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Dale G Miquelle - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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mapping black panthers macroecological modeling of melanism in leopards Panthera Pardus
PLOS ONE, 2017Co-Authors: Lucas Goncalves Da Silva, Dale G Miquelle, Philipp Henschel, Kae Kawanishi, Andrew M Kittle, Arezoo Sanei, Alexander Reebin, Andrew B Stein, Anjali Watson, Laurence Bruce KekuleAbstract:The geographic distribution and habitat association of most mammalian polymorphic phenotypes are still poorly known, hampering assessments of their adaptive significance. Even in the case of the black panther, an iconic melanistic variant of the leopard (Panthera Pardus), no map exists describing its distribution. We constructed a large database of verified records sampled across the species’ range, and used it to map the geographic occurrence of melanism. We then estimated the potential distribution of melanistic and non-melanistic leopards using niche-modeling algorithms. The overall frequency of melanism was ca. 11%, with a significantly non-random spatial distribution. Distinct habitat types presented significantly different frequencies of melanism, which increased in Asian moist forests and approached zero across most open/dry biomes. Niche modeling indicated that the potential distributions of the two phenotypes were distinct, with significant differences in habitat suitability and rejection of niche equivalency between them. We conclude that melanism in leopards is strongly affected by natural selection, likely driven by efficacy of camouflage and/or thermoregulation in different habitats, along with an effect of moisture that goes beyond its influence on vegetation type. Our results support classical hypotheses of adaptive coloration in animals (e.g. Gloger’s rule), and open up new avenues for in-depth evolutionary analyses of melanism in mammals.
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identifying ecological corridors for amur tigers Panthera tigris altaica and amur leopards Panthera Pardus orientalis
Integrative Zoology, 2015Co-Authors: Dale G Miquelle, Victor Ermoshin, Andre A Murzin, I G Nikolaev, J A Hernandezblanco, Viatcheslav V. Rozhnov, Sergie V NaidenkoAbstract:: The rapid explosion of human populations and the associated development of human-dominated landscapes have drastically reduced and fragmented habitat for tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera Pardus) across Asia, resulting in multiple small populations. However, Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) habitat in Russia has remained largely interconnected, except for a break between tigers in southwest Primorye and the southern Sikhote-Alin Mountains. This habitat patch in southwest Primorye also retains the last population of Amur leopards (Panthera Pardus orientalis). Genetic differentiation of tigers in southwest Primorye and the Sikhote-Alin Mountains along with survey data suggest that habitat fragmentation is limiting movement of tigers and leopards across the Razdolnaya River basin. We looked at historical and recent survey data on tigers and leopards and mapped existing cover types to examine land-use patterns of both large felids and humans in the development strip along the Razdolnaya River. We then used least-cost distance analyses to identify the most effective potential corridor to retain connectivity for large felids between Land of the Leopard National Park and Ussuriskii Zapovednik (Reserve). We identified a single potential corridor that still exists with a total distance of 62.5 km from Land of the Leopard National Park to Ussuriskii Zapovednik, mostly (93%) through forested habitat. We recommend formal recognition of a Razdolnaya ecological corridor and provide specific recommendations for each of 3 proposed management sections.
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Conservation Genetics of the Far Eastern Leopard (Panthera Pardus orientalis)
The Journal of heredity, 2002Co-Authors: Olga Uphyrkina, Dale G Miquelle, Howard B Quigley, Carlos A. Driscoll, Stephen J. O'brienAbstract:The Far Eastern or Amur leopard (Panthera Pardus orientalis) survives today as a tiny relict population of 25-40 individuals in the Russian Far East. The population descends from a 19th-century northeastern Asian subspecies whose range extended over southeastern Russia, the Korean peninsula, and northeastern China. A molecular genetic survey of nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation validates subspecies distinctiveness but also reveals a markedly reduced level of genetic variation. The amount of genetic diversity measured is the lowest among leopard subspecies and is comparable to the genetically depleted Florida panther and Asiatic lion populations. When considered in the context of nonphysiological perils that threaten small populations (e.g., chance mortality, poaching, climatic extremes, and infectious disease), the genetic and demographic data indicate a critically diminished wild population under severe threat of extinction. An established captive population of P. p. orientalis displays much higher diversity than the wild population sample, but nearly all captive individuals are derived from a history of genetic admixture with the adjacent Chinese subspecies, P. p. japonensis. The conservation management implications of potential restoration/augmentation of the wild population with immigrants from the captive population are discussed.
