IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Murayama, A. | |
| The Tsushima Leopard Cat (_Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura_): Population Viability Analysis and Conservation Strategy | |
| 2008 Full Book | |
The Tsushima leopard cat (_Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura_) is a critically endangered species living on Tsushima Island, Japan. As an endangered species, it has been the focus of a conservation program, funded by the Japanese government, since 1995. The aims of this study are to (1) conduct a Population Viability Analysis of the Tsushima leopard cat with data that have already been collected, (2) evaluate the relative impact of current threats including road kill and illegal snare trapping, and (3) compare the performance of a range of scenarios, including reintroductions in the south of the island, to identify the conservation strategies most likely to increase population viability. Previous monitoring data from 1998 to 2006, collected by Nagasaki Prefecture are analyzed to determine the population trend. While the available data are highly fragmented, the research results suggest the population in the northern part of Kamijima is stable or may even be recovering. The trend for populations in the southern part of Kamijima and Shimojima could not be evaluated using existing data. Further research for understanding the population dynamics are needed for directing conservation program appropriately. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) - the use of quantitative methods to predict the likely future status of a population or a collection of populations (Morris and Doak, 2002) - plays an important role in this study.; it is frequently used in conservation biology for different purposes. Because of the uncertainties associated with input values for the required parameters, population viability was not defined. Nevertheless, sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the most important parameters for population viability. Results suggest that the female mortality rate has the most significant impact on population viability. To conduct a more extensive PVA analysis requires a systematic monitoring program and more focused research. This would have the effect of are required to reducing parameter uncertainties. Based on the findings, it is suggested that even a simple PVA for sensitivity analysis using parameter 'guesstimates' could be of benefit to the leopard cat conservation program, especially during its early stages; however, the results should be carefully handled since their over-interpretation could cause confusion or misdirection of the program. In this respect, PVA users must know the limitations and assumption of their models. |
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