wildlife Rescue CenterKaskiNepal
| | - Kedar Baral
- Division Forest OfficeKaskiNepal
- School of Natural and Computational ScienceMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Saroj Panthi
- Ministry of Forest, Environment and Soil ConservationPokharaNepal
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8
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Din JU, Hameed S, Ali H, Norma-Rashid Y, Hasan Adli DS, Nawaz MA. On the snow leopard Trails: Occupancy pattern and implications for management in the Pamir. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:197-203. [PMID: 35002409 PMCID: PMC8716867 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) inhabits one of the most challenging environments on Earth, referred to as the ‘third pole’. Only a fraction of its vast range has been explored thus far, owing to myriad of barriers inflicted by the remote terrain and socio-ecological realities of the landscapes. Understanding distribution patterns of species is essential to devise practical management measures. This study aimed to understand the distribution pattern and factors influencing occupancy of snow leopard in the Pamir Mountain range through sign-based occupancy modelling. Our study confirmed that the Pamir range is a snow leopard stronghold, with occupancy estimated at 0.57 ± 0.02. The topographic features positively influenced the detection probability (p = 0.37 ± 0.005) of snow leopards. Occupancy was influenced by mean annual precipitation (β = -6.12 ± 1.8), density of roads (β = -1.61 ± 0.6) and water sources (β = 0.74 ± 0.4). Our findings underpin that sign-based distribution surveys provide vigorous scientific knowledge about elusive species and merit replication being used for other species. We propose to redefine the protected area boundaries based on ecological knowledge and encourage transboundary cooperation to safeguard snow leopards at a landscape scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar Ud Din
- Snow Leopard Trust, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shoaib Hameed
- Snow Leopard Trust, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Zoology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan
| | - Hussain Ali
- Snow Leopard Trust, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Zoology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan
| | - Yusoff Norma-Rashid
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Muhammad Ali Nawaz
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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9
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Baral K, Sharma HP, Rimal B, Thapa-Magar K, Bhattarai R, Kunwar RM, Aryal A, Ji W. Characterization and management of human-wildlife conflicts in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260307. [PMID: 34797885 PMCID: PMC8604285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
With the intent to better management human wildlife conflict (HWC) and wildlife conservation in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal, we analyzed the patterns and drivers of HWC. Using data collected from literature, government records and questionnaire survey, we investigated temporal, seasonal and spatial distribution of human casualties caused by wildlife attacks. We also appraised the perception of local people towards wildlife conservation. We have recorded 77 cases (69 human injuries and 8 mortalities) during the period of nine year between 2011 and 2019. The number of wildlife attacks increased over this period. Wildlife attacks were more frequent in winter with 50% (42) of attacks occurred between September and December. Common leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) were the major species involved in these conflicts. Common leopard was the most feared species that causes highest number of human mortalities (87%, n = 67); the most severe type of HWC outcome. Forty-eight percent (n = 37) attacks were reported at human settlement areas followed by 27% attacks in agriculture land (n = 21) and 24% (n = 19) in forest. Generalized linear model analysis on spatial variables showed that the probability of human attacks increases with decreasing elevation (β = -0.0021, Z = -1.762, p = 0.078) and distance from the forest (β = -0.608, Z = -0.789, p = 0.429). We recommend to decrease habitat degradation / fragmentation, carry out habitat management program within forest to increase prey availability to decrease the wildlife invasion into human settlement area, and decrease dependency of people on forest resources by providing alternative livelihood opportunities. Simplified relief fund distribution mechanism at local level also helps alleviate the impact of HWC. The knowledge obtained by this study and management measures are important for better human-wildlife co-existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar Baral
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Division Forest Office, Kaski, Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Hari P. Sharma
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bhagawat Rimal
- College of Applied Science (CAS-Nepal), Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Khum Thapa-Magar
- Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | | | - Ripu M. Kunwar
- Department of Geosciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
| | - Achyut Aryal
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Weihong Ji
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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10
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Chowdhury A, Samrat A, Devy MS. Can tea support biodiversity with a few “nudges” in management: Evidence from tea growing landscapes around the world. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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11