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phylogenetics genome diversity and origin of modern leopard Panthera Pardus
Molecular Ecology, 2001Co-Authors: Olga Uphyrkina, Dale G Miquelle, Warren E Johnson, Howard B Quigley, Laurie Marker, M Bush, Stephen J ObrienAbstract:Leopards, Panthera Pardus, are widely distributed across southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The extent and phylogeographic patterns of molecular genetic diversity were addressed in a survey of 77 leopards from known geographical locales representing 13 of the 27 classical trinomial subspecies. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences (727 bp of NADH5 and control region) and 25 polymorphic microsatellite loci revealed abundant diversity that could be partitioned into a minimum of nine discrete populations, tentatively named here as revised subspecies: P. Pardus Pardus, P. p. nimr, P. p. saxicolor, P. p. fusca, P. p. kotiya, P. p. delacouri, P. p. japonensis, P. p. orientalis and P. p. melas. However, because of limited sampling of African populations, this may be an underestimate of modern phylogeographic population structure. Combined phylogeographic and population diversity estimates support an origin for modern leopard lineages 470,000-825,000 years ago in Africa followed by their migration into and across Asia more recently (170,000-300,000 years ago). Recent demographic reductions likely have led to genetic impoverishment in P. p. orientalis and in the island subspecies P. p. kotiya.
Igor Khorozyan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Dissatisfaction with Veterinary Services Is Associated with Leopard (Panthera Pardus) Predation on Domestic Animals.
PloS one, 2015Co-Authors: Igor Khorozyan, Arash Ghoddousi, Mahmood Soofi, Amirhossein Khaleghi Hamidi, Matthias WaltertAbstract:Human-carnivore conflicts challenge biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods, but the role of diseases of domestic animals in their predation by carnivores is poorly understood. We conducted a human-leopard (Panthera Pardus) conflict study throughout all 34 villages around Golestan National Park, Iran in order to find the most important conflict determinants and to use them in predicting the probabilities of conflict and killing of cattle, sheep and goats, and dogs. We found that the more villagers were dissatisfied with veterinary services, the more likely they were to lose livestock and dogs to leopard predation. Dissatisfaction occurred when vaccination crews failed to visit villages at all or, in most cases, arrived too late to prevent diseases from spreading. We suggest that increased morbidity of livestock makes them particularly vulnerable to leopard attacks. Moreover, conflicts and dog killing were higher in villages located closer to the boundaries of the protected area than in distant villages. Therefore, we appeal for improved enforcement and coordination of veterinary services in our study area, and propose several priority research topics such as veterinarian studies, role of wild prey in diseases of domestic animals, and further analysis of potential conflict predictors.
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The status of the Endangered Persian leopard Panthera Pardus saxicolor in Bamu National Park, Iran
Oryx, 2010Co-Authors: Arash Ghoddousi, Amirhossein Kh. Hamidi, Taher Ghadirian, Delaram Ashayeri, Igor KhorozyanAbstract:We describe the use of camera-trapping with capture-recapture, occupancy and visitation rate modelling to study the size, demographic structure and distribution of the Persian leopard Panthera Pardus saxicolor in Bamu National Park, southern Iran. A total sampling effort of 1,012 trap-nights yielded photo-captures of four adults, two subadult individuals and a cub over 21 sampling occasions. The leopard population size estimated by the M(h) model and jackknife estimator was 6.00 ± SE 0.24 individuals. This gives a density of 1.87 ± SE 0.07 leopards per 100 km 2 . Detection probability was constant and low and, as a result, estimated occupancy rate was significantly higher than that predicted from photographic capture sites alone. Occupancy was 56% of the protected area and visitation rates were 0.01–0.05 visits per day. The most imminent threats to leopards in Bamu are poaching and habitat fragmentation.
