A camera-trap home-range analysis of the indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in Jaipur, India

Swapnil Kumbhojkar, Reuven Yosef, Abhinav Mehta, Shrey Rakholia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

The suitability of the camera trap–retrap method was explored for identifying territories and studying the spatial distribution of leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) in the Jhalana Reserve Forest, Jaipur, India. Data from two years (November 2017 to November 2019, N = 23,208 traphours) were used to provide estimates of minimum home-range size and overlap. We conducted home-range analysis and estimation, using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method with geographic information system (GIS) tools. We are aware of the limitations and advantages of camera trapping for long-term monitoring. However, the limitations of the research permit allowed only the use of camera traps to estimate the home ranges. A total of 25 leopards were identified (male = 8, female = 17). No territorial exclusivity was observed in either of the sexes. However, for seven females, we observed familial home-range overlaps wherein daughters established home ranges adjacent to or overlapping their natal areas. The median home range, as calculated from the MCP, was 305.9 ha for males and 170.3 ha for females. The median percentage overlap between males was 10.33%, while that between females was 3.97%. We concluded that camera trapping is an effective technique to map the territories of leopards, to document inter- and intraspecific behaviors, and to elucidate how familial relationships affect dispersal.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1600
Pages (from-to)1-23
Number of pages23
JournalAnimals
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2020

Keywords

  • Camera traps
  • Home range
  • Jhalana
  • Leopard
  • Overlap
  • Panthera pardus fusca

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • General Veterinary

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