scholarly journals Effects of shepherds and dogs on livestock depredation by leopards (Panthera pardus) in north-eastern Iran

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Khorozyan ◽  
Mahmood Soofi ◽  
Mobin Soufi ◽  
Amirhossein Khaleghi Hamidi ◽  
Arash Ghoddousi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Sheep And Goats ◽  
Livestock Depredation ◽  
Guarding Behavior ◽  
Eastern Iran ◽  
Generalized Linear Modelling ◽  
Mere Presence ◽  
Parametric Testing

Human-carnivore conflicts over livestock depredation are increasingly common, yet little is understood about the role of husbandry in conflict mitigation. As shepherds and guarding dogs are most commonly used to curb carnivore attacks on grazing livestock, evaluation and improvement of these practices becomes an important task. We addressed this issue by studying individual leopard (Panthera pardus) attacks on sheep and goats in 34 villages near Golestan National Park, Iran. We obtained and analyzed data on 39 attacks, which included a total loss of 31 sheep and 36 goats in 17 villages. We applied non-parametric testing, Poisson Generalized Linear Modelling (GLM) and model selection to assess how numbers of sheep and goats killed per attack are associated with the presence and absence of shepherds and dogs during attacks, depredation in previous years, villages, seasons, ethnic groups, numbers of sheep and goats kept in villages, and distances from villages to the nearest protected areas. We found that 95.5% of losses were inflicted in forests when sheep and goats were accompanied by shepherds (92.5% of losses) and dogs (77.6%). Leopards tended to kill more sheep and goats per attack (surplus killing) when dogs were absent in villages distant from protected areas, but still inflicted most losses when dogs were present, mainly in villages near protected areas. No other variables affected numbers of sheep and goats killed per attack. These results indicate that local husbandry practices are ineffectual and the mere presence of shepherds and guarding dogs is not enough to secure protection. Shepherds witnessed leopard attacks, but could not deter them while dogs did not exhibit guarding behavior and were sometimes killed by leopards. In an attempt to make practical, low-cost and socially acceptable improvements in local husbandry, we suggest that dogs are raised to create a strong social bond with livestock, shepherds use only best available dogs, small flocks are aggregated into larger ones and available shepherds herd these larger flocks together. Use of deterrents and avoidance of areas close to Golestan and in central, core areas of neighboring protected areas is also essential to keep losses down.

scholarly journals Livestock Depredation by Leopards and Tigers Near Bardia National Park, Nepal

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1896
Author(s):  
Raj Kumar Sijapati ◽  
Hari Prasad Sharma ◽  
Sandhya Sharma ◽  
Janak Raj Subedi ◽  
Jerrold L. Belant
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
National Park ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Human Settlements ◽  
Livestock Depredation ◽  
Carnivore Species ◽  
Husbandry Practices ◽  
Livestock Husbandry

Wildlife attacks on livestock near human settlements are increasing due to the proximity of humans to protected areas. These attacks are often severe due to depredations of livestock adversely affecting the livelihoods of people. The nature of carnivore depredations on livestock can differ based on the carnivore species, animal husbandry practices, season, and deterrent technique. We surveyed people living near Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal, to compare hoofed livestock depredations by leopards (Panthera pardus) and tigers (P. tigris) near (<1 km) and far (>1 km) from this protected area. Overall, 1476 hoofed livestock were reportedly depredated by leopards, and 209 by tigers, during 2015–2019. The number of hoofed livestock killed by leopards each season was, at least, 86% higher than the number killed by tigers. More livestock were killed at BNP irrespective of carnivore deterrent techniques used. Due to severe effects created by livestock depredations near BNP, we recommend using more efficacious deterrent techniques when practical, in addition to improved livestock husbandry practices such as night penning.