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Using thin-layer chromatography of fecal bile acids to study the leopard (Panthera Pardus ciscaucasica) population
Biology Bulletin, 2007Co-Authors: Igor Khorozyan, Alexander Malkhasyan, A. Cazon, Alexei V. AbramovAbstract:Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of fecal bile acids has been used to confirm visual identification of scat samples found in Armenia in 2004 − 2005 and attributed to the leopard ( Panthera Pardus ciscaucasica ). The results of TLC do not differ significantly from those of visual identification, confirming the reliability of the latter method. Taking into account the frequency and distribution of fresh scats, two priority areas for leop- ard conservation have been identified: the Central and Khachadzor districts of the Khosrov Reserve and the Nuvadi-Shvanidzor area in eastern Meghri Ridge.
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The Leopard, Panthera Pardus, (Carnivora: Felidae) and its resilience to human pressure in the Caucasus
Zoology in the Middle East, 2007Co-Authors: Igor Khorozyan, Alexei V. AbramovAbstract:Abstract Widespread in the Caucasus until the mid-19th century, the Leopard, Panthera Pardus, has become extinct in many areas of this region but is still able to survive in some others. We have compiled a database of 218 Leopard records dated 1861–2007 throughout the Caucasus (Russian North Caucasus, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia). Of these, 77 records of killings, 4 records of photo-captures (10 pictures), and 8 records of scat origin proof by faecal bile acid thin-layer chromatography were used as the most reliable indicators of the Leopard’s presence. We discuss the history of the Leopard’s postglacial emergence in the Caucasus, its habitats, scales of eradication, trends in Leopard extermination measures and range shrinkage within the study period, in separate sections under each of the four countries of the Caucasus. All recent and current Leopard records in the Caucasus are confined to central and eastern parts of the North Caucasus, south-eastern and north-eastern Georgia, south-eastern and west...
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Habitat preferences by the Persian Leopard (Panthera Pardus saxicolor Pocock, 1927) in Armenia
Zoology in the Middle East, 2003Co-Authors: Igor KhorozyanAbstract:Abstract This paper describes and discusses the results of a study which combined Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping and statistical analysis of the spatial distribution of the Persian Leopard Panthera Pardus saxicolor presence signs (latrines and tracks) and the key human activities (villages, roads and livestock breeding) in the principal protected area of Armenia, Khosrov Reserve, and its wildlife corridor, Gndasar Mt./Noravank Canyon area. The critical habitat for the Leopard in the Khosrov Reserve is sparse juniper forest. Human activities are least intense in the Khosrov Reserve area, where all the villages are abandoned but are used as summer pastures for livestock. On the other hand, the Gndasar Mt./Noravank Canyon area contains high highway density and 13 inhabited villages with high human and livestock numbers. Livestock grazing should be carefully controlled for Leopard conservation, since this cat’s range and livestock areas overlap. The Gndasar Mt./Noravank Canyon area provides a v...
Sergie V Naidenko - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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identifying ecological corridors for amur tigers Panthera tigris altaica and amur leopards Panthera Pardus orientalis
Integrative Zoology, 2015Co-Authors: Dale G Miquelle, Victor Ermoshin, Andre A Murzin, I G Nikolaev, J A Hernandezblanco, Viatcheslav V. Rozhnov, Sergie V NaidenkoAbstract:: The rapid explosion of human populations and the associated development of human-dominated landscapes have drastically reduced and fragmented habitat for tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera Pardus) across Asia, resulting in multiple small populations. However, Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) habitat in Russia has remained largely interconnected, except for a break between tigers in southwest Primorye and the southern Sikhote-Alin Mountains. This habitat patch in southwest Primorye also retains the last population of Amur leopards (Panthera Pardus orientalis). Genetic differentiation of tigers in southwest Primorye and the Sikhote-Alin Mountains along with survey data suggest that habitat fragmentation is limiting movement of tigers and leopards across the Razdolnaya River basin. We looked at historical and recent survey data on tigers and leopards and mapped existing cover types to examine land-use patterns of both large felids and humans in the development strip along the Razdolnaya River. We then used least-cost distance analyses to identify the most effective potential corridor to retain connectivity for large felids between Land of the Leopard National Park and Ussuriskii Zapovednik (Reserve). We identified a single potential corridor that still exists with a total distance of 62.5 km from Land of the Leopard National Park to Ussuriskii Zapovednik, mostly (93%) through forested habitat. We recommend formal recognition of a Razdolnaya ecological corridor and provide specific recommendations for each of 3 proposed management sections.