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Kshettry A, Bhave N, Das P, Athreya V. Mahakal Blessed My Crop: Community Dynamics and Religious Beliefs Influence Efficacy of a Wildlife Compensation Program. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.727696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation conflicts or human-wildlife conflicts present one of the foremost challenges to wildlife conservation globally. The challenges of reconciling human safety and food security with the conservation of large-bodied wildlife are further compounded in the developing nations with a high spatial overlap of wildlife with people. Therefore, conservation models are required to offset losses faced by affected communities while at the same time ensuring the long-term conservation of wildlife species in shared spaces. Ex-gratia payment is one such widely used conflict mitigation instrument that aims to reduce losses and increase tolerance toward damage-causing wildlife species. However, the efficacy of such programs is rarely investigated and the complex interplay of local beliefs, traditions, and community dynamics are rarely incorporated in the compensation programs. This paper aimed to study an ex-gratia payment program for crop losses in India using ecological, economic, and social lenses. In this study, we used 119 interview surveys across 30 villages. Linear models and thematic analysis were used to understand the sources of crop losses, the propensity to claim ex-gratia payments, and the reasons for claiming or not claiming. We find that even though wildlife is the major cause of crop loss in the region, especially to elephants, the majority of the respondents (53%) did not claim compensation for the losses. The reasons varied from procedural failures to a negative evaluation of the process or the agency involved but the most recurrent reason for not claiming was a deep religious belief in certain communities on the elephant God, “Mahakal.” Our work indicates that the cultural reverence toward the species is enabling the acceptance of losses. We propose that such complex cultural beliefs and local traditions should be considered when designing schemes that aim to garner conservation support toward damage-causing wildlife species.
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Pugesek G, Mumma MA, Mahoney SP, Waits LP. Molecular evaluation of American black bear prey consumption following diversionary feeding. URSUS 2021. [DOI: 10.2192/ursus-d-20-00027.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Pugesek
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Matthew A. Mumma
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Shane P. Mahoney
- Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 4J6, Canada
| | - Lisette P. Waits
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
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13
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Parchizadeh J, Belant JL. Brown bear and Persian leopard attacks on humans in Iran. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255042. [PMID: 34293067 PMCID: PMC8297784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Large carnivore attacks on humans are a serious form of human-wildlife interaction which has increased globally in recent decades. When attacks occur, both humans and large carnivores suffer, highlighting the need to characterize these conflicts toward mitigation of attacks. We investigated brown bear (Ursus arctos) and Persian leopard (Panthera pardus) attacks on humans across Iran using reports provided by the Government of Iran during 2012–2020. We characterized temporal and spatial patterns of attacks, as well as species-specific attributes. We identified 83 attacks resulting in 77 human injuries and 6 fatalities. Bears were responsible for more attacks (63%) than leopards (37%). Attacks occurred more frequently during defensive reactions by bears and leopards on adult male people while livestock herding during the day in spring and summer. Bears reportedly attacked people more often in western provinces of Iran, while leopards attacked more frequently in northern provinces. We recommend that the Iran Department of the Environment consider implementing a national reporting system to document bear and leopard attacks on people. We further suggest development of national bear and leopard management plans that emphasize mitigating human risk to improve human attitudes toward these carnivore species to facilitate their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Parchizadeh
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
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14
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Snider MH, Athreya VR, Balme GA, Bidner LR, Farhadinia MS, Fattebert J, Gompper ME, Gubbi S, Hunter LTB, Isbell LA, Macdonald DW, Odden M, Owen CR, Slotow R, Spalton JA, Stein AB, Steyn V, Vanak AT, Weise FJ, Wilmers CC, Kays R. Home range variation in leopards living across the human density gradient. