Depleting wild prey compels common leopard (Panthera pardus) to sustain on livestock

Abstract The wide distribution of a predator can reflect its flexibility in adapting to various ecosystems. The common leopard (Panthera pardus) is “Critically Endangered” in Pakistan while the IUCN Red List categorizes it globally as “Vulnerable”. This study investigated the distribution of the common leopard and the contribution of livestock in its diet in District Sudhanoti of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. During the surveys, scats, pugmarks, prey remains, and dead bodies of the common leopard were recovered in a scanned area of approximately 262 km2. The scats were mostly found on tracks and trails in hilly terrain, and pugmarks in the riparian zone and nallas, while prey remains were found mostly in dense bushes and rocks. Dead common leopards were recovered within or around village areas. All signs of the species were found between 418 m and 2016 m elevation above sea level. Scat analysis revealed a total of ten prey species including seven domestic mammals and only three wild meso-mammals. Domestic animals were most frequently consumed while wild prey contributed significantly less. The consumption of domestic prey species was found not to differ between the summer and winter season. We conclude that the common leopard was sustaining mainly on livestock with a much smaller contribution from wild prey. This fact, along with the “Critically Endangered” status of the species in the country, demands effective conservation measures to be taken to save common leopards.

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Raptor Prey Remains

10.53061/njzi5339 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ed Drewitt

Keyword(s):

Feeding Ecology ◽

Prey Species ◽

Local Level ◽

Body Parts ◽

Change Over Time ◽

The Common ◽

Prey Remains ◽

Over Time ◽

Prey Populations

Are you curious about the remains of an animal you have found? This compilation of the most likely found body parts of animals eaten by raptors will help you identify your discovery. Including over 100 species of bird and mammal prey of raptors such as sparrowhawks, peregrines and hen harriers, this photographic guide highlights the common feathers, fur and other body parts found at raptor nests, roosts, plucking posts and other opportunistic spots. Discovering what raptors eat is an important part of confirming their feeding ecology and how this might change over time, vary on a local level or in response to changing prey populations, as well as dispelling myths and assumptions about what certain raptor species eat. Diet studies are vital for the conservation of raptor species; the more we know about what they need for survival the more we can predict and plan long-term for the protection and survival of raptors that may be vulnerable and in decline. This is the first book to show in detail the actual parts of a bird, mammal or other animal that you are likely to find in a garden, woodland or beneath a raptor roost. As more people take an interest in raptors and watch species such as peregrines via webcams and through watch groups, there is greater opportunity for finding prey remains. This book provides the first and most important step in identifying a prey species.

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Population size, distribution and status of the remote and Critically Endangered Bawean deer Axis kuhlii

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605316000429 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 51 (4) ◽

pp. 665-672 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Dede Aulia Rahman ◽

Georges Gonzalez ◽

Stéphane Aulagnier

Keyword(s):

Population Size ◽

Faecal Pellet ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Critically Endangered ◽

Density Estimates ◽

Distribution Maps ◽

Population Size Estimates ◽

Endangered Status ◽

Size Estimates ◽

Model Approach

AbstractConservation of rare ungulates requires reliable population size estimates and distribution maps for prioritizing investments and assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures. We used both camera trapping and a random encounter model approach, and faecal pellet group counts, to update the range and population size of the Bawean deer Axis kuhlii in the Bawean Island Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Indonesia. We studied 2-month periods to fulfil the assumption of population closure. Both methods provided similar population density estimates (higher in the dry season) of c. 227–416 individuals. The estimated range of the species is significantly narrower than previously reported. The main threats (habitat loss as a result of illegal logging, and disturbance by dogs and hunters) are ongoing. Based on these results we suggest that the species should retain its Critically Endangered status on the IUCN Red List.

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The diet of Pacific gulls (Larus pacificus) breeding at Seal Island in northern Bass Strait

Australian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1071/zo13066 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 62 (3) ◽

pp. 216 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tamara N. Leitch ◽

Peter Dann ◽

John P. Y. Arnould

Keyword(s):

Marine Environment ◽

Diet Composition ◽

Prey Species ◽

Foraging Ecology ◽

Wide Distribution ◽

Analysis Of Similarity ◽

Numerical Abundance ◽

Important Predator ◽

The Common ◽

Diving Petrel

The endemic Pacific gull (Larus pacificus) is Australia’s largest larid, and though little is currently known of its foraging ecology, its size and wide distribution suggest that it may play an important role within the marine environment. In the present study, regurgitate pellets collected from Seal Island in northern Bass Strait were used to compare intra- and interannual trends in diet composition. The main taxa identified in pellets were the common diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix), leatherjacket species (Family Monacanthidae), short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) and mirror bush (Coprosma repens). Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) identified no significant differences in numerical abundance of the dominant prey species between years, suggesting that the prey base in this region is temporally consistent or that the gulls consume low enough numbers to be unaffected by fluctuation in prey populations. Diving-petrels were consumed in consistently high numbers, suggesting the gulls may be an important predator of this species, or that the gulls are particularly skilled at foraging for them.