Mohammad S. Farhadinia - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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estimating the density of small population of leopard Panthera Pardus using multi session photographic sampling data
bioRxiv, 2020Co-Authors: Mohammad S. Farhadinia, Kaveh Hobeali, Pouyan Behnoud, Seyed Jalal Mousavi, Fatemeh Hosseinizavarei, Navid Gholikhani, Hasan Akbari, Morteza Eslami, Peyman Moghadas, David W MacdonaldAbstract:West Asian drylands host a number of threatened large carnivores, including the leopard (Panthera Pardus) which is limited to spatially scattered landscapes with generally low primary productivity. While conservation efforts have focused on these areas for several decades, reliable population density estimates are missing. Spatially-explicit capture-recapture (SECR) methodology, incorporating animal movement in density estimates, is widely used to monitor populations of large carnivores. We employed multi-session SECR modeling to estimate the density of a small population of leopard (Panthera Pardus) in a mountainous stretch surrounded by deserts in central Iran. During 6724 camera trap nights, we detected eight and five independent leopards in 2012 and 2016 sessions, respectively. The top performing model demonstrated density estimates of 1.6 (95% CI = 0.9-2.9) and 1.0 (95% CI = 0.6-1.6) independent leopards/100 km2 in 2012 and 2016, respectively. Both sex and season had substantial effects on spatial scale ({sigma}), with larger movements for males and during winter. Currently available estimates in arid regions represent some of the lowest densities across the leopard global range. These small populations are vulnerable to demographic stochasticity. Monitoring temporal changes in population density and composition can inform conservation priorities.
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Intraspecific killing among Leopards (Panthera Pardus) in Iran (Mammalia: Felidae)
Zoology in the Middle East, 2018Co-Authors: Mohammad S. Farhadinia, David W Macdonald, Hossein Alinezhad, Ehsan Hadipour, Iman Memarian, Stéphane Ostrowski, Kaveh Hobeali, Amirhossein Dadashi-jourdehi, Paul J. Johnson, Luke T. B. HunterAbstract:Intraspecific aggression is one of the most common causes of death in leopards. Here, we report four cases of intraspecific killing amongst Persian Leopards (Panthera Pardus saxicolor) in Iran. A y...
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Intraspecific killing among Leopards (Panthera Pardus) in Iran (Mammalia: Felidae)
2018Co-Authors: Mohammad S. Farhadinia, David W Macdonald, Hossein Alinezhad, Ehsan Hadipour, Iman Memarian, Stéphane Ostrowski, Kaveh Hobeali, Amirhossein Dadashi-jourdehi, Paul J. Johnson, Luke T. B. HunterAbstract:Intraspecific aggression is one of the most common causes of death in leopards. Here, we report four cases of intraspecific killing amongst Persian Leopards (Panthera Pardus saxicolor) in Iran. A young male leopard was found on 7 June 2008 which, according to camera trap images, had been killed by an adult male over a Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) kill, with trauma to his neck in Dorfak No-Hunting Area. A young female that had been fitted with a satellite GPS collar on 6 December 2015 in Tandoureh National Park died on 29 January 2016 at a site where an Urial Sheep (Ovis orientalis) ram had been freshly killed. Necropsy results, footprints at the scene of death and camera trap footage all supported the deduction that the animal was killed by a larger female leopard at the kill site. On 13 January 2017, a young, partially eaten female leopard was found with double puncture on the side of her throat. Finally, a rehabilitated adult female fitted with a satellite GPS collar found on 19 December 2017 with a double puncture on her head with several trauma and haemorrhages on her back. These instances seem to be the first documented reports of intraspecific killing among free-ranging leopards in Asia.