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Home range size is a fundamental measure of animal space use, providing insight into habitat quality, animal density, and social organization. Human impacts increasingly are affecting wildlife, especially among wide-ranging species that encounter anthropogenic disturbance. Leopards (Panthera pardus) provide a useful model for studying this relationship because leopards coexist with people at high and low human densities and are sensitive to human disturbance. To compare leopard home range size across a range of human densities and other environmental conditions, we combined animal tracking data from 74 leopards in multiple studies with new analytical techniques that accommodate different sampling regimes. We predicted that home ranges would be smaller in more productive habitats and areas of higher human population density due to possible linkage with leopard prey subsidies from domestic species. We also predicted that male leopards would have larger home ranges than those of females. Home ranges varied in size from 14.5 km2 in India to 885.6 km2 in Namibia, representing a 60-fold magnitude of variation. Home range stability was evident for 95.2% of nontranslocated individuals and 38.5% of translocated individuals. Leopard home range sizes were negatively correlated with landscape productivity, and males used larger areas than females. Leopards in open habitats had a predicted negative correlation in home range size with human population density, but leopards in closed habitats used larger home ranges in areas with more people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Snider
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Laura R Bidner
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Mohammed S Farhadinia
- Oxford Martin School and Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Future4Leopards Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Julien Fattebert
- Center for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Matthew E Gompper
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Sanjay Gubbi
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka, India
- Kuvempu University, Shankarghatta, Karnataka, India
| | - Luke T B Hunter
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lynne A Isbell
- Mpala Research Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya
- Department of Anthropology and Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Oxfordshire, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Morten Odden
- Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Elverum, Norway
| | - Cailey R Owen
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rob Slotow
- School of Life Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Scottsville, South Africa
| | | | - Andrew B Stein
- CLAWS Conservancy, 32 Pine Tree Drive, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
- Landmark College, Putney, VT, USA
| | | | - Abi T Vanak
- DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, Hyderabad, Telengana, India
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Christopher C Wilmers
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Roland Kays
- Biodiversity Research Lab, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Nair R, Dhee, Patil O, Surve N, Andheria A, Linnell JDC, Athreya V. Sharing Spaces and Entanglements With Big Cats: The Warli and Their Waghoba in Maharashtra, India. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.683356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long histories of sharing space and resources have built complex, robust, and enduring relationships between humans and wildlife in many communities across the world. In order to understand what makes it possible for humans and wildlife to share space, we have to look beyond the ecological and socio-economic study of damages caused by human-wildlife conflict and explore the cultural and societal context within which co-existence is embedded. We conducted an exploratory study on the institution of Waghoba, a big cat deity worshiped by the Indigenous Warli community in Maharashtra, India. Through our research, we found that the worship of Waghoba is highly prevalent, with 150 shrines dedicated to this deity across our study site. We also learnt that the Warlis believe in a reciprocal relationship, where Waghoba will protect them from the negative impacts of sharing spaces with big cats if the people worship the deity and conduct the required rituals, especially the annual festival of Waghbaras. We propose that such relationships facilitate the sharing spaces between humans and leopards that live in the landscape. The study also revealed the ways in which the range of institutions and stakeholders in the landscape shape the institution of Waghoba and thereby contribute to the human-leopard relationship in the landscape. This is relevant for present-day wildlife conservation because such traditional institutions are likely to act as tolerance-building mechanisms embedded within the local cosmology. Further, it is vital that the dominant stakeholders outside of the Warli community (such as the Forest Department, conservation biologists, and other non-Warli residents who interact with leopards) are informed about and sensitive to these cultural representations because it is not just the biological animal that the Warlis predominantly deal with.
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Chauhan K, Srivathsa A, Athreya V. Assessing spatio-temporal patterns of human-leopard interactions based on media reports in northwestern India. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.7244.13.6.18453-18478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Large carnivores in human-use areas make for sensational print media content. We used media reports to examine human-leopard interactions in Rajasthan, India. We extracted news reports on leopard-related incidents from January 2016 to December 2018. Incidents (n= 338) were categorized, mapped, and analysed to understand their nature and extent. We found leopard-related news from 26 of 33 districts; a majority of these were in the eastern region of the State. Most of the reported interactions appeared to be non-negative, despite losses to both leopards and people. Our results provide a synthesis of spatio-temporal patterns of leopard-related incidents, which could help wildlife managers in better addressing negative interactions. The study also demonstrates how news reports could be useful for examining human-wildlife interactions across large spatial scales.
