LEOPARD
Panthera pardus
VULNERABLE
STATUS & CONSERVATION
Although leopards are able to survive in virtually any habitat, the global population is in such decline that the IUCN red list categorizes the species as vulnerable. The species is subdivided into several subspecies, some of which are categorized as critically endangered and are likely to disappear in the near future. For instance, the Amur Leopard in China and Korea remains with fewer than 60 mature individuals in the wild. Unfortunately, reliable data is lacking for most subspecies, impeding reliable assessments. Leopard numbers in Africa appear to have plummeted over the past decades, mainly due to a depletion of their prey base due to illegal bushmeat activities. Although an estimate of 700,000 individuals is often reported, this number is based on a heavily flawed report from 1988.
Both males and females are solitary and defend exclusive territories
than 60 mature individuals in the wild. Unfortunately, reliable data is lacking for most subspecies, impeding reliable assessments. Leopard numbers in Africa appear to have plummeted over the past decades, mainly due to a depletion of their prey base due to illegal bushmeat activities. Although an estimate of 700,000 individuals is often reported, this number is based on a heavily flawed report from 1988.
STATUS & CONSERVATION
Although leopards are able to survive in virtually any habitat, the global population is in such decline that the IUCN red list categorizes the species as vulnerable. The species is subdivided into several subspecies, some of which are categorized as critically endangered and are likely to disappear in the near future. For instance, the Amur Leopard in China and Korea remains with fewer
The Wild Entrust research program
Over the past decades, BPC has deployed GPS collars and activity sensors on several Leopards. Besides general insights into the movement patterns of Leopards, we also study competition of leopards with other large carnivores both spatially and temporally. Furthermore, we are interested in better understanding Leopard’s scent-marking behavior and its consequences for territoriality.
The Wild Entrust research program
Over the past decades, BPC has deployed GPS collars and activity sensors on several Leopards. Besides general insights into the movement patterns of Leopards, we also study competition of leopards with other large carnivores both spatially and temporally. Furthermore, we are interested in better understanding Leopard’s scent-marking behavior and its consequences for territoriality.