IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Kiffner, C.; Ndibalema, V.; Kioko, J. | |
| Leopard (_Panthera pardus_) aggregation and interactions with Olive baboons (_Papio anubis_) in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | |
| 2013 African Journal of Ecology (51): 168-171 | |
Leopards (_Panthera pardus_ LINNAEUS 1758) have the largest geographic range of all felids in the world, which can be attributed to their wide habitat tolerance and broad dietary niche. Across their range, leopards are considered to be solitary predators. This social organization is typical for the felid family: among felids, only lions (_Panthera leo_ LINNAEUS 1758) and male cheetahs (_Acinonyx jubatus_ SCHREBER 1775) are social. Leopards compete with other members of the carnivore guild. To reduce competition with other carnivores, leopards have a broad dietary niche, select dense vegetation, adjust their activity pattern and drag carcasses in thick vegetation or into trees. Leopards are at risk of predation by other carnivores; leopards have been reported to be killed by spotted hyaenas (_Crocuta crocuta_ ERXLEBEN 1777) and African lions. Here, we report on two unusual observations made in the Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. These observations may add information on the ecology of leopards and may stimulate discussions on human interventions inside protected areas. |
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