Estimating population density of Leopard (Panthera pardus) in the Nama-Karoo, Southern Namibia

Dr. Roberto Corvino

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The leopard (Panthera pardus) a species which is affected by habitat loss and fragmentation throughout its global range, so that the species is now listed as “Vulnerable” by IUCN. Assessing its local population status is therefore a key step in order to gain more knowledge about this species and to operate in a meaningful way for its conservation. This study assesses the leopard population density in South-Eastern Namibia, in a landscape dominated by the Nama Karoo biome. In this region the human population density is extremely low, however this species is sharing the space with local farmers, and shepherding and game ranching are the main sources of incomes for the local population. In this context, coexistence can result in human-leopard conflict, which could threaten the local population of leopards. We set 20 camera trap stations across the study area. Two camera traps were placed in each station, in order to maximise the chances to individually recognise individual leopards. In total, we captured 5 males and 2 females. Leopard density was estimated using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture models implemented in the “secr” package in RStudio. We tested different models involving sex as a covariate, and we found significant difference between males and females home range sizes. The population density estimation in this region is 0.46-0.67 leopards per 100 km², confirming this region has one of the lowest leopard densities in the World. The capture rate of mesocarnivorans in the area was extremely low, and further research is advisable in order to assess how the leopard presence is affecting the whole community composition, as well as the actual home range sizes of leopard by use of telemetry, since our data suggests a very large extent of home ranges.

Keywords

leopard, namibia, camera traps

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 13. 8. 2022

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Karolína Brandlová, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / specializace:
Wildlife and Livestock Production, Management and Conservation / Wildlife Management and Conservation