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leopard Panthera Pardus status distribution and the research efforts across its range
PeerJ, 2016Co-Authors: Sarah M. Durant, Corey Anco, Andrew P Jacobson, P Gerngross, Joseph R Lemeris, Rebecca F Schoonover, Christine Breitenmoserwursten, Mohammad S. FarhadiniaAbstract:The leopard's (Panthera Pardus) broad geographic range, remarkable adaptability, and secretive nature have contributed to a misconception that this species might not be severely threatened across its range. We find that not only are several subspecies and regional populations critically endangered but also the overall range loss is greater than the average for terrestrial large carnivores. To assess the leopard's status, we compile 6,000 records at 2,500 locations from over 1,300 sources on its historic (post 1750) and current distribution. We map the species across Africa and Asia, delineating areas where the species is confirmed present, is possibly present, is possibly extinct or is almost certainly extinct. The leopard now occupies 25-37% of its historic range, but this obscures important differences between subspecies. Of the nine recognized subspecies, three (P. p. Pardus, fusca, and saxicolor) account for 97% of the leopard's extant range while another three (P. p. orientalis, nimr, and japonensis) have each lost as much as 98% of their historic range. Isolation, small patch sizes, and few remaining patches further threaten the six subspecies that each have less than 100,000 km(2) of extant range. Approximately 17% of extant leopard range is protected, although some endangered subspecies have far less. We found that while leopard research was increasing, research effort was primarily on the subspecies with the most remaining range whereas subspecies that are most in need of urgent attention were neglected.
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Patterns of sexual dimorphism in the Persian Leopard (Panthera Pardus saxicolor) and implications for sex differentiation
Zoology in the Middle East, 2014Co-Authors: Mohammad S. Farhadinia, Mohammad Kaboli, Mahmoud Karami, Hamid FarahmandAbstract:Extant felids show a high degree of inter-sexual dimorphism, meaning significant size differences between males and females. Such a differentiation may have various ecological, behavioural and evolutionary implications, at both species and subspecies levels. We have investigated the sexual size differences in one of the most dimorphic felids, i.e. the Leopard (Panthera Pardus), based on 63 craniometric and 55 morphometric samples from Iran which belong to the subspecies Persian Leopard (P. p. saxicolor). In order to explore patterns of sexual dimorphism, multivariate statistical analysis on 24 skull variables as well as univariate approaches for two body measurements were applied. We found significant inter-sexual differences in skull size whereas it was not meaningful after removing the effect of size to address skull shape. Moreover, inter-sexual differentiation was also remarkable when comparing morphometric body measurements in adults, showing that the males possess a larger head mass and longer body,...
David W Macdonald - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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estimating the density of small population of leopard Panthera Pardus using multi session photographic sampling data
bioRxiv, 2020Co-Authors: Mohammad S. Farhadinia, Kaveh Hobeali, Pouyan Behnoud, Seyed Jalal Mousavi, Fatemeh Hosseinizavarei, Navid Gholikhani, Hasan Akbari, Morteza Eslami, Peyman Moghadas, David W MacdonaldAbstract:West Asian drylands host a number of threatened large carnivores, including the leopard (Panthera Pardus) which is limited to spatially scattered landscapes with generally low primary productivity. While conservation efforts have focused on these areas for several decades, reliable population density estimates are missing. Spatially-explicit capture-recapture (SECR) methodology, incorporating animal movement in density estimates, is widely used to monitor populations of large carnivores. We employed multi-session SECR modeling to estimate the density of a small population of leopard (Panthera Pardus) in a mountainous stretch surrounded by deserts in central Iran. During 6724 camera trap nights, we detected eight and five independent leopards in 2012 and 2016 sessions, respectively. The top performing model demonstrated density estimates of 1.6 (95% CI = 0.9-2.9) and 1.0 (95% CI = 0.6-1.6) independent leopards/100 km2 in 2012 and 2016, respectively. Both sex and season had substantial effects on spatial scale ({sigma}), with larger movements for males and during winter. Currently available estimates in arid regions represent some of the lowest densities across the leopard global range. These small populations are vulnerable to demographic stochasticity. Monitoring temporal changes in population density and composition can inform conservation priorities.