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Leopard (Panthera pardus) density and diet in a forest corridor of Terai: implications for conservation and conflict management

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr19126 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 47 (6) ◽

pp. 460

Author(s):

Sagar Raj Kandel ◽

Babu Ram Lamichhane ◽

Naresh Subedi

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

Prey Species ◽

Wide Distribution ◽

Camera Traps ◽

Panthera Pardus ◽

Survey Area ◽

Protected Forests ◽

Axis Axis ◽

Domestic Livestock ◽

Capture Recapture

Abstract ContextIncreasing forest fragmentation and degradation has forced wildlife to live in close proximity to humans, increasing the chances of human–wildlife conflict. Leopard (Panthera pardus) typifies the problem faced by large carnivores. It is a threatened species with a wide distribution, with a large part of their range outside protected areas, leaving them vulnerable to human–leopard conflict. Understanding their status and diet in such non-protected forests is necessary for their long-term conservation. AimsThe present study aimed to estimate leopard density and assess their diet in a non-protected forest. MethodsA camera-trapping survey was carried out in the Kamdi forest corridor outside of protected areas, covering 791.29km2 in the western part of Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) in Nepal. Leopard density was estimated based on the photographs obtained in camera traps, using Bayesian Explicit Capture–recapture (B-SECR) models. Scats of leopards were opportunistically collected (n=60) and their diet analysed through micro-histological characters of hair remains. The frequency of occurrence and relative biomass of different prey species consumed by leopard was calculated. Key resultsLeopard density was estimated to be 1.50 (±0.49 s.e.) 100km−2 in the survey area. Similarly, we identified 13 prey species in the leopard scats. Wild prey contributed the majority (67.8%) of leopard diet, including 23.2% of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and 18.3% of spotted deer (Axis axis). Nearly one-third of leopard diet consists of domestic livestock (cattle, goat, sheep) and dog. ConclusionsLeopard density was found to be relatively low in the forest corridor compared with protected areas. Nearly one-third of leopard diet from domestic livestock and dogs suggests that human–leopard conflict could be problematic in the survey area. ImplicationsIncreasing prey density in the forest corridor and improving livestock husbandry in the periphery will contribute to increase leopard density, reduce the human–leopard conflict and enhance the functionality of the corridor.

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Conservation of endemic insular plants: the genus Ribes L. (Grossulariaceae) in Sardinia

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605311000809 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 219-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Giuseppe Fenu ◽

Efisio Mattana ◽

Gianluigi Bacchetta

Keyword(s):

Field Survey ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Seed Viability ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Small Population ◽

Red List ◽

Critically Endangered ◽

Research Activities ◽

Conservation Actions ◽

Endangered Status

AbstractOnly two members of the genus Ribes L. (Grossulariaceae) occur in Sardinia, both endemic: R. sardoum and R. multiflorum subsp. sandalioticum. R. sardoum is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and R. multiflorum subsp. sandalioticum is a rare species previously known from only a few localities. Both species grow only in mountainous areas. In 2006–2010 we carried out a field survey to verify the conservation status of R. sardoum and to estimate the number of individual plants, identify threats and assess the conservation status of R. multiflorum subsp. sandalioticum. R. sardoum is threatened by grazing, its small population, low seed viability and the activities of tourists, confirming its Critically Endangered status. We found R. multiflorum subsp. sandalioticum in 13 localities, three of which are new records, with the plants in scattered groups or singly, in three populations. The threats to R. multiflorum subsp. sandalioticum are overgrazing, the small populations, habitat fragmentation and the activities of tourists. We propose that R. multiflorum subsp. sandalioticum be categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Research activities and conservation measures for this genus on Sardinia have been proposed and some conservation actions have already commenced.

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The current distribution and status of leopards Panthera pardus in China

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605315000988 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 51 (1) ◽

pp. 153-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Alice Laguardia ◽

Jan F. Kamler ◽

Sheng Li ◽

Chengcheng Zhang ◽

Zhefeng Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Current Distribution ◽

Total Population ◽

Recent Literature ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Critically Endangered ◽

Current Status ◽

Panthera Pardus ◽

The North ◽

Iucn Assessment ◽

Near Threatened

AbstractThe leopard Panthera pardus, categorized globally as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, has the widest distribution of any wild felid species, although in Asia it has declined dramatically and five subspecies are Endangered or Critically Endangered. In China at least three subspecies have been reported to occur throughout much of the country, and in 1998 the population was estimated to be 1,000. However, recent studies have indicated that leopards have disappeared from large areas, probably as a result of habitat loss, a low prey base and poaching, indicating this species may not be as common in China as previously believed. To examine this we reviewed recent literature and interviewed specialists to determine the current status and distribution of the leopard in China. Our findings indicate that the species has declined dramatically, with confirmation of presence at only 44 sites in 11 provinces, despite extensive surveys. Current populations are small and fragmented, and occur mainly in isolated nature reserves. We estimate a total population of only 174–348 P. pardus japonensis (the north Chinese leopard), which is endemic to China, and < 30 individuals for each of the other subspecies whose distributions extend beyond China. We recommend that a separate IUCN assessment be made for P. pardus japonensis, and that this subspecies be categorized as Critically Endangered. Our findings are the first reliable estimates of the current distribution and status of the leopard in China, and provide valuable information that will help guide conservation efforts.