Crop and livestock depredation caused by wild animals in protected areas: the case of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
NAGOTHU UDAYA SEKHAR
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Local People ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Livestock Depredation ◽  
Tiger Reserve ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Wild animals often destroy standing crops and prey on livestock, causing economic losses to farmers. Crop and wildlife damage are becoming serious for many Indian protected areas, and this study aimed to characterize the problem in villages in and around the Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), Rajasthan, India. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire in 37 villages followed by a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 180 households, quadrat sampling and focus group discussions. Crop and livestock depredation evidently affected nearly half of the households in villages adjacent to the STR, but damage varied considerably amongst villages and with distance from the Reserve border. Wild animal distribution and protection measures which people adopted also influenced the damage. Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus() and wild boar ((Sus scrofa() were reported to be responsible for at least half of the total damage to the major crops caused by wild animals. Tigers and leopards were the main livestock predators; the former preyed mostly on larger livestock and the latter on smaller animals such as goats and sheep. More than two-thirds of the villagers spent considerable time and money guarding crops and protecting livestock. Guarding was the most popular means followed by physical fences around fields. In spite of damage to crops and livestock, the local people still had a positive attitude towards the STR, because of tangible benefits derived from the Reserve in terms of fodder and fuelwood, and cultural/religious attitudes towards wild animals. Settlement of rights to collect fuelwood and fodder within the Reserve appears to be one acceptable measure to compensate for losses besides an immediate review of hunting policy. Suggestions given by local people to minimize losses have implications for the long term sustainability of the STR as a protected area.

scholarly journals Can behavioural ecologists help establish protected areas?

2019 ◽  
Vol 374 (1781) ◽  
pp. 20180062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Caro ◽  
Joel Berger
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Species Status ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Mere Presence ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Dynamics Of Populations

Protecting wild places is conservation's most pressing task given rapid contemporary declines in biodiversity and massive land use changes. We suggest that behavioural ecology has a valuable, albeit limited, role to play in this agenda. Behaviourally based empiricism and modelling, especially of animal movements and habitat preferences have enjoyed wide applicability in delineating reserve boundaries. In protected areas that sanction exploitation, it may also be important to understand individuals' behavioural and life-history responses to management decisions. We also argue, however, that the in-depth studies of behavioural ecologists may have an important role in conservation by elevating species’ status from mundane to charismatic and often sparking public empathy, and their mere presence in field generates local (or broader) intrigue. More generally behavioural ecologists will only be listened to, and their contributions considered of conservation importance, if they become more involved in decision-making processes as witnessed by several prominent examples that have supported the establishment of protected areas. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Linking behaviour to dynamics of populations and communities: application of novel approaches in behavioural ecology to conservation’.

The Positive Effect of the Mere Presence of a Religious Symbol on Compliance With an Organ Donation Request

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Guéguen ◽  
Christine Bougeard-Delfosse ◽  
Céline Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Social Change ◽  
Organ Donation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Religious Symbol ◽  
Mere Presence ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Influence Behavior

Identifying low-cost, effective methods to influence behavior is of keen interest to social marketers and others striving to bring about social change. Research on material primes (an object or a word present in the individual’s environment) has received little interest from scientists. This field study conducted in France examined whether the presence of a religious symbol could influence the number of individuals who accepted an organ donation card. The study, conducted with 200 males and 200 females, examined the effect of the presence versus the absence of a Christian cross worn by a solicitor on participant’s compliance to an organ donation request. The findings showed that participants exposed to a Christian cross worn by a solicitor complied more favorably with the request addressed by the solicitor. This effect was found among both male and female participants. The presence of the Christian cross could have acted as a prime that led in turn to the activation of further concepts associated with religion such as compassion, support or solidarity, which in turn led participants to accept the organ donation solicitation more favorably.

scholarly journals Population dynamics and threats to an apex predator outside protected areas: implications for carnivore management

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 161090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samual T. Williams ◽  
Kathryn S. Williams ◽  
Bradley P. Lewis ◽  
Russell A. Hill
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Carnivore Conservation ◽  
Gps Collars ◽  
Trophy Hunting ◽  
Human Wildlife Conflict