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Spotty Data: Managing International Leopard (Panthera Pardus) Trophy Hunting Quotas Amidst Uncertainty
Journal of Environmental Law, 2019Co-Authors: Arie Trouwborst, Andrew J. Loveridge, David W MacdonaldAbstract:Abstract Leopard (Panthera Pardus) conservation has a strong international dimension. Hunting trophy export quotas established for African range states under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are a case in point. We test these quotas, and the methods for their establishment, against the benchmark of the general principles of precaution, sustainable use and adaptive management. The various national approaches and the CITES regime condoning them largely fail this test. For decades, CITES bodies have endorsed apparently arbitrary quotas lacking robust scientific bases, without regular adjustment. Thus, the quotas have been inadequately performing their assigned function within the Convention’s framework. The way in which the CITES leopard quota regime has been operating is fundamentally at odds with the principles of sustainable use, precaution and adaptive management. To remedy this, we offer recommendations on how to embed a science-based, sustainable, precautionary and adaptive approach to quota-setting within the CITES system.
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Intraspecific killing among Leopards (Panthera Pardus) in Iran (Mammalia: Felidae)
Zoology in the Middle East, 2018Co-Authors: Mohammad S. Farhadinia, David W Macdonald, Hossein Alinezhad, Ehsan Hadipour, Iman Memarian, Stéphane Ostrowski, Kaveh Hobeali, Amirhossein Dadashi-jourdehi, Paul J. Johnson, Luke T. B. HunterAbstract:Intraspecific aggression is one of the most common causes of death in leopards. Here, we report four cases of intraspecific killing amongst Persian Leopards (Panthera Pardus saxicolor) in Iran. A y...
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an adaptable but threatened big cat density diet and prey selection of the indochinese leopard Panthera Pardus delacouri in eastern cambodia
Royal Society Open Science, 2018Co-Authors: Susana Rostrogarcia, Anthony Caragiulo, Jan F Kamler, Rachel Crouthers, Keo Sopheak, Sovanna Prum, Visattha In, David W MacdonaldAbstract:We studied the Indochinese leopard (Panthera Pardus delacouri) in eastern Cambodia, in one of the few potentially remaining viable populations in Southeast Asia. The aims were to determine the: (i)...
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Intraspecific killing among Leopards (Panthera Pardus) in Iran (Mammalia: Felidae)
2018Co-Authors: Mohammad S. Farhadinia, David W Macdonald, Hossein Alinezhad, Ehsan Hadipour, Iman Memarian, Stéphane Ostrowski, Kaveh Hobeali, Amirhossein Dadashi-jourdehi, Paul J. Johnson, Luke T. B. HunterAbstract:Intraspecific aggression is one of the most common causes of death in leopards. Here, we report four cases of intraspecific killing amongst Persian Leopards (Panthera Pardus saxicolor) in Iran. A young male leopard was found on 7 June 2008 which, according to camera trap images, had been killed by an adult male over a Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) kill, with trauma to his neck in Dorfak No-Hunting Area. A young female that had been fitted with a satellite GPS collar on 6 December 2015 in Tandoureh National Park died on 29 January 2016 at a site where an Urial Sheep (Ovis orientalis) ram had been freshly killed. Necropsy results, footprints at the scene of death and camera trap footage all supported the deduction that the animal was killed by a larger female leopard at the kill site. On 13 January 2017, a young, partially eaten female leopard was found with double puncture on the side of her throat. Finally, a rehabilitated adult female fitted with a satellite GPS collar found on 19 December 2017 with a double puncture on her head with several trauma and haemorrhages on her back. These instances seem to be the first documented reports of intraspecific killing among free-ranging leopards in Asia.