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The peri-urban leopards of Kathmandu: assessing determinants of presence and predation on domestic animals. ORYX 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605320000423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe conservation of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes needs to be reconciled with the safety of humans and domestic animals. This is especially true for the leopard Panthera pardus, which occurs extensively in agricultural landscapes and remnant forest tracts embedded within peri-urban areas such as Kathmandu district in Nepal. We carried out interviews in 321 households in this district to determine the extent of leopard habitat use and predation on domestic animals (dogs and goats) during October 2015–April 2016. We used multi-state occupancy models, and estimated probabilities of leopard habitat use (Ψ1) and predation on domestic animals (Ψ2) as a function of covariates, while accounting for imperfect detection. Our findings indicate that the rapidly urbanizing outskirts of Kathmandu city are used extensively by leopards. The estimated probability of fine-scale habitat use in 2 km2 sample units was 0.96 ± SE 0.05 and the probability of predation on domestic animals was 0.76 ± SE 0.15. Leopard attacks occurred in areas with high vegetation cover and abundant goats. Addressing the problem of leopard attacks on domestic animals will require developing a comprehensive mitigation plan that includes educational activities to raise awareness, measures to address grievances of affected local communities, interventions to prevent attacks on livestock, compensation programmes, and rapid response teams to ensure human and animal welfare in conflict-prone areas. Land-use planning in these peri-urban landscapes needs to facilitate the safe sharing of space between people and leopards.
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Sengupta A, McConkey KR, Kwit C. The influence of provisioning on animal‐mediated seed dispersal. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Sengupta
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment Bangalore Karnataka India
- National Inst. of Advanced Studies Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - Kim R. McConkey
- School of Geography, Univ. of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Semenyih Selangor Malaysia
| | - Charles Kwit
- Dept of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Univ. of Tennessee Knoxville TN USA
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Thapa K, Malla S, Subba SA, Thapa GJ, Lamichhane BR, Subedi N, Dhakal M, Acharya KP, Thapa MK, Neupane P, Poudel S, Bhatta SR, Jnawali SR, Kelly MJ. On the tiger trails: Leopard occupancy decline and leopard interaction with tigers in the forested habitat across the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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20
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Patterns of livestock predation risk by large carnivores in India’s Eastern and Western Ghats. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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21
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Sharma P, Chettri N, Uddin K, Wangchuk K, Joshi R, Tandin T, Pandey A, Gaira KS, Basnet K, Wangdi S, Dorji T, Wangchuk N, Chitale VS, Uprety Y, Sharma E. Mapping human‒wildlife conflict hotspots in a transboundary landscape, Eastern Himalaya. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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22
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Havmøller RW, Jacobsen NS, Havmøller LW, Rovero F, Scharff N, Bohmann K. DNA metabarcoding reveals that African leopard diet varies between habitats. Afr J Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Worsøe Havmøller
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics Globe Institute University of Copenhagen Copenhagen K Denmark
- Department of Anthropology University of California Davis CA USA
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate Globe Institute University of Copenhagen Copenhagen K Denmark
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, Research and CollectionsUniversity of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Nis Sand Jacobsen
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources Technical University of Denmark Lyngby Denmark
| | - Linnea Worsøe Havmøller
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, Research and CollectionsUniversity of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Francesco Rovero
- Department of Biology University of Florence Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- Section for Tropical Biodiversity MUSE‐Museo delle Scienze Trento Italy
| | - Nikolaj Scharff
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, Research and CollectionsUniversity of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Kristine Bohmann
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics Globe Institute University of Copenhagen Copenhagen K Denmark
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Kumbhojkar S, Yosef R, Mehta A, Rakholia S. A Camera-Trap Home-Range Analysis of the Indian Leopard ( Panthera pardus fusca) in Jaipur, India. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091600. [PMID: 32911836 PMCID: PMC7552320 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The suitability of the camera trap-retrap method was explored for identifying territories and studying the spatial distribution of leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) in the Jhalana Reserve Forest, Jaipur, India. Data from two years (November 2017 to November 2019, N = 23,208 trap-hours) were used to provide estimates of minimum home-range size and overlap. We conducted home-range analysis and estimation, using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method with geographic information system (GIS) tools. We are aware of the limitations and advantages of camera trapping for long-term monitoring. However, the limitations of the research permit allowed only the use of camera traps to estimate the home ranges. A total of 25 leopards were identified (male = 8, female = 17). No territorial exclusivity was observed in either of the sexes. However, for seven females, we observed familial home-range overlaps wherein daughters established home ranges adjacent to or overlapping their natal areas. The median home range, as calculated from the MCP, was 305.9 ha for males and 170.3 ha for females. The median percentage overlap between males was 10.33%, while that between females was 3.97%. We concluded that camera trapping is an effective technique to map the territories of leopards, to document inter- and intraspecific behaviors, and to elucidate how familial relationships affect dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reuven Yosef
- Eilat Campus, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P. O. Box 272, Eilat 88106, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-53-767-1290
| | - Abhinav Mehta
- The Geographic Information System (TGIS) Laboratory, Sarkari Vasahat Road, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad 380052, India; (A.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Shrey Rakholia
- The Geographic Information System (TGIS) Laboratory, Sarkari Vasahat Road, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad 380052, India; (A.M.); (S.R.)
