Distribution, Food Habit and Conservation Threats of Forest Leopard (Panthera Pardus) in Shivapuri National Park

Abstract

The forest leopard Panthera pardus is a least studied species in Nepal. Present study aimed to determine status and distribution; analyze the diets and examine the conflicts with human and conservation threats on Leopard in Shivapuri National Park. The study was from January 2004 to December 2004. Field data on the leopards were collected by indirect survey method i. e. collecting signs such as pugmarks, scats, scrapes, and predation signs; and threats and conflicts with human were evaluated by questionnaire surveys. Five individuals of leopards consisting of 2 males, 2 females and one cub; and 52 sign marks were confirmed from 11 transects laid in three study blocks in the park. Among the blocks, the Block C (Sundarijal –Chisapani, Chisapani – Dhap, Dhap-Jhule) was found with relatively high sign marks. There was significant difference in sign distribution (χ2=19.53, p<0.05) among the transects, whereas no significant difference (χ2=0.18, p<0.05) in distribution frequency among three blocks. Nine potential wild prey species and 5 potential domestic prey species of the leopard were recorded in and around the park. The scat analysis indicated that the leopard diet was mainly comprises barking deer and wild boar among the wild prey species, and goat and dog among the domestic prey species. Fifty five percent of the diet comprised of wild prey base and rest domestic animals. The Leopards in the ShNP face many anthropogenic and natural threats. Major threats includes decline in prey base, habitat destruction and depletion due to collection of forage, firewood, timber, livestock grazing, human movement within the park for trekking and picnic, the smaller size, irregular shape of the park and the settlements inside the park. The livestock depredation by the leopard has caused the direct conflict with the local villagers.