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Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle (Trionyx triunguis) Along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey

Russian Journal of Herpetology ◽

10.30906/1026-2296-2020-27-6-307-315 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 307-315

Author(s):

Özgür Güçlü ◽

Bülent Bozdoğan

Keyword(s):

Microsatellite Loci ◽

Geographic Distance ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Genetic Variations ◽

Mediterranean Coast ◽

Critically Endangered ◽

Mediterranean Populations ◽

Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽

Polymorphic Microsatellite ◽

The Mediterranean

The Nile soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx triunguis) is distributed between Dalyan and Samandağ throughout the Mediterranean coast in Turkey. The Mediterranean subpopulation of the Nile soft-shelled turtle is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List Categories. This investigation aimed to determinate levels of genetic variations and patterns of genetic structures among Mediterranean populations in Turkey by using T. triunguis-specific microsatellite primers. A total of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci were studied among samples of 121 individuals collected from five populations in Turkey. Of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci used, 3 new were identified in this study. The genetic differentiation among the 5 studied populations of T. triunguis was significant (p 0.001). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variations occurred mainly within populations (89.7%) rather than among populations (10.3%). Structure analysis showed presence of two main groups among the Mediterranean T. triunguis populations. However genetic variations among populations were not correlated with geographic distance between the locations. Analysis of data showed that one of the populations (Dalyan) had undergone a bottleneck effect. Migration analysis indicates that T. triunguis migrates between five Mediterranean populations in Turkey. We concluded that based on our results the status of ‘critically endangered’ of T. triunguis should be maintained. Long term population genetic survey studies should be undertaken and changes in habitats of T. triunguis populations, as well as their population size and structure should be monitored for each population to be able to establish a clear strategy for protection of T. triunguis.

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Cytogenetic Analysis of the Asian Box Turtles of the Genus Cuora (Testudines, Geoemydidae)

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12020156 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 156

Author(s):

Lorenzo Clemente ◽

Sofia Mazzoleni ◽

Eleonora Pensabene ◽

Tomáš Protiva ◽

Philipp Wagner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Determination ◽

Sex Chromosomes ◽

Wide Distribution ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Telomeric Repeats ◽

Rdna Loci ◽

Box Turtles ◽

Genotypic Sex Determination ◽

Poorly Differentiated ◽

Almost All

The Asian box turtle genus Cuora currently comprises 13 species with a wide distribution in Southeast Asia, including China and the islands of Indonesia and Philippines. The populations of these species are rapidly declining due to human pressure, including pollution, habitat loss, and harvesting for food consumption. Notably, the IUCN Red List identifies almost all species of the genus Cuora as Endangered (EN) or Critically Endangered (CR). In this study, we explore the karyotypes of 10 Cuora species with conventional (Giemsa staining, C-banding, karyogram reconstruction) and molecular cytogenetic methods (in situ hybridization with probes for rDNA loci and telomeric repeats). Our study reveals a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 52 chromosomes in all studied species, with karyotypes of similar chromosomal morphology. In all examined species, rDNA loci are detected at a single medium-sized chromosome pair and the telomeric repeats are restricted to the expected terminal position across all chromosomes. In contrast to a previous report, sex chromosomes are neither detected in Cuoragalbinifrons nor in any other species. Therefore, we assume that these turtles have either environmental sex determination or genotypic sex determination with poorly differentiated sex chromosomes. The conservation of genome organization could explain the numerous observed cases of interspecific hybridization both within the genus Cuora and across geoemydid turtles.

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Novelties in Begonia (Begoniaceae) from the campos rupestres of Serra do Padre Ângelo, Minas Gerais, Brazil: a new species and a new record

Phytotaxa ◽

10.11646/phytotaxa.510.1.7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 510 (1) ◽

Author(s):

LUDOVIC JEAN CHARLES KOLLMANN ◽

PAULO MINATEL GONELLA

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

High Elevation ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Minas Gerais ◽

Small Population ◽

Critically Endangered ◽

Campos Rupestres ◽

Rock Outcrops ◽

Critically Endangered Species ◽

Minas Gerais State

Begonia piranga (Begoniaceae) is a new narrowly endemic species from the campos rupestres of Serra do Padre Ângelo, a quartzitic massif in Conselheiro Pena, eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Description, diagnosis, taxonomic comments, detailed illustrations, field photographs, and a provisional IUCN Red List Assessment are provided. The new species is considered Critically Endangered due to its restricted occurrence in high elevation rock outcrops, small population size, and decline in the quality of the habitat. Begonia vasconcelosiana, another Critically Endangered species, is also newly reported here for Serra do Padre Ângelo. These discoveries add to the increasing list of novelties from Serra do Padre Ângelo, reinforcing the urge for conservation actions to protect the endemic flora of this Serra and other areas of campos rupestres in eastern Minas Gerais state.

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