IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Gerdel, K. | |
| Leopard (_Panthera pardus_) Prey Prediction Using Line Transect Sampling in the Western Soutpansberg Mountain Range, Limpopo Province, South Africa | |
| 2008 Full Book | |
In the present study, density of leopard prey on Lajuma Mountain Retreat was estimated using the line transect methodology. Seventeen transects, with a total length of 16,2 km were established in an area of 246,5 ha. Each transect was walked six times between June and October 2007, resulting in a total sampling effort of 97,4 km. From 104 sightings, fifteen species were detected. The program DISTANCE was used for data analysis. The calculated density estimation was 1,4 animals per ha, which led to a total of 346,92 animas per ha in the study area. However, failure in the study design led to an overestimation. Data for all potential leopard prey species were collected to account the highly variable leopard diet and to ensure that the required minimum of animal sightings, for a reliable density estimation using DISTANCE, could be guaranteed. There is a big difference in the detection probability of small and large animals and due to this difference more small animals were detected in the vicinity of the line. Resulting from that fact, an overestimation occurred. Double counts of animals supported this effect additionally, since the minor size of the sampling area made it impossible to buffer them. Recording to hunting possibilities for leopards a habitat quality evaluation was made. The majority of detected Species weighted less than 10 kg and executed suboptimal prey, like the large species, which formed with 20% the minority. Species between 10 - 40 kg are considered to be optimal prey for leopards and were represented with 33 % Two leopards could be identified from camera traps, established in the sampled area. The area was always scanned for leopard tracks. Both leopards were found to roam seldom through the area. Due to the seldom visits of leopards and low number of optimal prey items one can suggest that the sampled area is not a favoured hunting ground. |
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