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25
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Naha D, Dash SK, Chettri A, Chaudhary P, Sonker G, Heurich M, Rawat GS, Sathyakumar S. Landscape predictors of human-leopard conflicts within multi-use areas of the Himalayan region. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11129. [PMID: 32636421 PMCID: PMC7341814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67980-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflict with humans is a significant source of mortality for large carnivores globally. With rapid loss of forest cover and anthropogenic impacts on their habitats, large carnivores are forced to occupy multi-use landscapes outside protected areas. We investigated 857 attacks on livestock in eastern Himalaya and 375 attacks in western Himalaya by leopards between 2015 and 2018. Multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the landscape features which increased the probability of livestock depredation by leopards. The risk of a leopard killing livestock increased within a heterogeneous landscape matrix comprising of both closed and open habitats (very dense forests, moderate dense forests, open forests, scrubland and non-forests). We used the results to map potential human-leopard conflict hotspots across parts of the Indian Himalayan region. Our spatial risk maps indicate pockets in the eastern, central and western part of eastern Himalaya and the central, northern part of western Himalaya as hotspots of human-leopard conflicts. Most of the attacks occurred when livestock were grazing freely within multi-use areas without supervision of a herder. Our results suggest that awareness about high risk areas, supervised grazing, and removing vegetation cover around human settlements should be initiated to reduce predation by leopards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanjan Naha
- Department Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Suraj Kumar Dash
- Department Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Abhisek Chettri
- Department Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pooja Chaudhary
- Department Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Gaurav Sonker
- Department Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Marco Heurich
- Large Mammal Ecology Group, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Gopal Singh Rawat
- Department Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sambandam Sathyakumar
- Department Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
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Kshettry A, Vaidyanathan S, Sukumar R, Athreya V. Looking beyond protected areas: Identifying conservation compatible landscapes in agro-forest mosaics in north-eastern India. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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27
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Athreya V, Isvaran K, Odden M, Linnell JDC, Kshettry A, Krishnaswamy J, Karanth UK. The impact of leopards ( Panthera pardus) on livestock losses and human injuries in a human-use landscape in Maharashtra, India. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8405. [PMID: 32257629 PMCID: PMC7103201 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many ways in which large carnivores and humans interact in shared spaces. In this study we provide insights into human-leopard relationships in an entirely modified, human-dominated landscape inhabited by dense populations of humans (266 per km2), their livestock (162 per km2) and relatively high densities of large predators (10 per 100 km2). No human deaths were recorded, and livestock losses to leopards numbered only 0.45 per km2per year (averaged over three years) despite the almost complete dependency of leopards on domestic animals as prey. Predation was not the major cause of livestock mortality as diseases and natural causes caused higher losses (80% of self-reported losses). We also found that ineffective night time livestock protection and the presence of domestic dogs increased the probability of a farmer facing leopard attacks on livestock. Resident farmers faced much lower livestock losses to leopard predation in contrast to the migratory shepherds who reported much higher losses, but rarely availed of the government compensation schemes. We recommend that local wildlife managers continue to shift from reactive measures such as leopard captures after livestock attacks to proactive measures such as focusing on effective livestock protection and informing the affected communities about safety measures to be taken where leopards occur in rural landscapes. The natural causes of livestock deaths due do diseases may be better prevented by involving animal husbandry department for timely vaccinations and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Athreya
- Wildlife Conservation Society-India, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kavita Isvaran
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Morten Odden
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Evenstad, Koppang, Norway
| | | | - Aritra Kshettry
- Wildlife Conservation Society-India, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,INSPIRE-Fellow, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, India.,Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Jagdish Krishnaswamy
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ullas K Karanth
- Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.,Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, NY, United States of America