Data on the population dynamics and threats to large carnivores are vital to conservation efforts, but these are hampered by a paucity of studies. For some species, such as the leopard ( Panthera pardus ), there is such uncertainty in population trends that leopard trophy hunting has been banned in South Africa since 2016 while further data on leopard abundance are collected. We present one of the first assessments of leopard population dynamics, and identify the key threats to a population of leopards outside of protected areas in South Africa. We conducted a long-term trap survey between 2012 and 2016 in the Soutpansberg Mountains, and drew on a previous estimate of leopard population density for the region from 2008. In 24 sampling periods, we estimated the population density and assessed population structure. We fitted eight leopards with GPS collars to assess threats to the population. Leopard population density declined by 66%, from 10.73 to 3.65 leopards per 100 km 2 in 2008 and 2016, respectively. Collared leopards had a high mortality rate, which appeared to be due to illegal human activity. While improving the management of trophy hunting is important, we suggest that mitigating human–wildlife conflict could have a bigger impact on carnivore conservation.

scholarly journals Survey of human-leopard (Panthera Pardus) conflict in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Nabeel Awan ◽  
Atif Yaqub ◽  
Muhammad Kamran
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Livestock Depredation ◽  
Wildlife Conflict ◽  
Community Based Conservation ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Human Wildlife Conflict

Wildlife populations are at a risk of extinction mainly because of human-wildlife conflict (HWC). The present study was designed to evaluate the ongoing HWC with special reference to Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) in Ayubia National park through field study as well as a literature-based approach. Questionnaire interview surveys were designed for wildlife officials working in the park and the locals who bear the cost for leopard conflict through livestock depredation and crop damage. The study showed that human-leopard conflict in the study area has been increasing. More than 60% of people considered livestock depredation as the major reason for their negative perception towards the common leopard. Among livestock, goats were more vulnerable which showed that leopards mostly preferred smaller prey. A number of reported human injuries and deaths on account of Human-Leopard conflict in the study area helped conclude that human-wildlife conflict is a significant issue. Mitigation measures may hence be recommended, such as livestock compensation schemes and community-based conservation approaches, etc. It is critical to avoid human-Leopard conflict not only to keep the public and their property safe but also to help conserve this important species of common leopard (Panthera pardus).

scholarly journals Diet of Leopards Panthera pardus fusca inhabiting protected areas and human-dominated landscapes in Goa, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 19239-19245
Author(s):  
Bipin S. Phal Desai ◽  
Avelyno D'Costa ◽  
M.K. Praveen Kumar ◽  
S.K. Shyama
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Scat Analysis ◽  
Domesticated Animals ◽  
Prey Biomass

The diet of leopards occupying human-dominated and protected areas (PAs) in Goa, India was analyzed through scat analysis. A total of 117 scats, 55 from wildlife sanctuaries/ national parks and 62 from human-dominated areas were collected and analyzed. Analysis of 55 scats from protected forest revealed the presence of only wild prey in the leopard diet, whereas 61% of scats collected from human-dominated areas consisted of only wild prey, 29% of domesticated animals, and 10% a mixture of both wild prey & domesticated animals. Of the prey biomass consumed in human-dominated areas, domestic animals constituted only 33% of the leopard diet. Among all leopard scats, 71% contained only one prey species, 28% contained two species, and 1% contained three. 

scholarly journals A culture of tolerance: coexisting with large carnivores in the Kafa Highlands, Ethiopia

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 751-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fikirte Gebresenbet ◽  
Brhane Baraki ◽  
Gidey Yirga ◽  
Claudio Sillero-Zubiri ◽  
Hans Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Local Culture ◽  
Panthera Leo ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Panthera Pardus ◽  
Classical Economics ◽  
Group Interviews

AbstractWe assessed losses of livestock to lions Panthera leo and leopards Panthera pardus in the Adiyo and Gimbo districts in Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia. We quantified the economic impact, conducted household and group interviews, and explored potential solutions with local people. During 2009–2013 there were 350 and 62 attacks by lions and leopards, respectively. Households that suffered attacks on their livestock lost a mean of USD 287 and USD 310 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Although lion attacks are more frequent than leopard attacks, our qualitative data indicate that tolerance for the former is higher because lions are more respected in the local culture. We describe how depredation is culturally mitigated and how retaliatory killing is avoided. Given people's tolerance towards them, carnivores may persist in their highland refugium, opening an arena for conservation that is not strictly linked to protected areas or to classical economics.

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