IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Slwcs, | |
| Pilot leopard survey by remote photography in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka | |
| 2006 Full Book | |
Research on the Sri Lanka sub-species of leopard (_Panthera pardus kotiya_) has largely focused on populations of Yala National Park and Wilappatu National Park, representing dry climatic zones of the southeast and northwest extents of the country. In contrast, the status of the leopard in the central intermediate zone and the eastern dry zone is relatively unknown, although sightings are common among several non-contiguous forest reserves and national parks in the region. In light of the proposed plan to create a biological corridor ranging over the central, north central and eastern provinces, encompassing a continuum from intermediate to dry climatic zones, we are proposing to conduct a leopard survey by remote photography (using Camtracker systems partly sponsored by the company) to estimate leopard populations across both protected parcels and areas of human habitation in this region. The proposed plan seeks to provide baseline information on leopard densities 1) in both protected and non-protected areas and 2) along a rainfall gradient across the Central, North Central and Eastern. Furthermore, this study will provide the first density estimates for the Sri Lankan leopard by use of statistically rigorous mark-recapture methodologies. Prior to conducting a complete camera survey, we will carry out a pilot project in the Himiliyakade Forest Reserve, south of Wasgomuwa National Park, Sri Lanka during the monsoon season. In addition to providing a density estimate for the forest reserve, the pilot will provide needed information on trap success (number of leopard photographs per trap night), allowing an evaluation of the effort (number of cameras and length of trapping occasions) required for a complete survey. The results of the pilot will be used to reevaluate the methodology and to tailor the study design to a regional survey. |
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