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28
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Bhandari S, Mawhinney BA, Johnson D, Bhusal DR, Youlatos D. Coexistence of Humans and Leopards in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal. RUSS J ECOL+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1067413619060031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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29
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Asad M, Waseem M, Ross JG, Paterson AM. The Un-Common Leopard: presence, distribution and abundance in Gallies and Murree Forest Division, Northern Pakistan. NATURE CONSERVATION 2019. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.37.32748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The leopard Panthera pardus is thought to be sparsely distributed across Pakistan and there is limited understanding of the demographic structure and distribution of the species in this country. We conducted a study, from April to July 2017, and, from March to June 2018, in the northern Pakistan region to establish the presence and distribution of leopards, mindful at the outset of their abundance in that region. The presence of leopards was confirmed in the Swat, Dir and Margalla Hills region. The leopard population in Gallies and Murree Forest Division was preliminarily assessed via camera-trapping. As a result, a total of 63 potential areas of leopard population were identified initially. The leopard was photo captured at 27 locations (hotspots) with 34 capture events yielding 195 images over the course of 3,022 active trap-nights. Camera trap images were examined to identify leopard individuals using their rosette patterns on both the left and right flanks and the dorsal side of the tail. Ultimately, 15 leopard individuals were identified during the first survey period of the study and four individuals were recaptured in the second survey period, together with three new individuals. The detection probability of individual leopards from MARK varied from 0.10 and 0.20 with a population size (preliminarily estimated to be 16–25 (SE = 3.18) in 2107 and 7–13 (SE = 1.87) in 2018. This gave a density of 4.5 to 9.5 leopards/100 km2, respectively. A home range of various individual leopards was found to extend from the Gallies Reserved Forest to the extended corridors of Guzara Forest. In general, this study suggests that the Guzara Forest is crucially important for the conservation of leopards in the region as this area allows them extended movement while searching for food and mates.
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Dhee, Athreya V, Linnell JDC, Shivakumar S, Dhiman SP. The leopard that learnt from the cat and other narratives of carnivore–human coexistence in northern India. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dhee
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India Program Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Vidya Athreya
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India Program Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | | | - Shweta Shivakumar
- Wildlife Conservation Society – India Program Bengaluru Karnataka India
- Centre for Wildlife Studies Bengaluru Karnataka India
| | - Sat Pal Dhiman
- Joint Secretary (Forests) to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, HP Secretariat Chotta Shimla Himachal Pradesh India
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31
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Havmøller RW, Tenan S, Scharff N, Rovero F. Reserve size and anthropogenic disturbance affect the density of an African leopard (Panthera pardus) meta-population. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209541. [PMID: 31188824 PMCID: PMC6561539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining correlates of density for large carnivores is important to understand their ecological requirements and develop conservation strategies. Of several earlier density studies conducted globally, relatively few addressed a scale (usually >1000 km2) that allows inference on correlates of density over heterogeneous landscapes. We deployed 164 camera trap stations covering ~2500 km2 across five areas characterized by broadly different vegetation cover in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, to investigate correlates of density for a widespread and adaptable carnivore, the leopard (Panthera pardus). We modelled data in a spatially explicit capture-recapture framework, with both biotic and abiotic covariates hypothesised to influence density. We found that leopard density increased with distance to protected area boundary (mean±SE estimated effect = 0.44±0.20), a proxy for both protected area extent and distance from surrounding human settlements. We estimated mean density at 4.22 leopards/100 km2 (85% CI = 3.33‒5.35/100 km2), with no variation across habitat types. Results indicate that protected area extent and anthropogenic disturbance limit leopard populations whereas no support was found for prey availability and trap array as drivers of leopard density. Such vulnerability is relevant to the conservation of the leopard, which is generally considered more resilient to human disturbance than other large cats. Our findings support the notion that protected areas are important to preserve viable population of leopards, increasingly so in times of unprecedented habitat fragmentation. Protection of buffer zones smoothing the abrupt impact of human activities at reserve edges also appears of critical conservation relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Worsøe Havmøller
