Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)

[Jubatus]

Leopards in Human dominated areas

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As we all know Leopards can survive almost anywhere, on what ever it can find. But what do Leopards eat in human populated areas? 

Most stuides done on Leopards feeding habits has been done in areas where they can feed on the wildlife that surronds them, like ungulates and primates. However, Human-dominated landscape can be rich in prey, as there are a very high density in domestic animals, Especially in tropical countries like India where patrolalism is an important livelihood activity. Leopards in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, show almost complete the dependece on domestic animals to survive. From analysis of 85 Leopard scats collected, 87 % of the Leopard`s prey biomass concisted of domestic animals, with a stunning 39 % concisting of domestic dogs. And 11 % consisting of Goats. The only wild species that occured was; Small rodents, Indian Civets, Bonnet Macaque and other primates, Mongoose and Birds. Interviews conducted in 77 households distributed randomly in the study area conducted that the density of domestic animals was very high: Adult cattle, Calves, Goats, dogs and cats occured at densities of 168, 54, 174, 24 and 61 per km2. The study indicated that dogs and cats were over-represented in the Leopard`s diet, given the higher densities of goats and cattle. The standing biomass of dogs and cats alone was sufficient enough to sustain the high density of carnivores at the study area. The studies show that the abundance of potential domestic prey biomass presented in human-use areas supports relatively high density of predatores. Although unfortunatly this could ultimatly result in Leopards interacting with humas. 

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

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