IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Moqanaki, E.M.; Breitenmoser, U.; Kiabi, B.H.; Masoud, M.; Bensch, S. | |
| Persian leopards in the Iranian Caucasus: a sinking "source" population? | |
| 2013 Cat News (59): 22-25 | |
Persian leopards _Panthera pardus saxicolor_ in the Caucasus have suffered a major decline in numbers and extent of occurrence, and are now restricted to a few populations in north-western Iran. This perception bases on sporadic field observations and a sign survey conducted in 2004. To establish an updated basis for the current status of Iranian Caucasus leopard, we carried out field surveys in June-October 2012 using non-invasive genetic sampling of faeces combined with searches for signs and non-structured interviews with key local informants at five priority reserves in north-western Iran. Within approximately 285 km of trails evaluated in 33 survey days (435 man-hours) we found only six potential leopard scats, three of which were of sufficient quality for mitochondrial DNA analysis but none confirmed as originating from leopard. We recorded no fresh leopard signs and interviews suggested very little reliable proof for the species' presence in all but Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge and Agh Dagh Protected Area. We caution that leopards in the Iranian Caucasus are in unfavourable status, and that prompt conservation actions are needed. It is unlikely that the assumed source population of leopards in north-western Iran is presently able of supporting the natural re-colonization of the Caucasus. |
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