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis, Davis, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Simone Tenan
- Vertebrate Zoology Section, MUSE-Museo delle Scienze, Trento, Italy
| | - Nikolaj Scharff
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco Rovero
- Tropical Biodiversity Section, MUSE-Museo delle Scienze, Trento, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Majgaonkar I, Vaidyanathan S, Srivathsa A, Shivakumar S, Limaye S, Athreya V. Land‐sharing potential of large carnivores in human‐modified landscapes of western India. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Iravatee Majgaonkar
- Centre for Wildlife Studies Bengaluru India
- Conservation Science DepartmentWildlife Conservation Society India Bengaluru India
| | - Srinivas Vaidyanathan
- Wildlife Biology and Conservation DepartmentFoundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning Auroville India
| | - Arjun Srivathsa
- Conservation Science DepartmentWildlife Conservation Society India Bengaluru India
- School of Natural Resources and EnvironmentUniversity of Florida Gainesville Florida
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and ConservationUniversity of Florida Gainesville Florida
| | - Shweta Shivakumar
- Centre for Wildlife Studies Bengaluru India
- Conservation Science DepartmentWildlife Conservation Society India Bengaluru India
| | - Sunil Limaye
- Maharashtra Forest DepartmentOffice of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Nagpur India
| | - Vidya Athreya
- Conservation Science DepartmentWildlife Conservation Society India Bengaluru India
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33
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Packer C, Shivakumar S, Athreya V, Craft ME, Dhanwatey H, Dhanwatey P, Gurung B, Joshi A, Kushnir H, Linnell JDC, Fountain‐Jones NM. Species‐specific spatiotemporal patterns of leopard, lion and tiger attacks on humans. J Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Craig Packer
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota
- School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Pietermaritzburg South Africa
| | | | | | - Meggan E. Craft
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota
| | | | | | | | - Anup Joshi
- Conservation Sciences Program University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota
| | - Hadas Kushnir
- United States Agency for International Development Washington DC
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Naha D, Sathyakumar S, Rawat GS. Understanding drivers of human-leopard conflicts in the Indian Himalayan region: Spatio-temporal patterns of conflicts and perception of local communities towards conserving large carnivores. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204528. [PMID: 30289908 PMCID: PMC6173383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human killing is the decisive and most critical expression of human-leopard conflict and needs to be addressed sensitively to maintain local support for leopard conservation in India. This research was undertaken to investigate the ecological aspects of human killing and injury, spatial characteristic and pattern of such sites, temporal and seasonal trends of attacks and perception of local communities towards leopard in the Indian Himalayan region (IHR). We surveyed two sites i) Pauri Garhwal in the western part and ii) North Bengal (Dooars) in the eastern part of IHR, compiled secondary data on human-leopard conflict records and made field visits to (N = 101) conflict sites. We also conducted (N = 186) semi-structured questionnaire surveys in each of the sites to assess perception of local communities towards leopard. We analyzed the conflict data using rare events model in a binary logistic regression framework to understand spatial patterns of such incidents for Pauri Garhwal and North Bengal. The average number of injuries and deaths to leopard attacks in Pauri was estimated to be 11 (SE 1.13) and 3 (SE 0.6) per year between 2006-2016 whereas in North Bengal it was estimated to be 70 (SE 9.2) and 1.6 (SE 0.3) respectively between 2004-2016. About 97% of the leopard attacks in North Bengal and 60% of the leopard attacks in Pauri resulted in human injuries. Majority of the leopard attack victims in Pauri were children and young people, whereas in North Bengal it was middle aged tea estate workers. Attack on humans in Pauri were recorded mostly near areas with dense scrub cover whereas in North Bengal it was reported within tea-estates. The percentage of human deaths to leopard attacks in Pauri were higher (40%) compared to a mere (3%) in North Bengal. Forty-one percent of respondents in Pauri and 75% in North Bengal were positive towards presence and conservation of leopard. A predictive risk map revealed central and northern regions of Pauri Garhwal and protected areas, peripheral areas in central and south-western dooars (North Bengal) as high "human-leopard conflict risk zones". This analytical procedure can be adopted in other sites to identify potential human-carnivore conflict risk zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanjan Naha
- Department of Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - S. Sathyakumar
- Department of Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
- * E-mail:
| | - G. S. Rawat
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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