ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION - D - THE LEOPARD (Panthera pardus)

[Ngala]

Status of Common Leopard Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Kunjo VDC of Mustang District, Nepal Ghimirey, 2006

Abstract:
"Common leopard Panthera pardus is one of the seven great cats found in the world and one of the most elusive too. The detail about the status of common leopard is not sufficiently known owing to very limited study on the species in the country. However, it is believed that the number of common leopard has significantly increased due to the success of the community forests in Nepal. This study was designed to find out the status of common leopard in Kunjo VDC of Mustang district. The field work of the study was carried out from 15th May 2006 to 29th May 2006.

Altogether, eight transects were drawn representing different habitats of the study area, where the indirect signs of the species were recorded. Signs such as scrapes, scats and pugmarks were recorded within five meters of both sides of the transects. Scrapes as high as nine in number were recorded in the transect conducted at Palanga, giving a good indication of the presence of the species. Two different sets of pugmarks with different physical dimensions were also recorded in Pudhar kharka which indicated the presence of at least two leopards in the area.

Total household survey was done to know the magnitude of livestock depredation caused by the leopard. The total annual monetary loss due to depredation came out to be NRs. 5,45,000, which is equivalent to US$ 7370.84. The depredation per household came out to be NRs. 3585.35 which is equivalent to US$ 48.49. The local people ranked common leopard as first predator in causing livestock depredation in the area hence creating the people-leopard conflict. It was also reported during the survey that in the past there used to be incidents of the leopards being killed directly by gun and by snaring or darjan before the area was included in ACAP.

The fact that local people still consider the leopard as pest makes the conservation activities even more difficult in the area. Therefore, the conservation initiatives must be backed up by the needs and aspirations of the local people. The conservation programmes to be implemented must also address the problem of livestock depredation. This will help in gaining the support of the local people for the conservation of the leopard in the area." Reply