BPCT - Botswana Predator Conservation Trust

Leopards

Why are they studied?

Leopard Leopards are the most elusive of the large predators. Few research projects have developed an indepth understanding of the behavior and ecology of leopards based on direct observations. Through our research program, we have an opportunity to understand how leopards move through their environment and interact with competitors.

Population Dynamics

Leopards are the most elusive of the big cat species. Being solitary and secretive, leopards are one of the most challenging species to study. Over the past 3 years, we have darted and collared 12 leopards and recorded detailed information about their movements, diet and survivorship. Currently, we are monitoring four adult male (three with collars) and seven resident adult female leopards (three are collared) through radio tracking and photographic identification using motion-sensor cameras. Since the beginning of the program, we have recorded only one cub out of six being raised to independence. Leopard density in the area is approximately 3/100km2, which is considered high for Botswana.

Territory Size and Movements

Leopard territory sizes are akin to areas with moderate prey availability and shelter. Male leopard territories average approximately 120 km², while female territories are approximately 50km². These territory sizes are double those in more productive systems in East and central Africa, but are far smaller than those recorded for arid and semi-arid environments in the Kalahari and Namibia. We are currently analyzing data on territoriality and range overlap. In the coming year, we plan to explore scent marking behavior to assess its role in maintaining territoriality in this solitary species.

Diet

Leopards, like the other large carnivores in the area, feed primarily on impala. Female leopards occasionally kill steenbok and males occasionally eat warthogs. An analysis of leopard hoisting behavior showed that males hoist more often then females and that males hoist more often in the dry season when the cover is low and detection from competitors is more likely. Hoisting (when a leopard hoists a kill up a tree) behavior was not affected by the habitat type or prey size. We even recorded a male leopard with a juvenile giraffe hoisted in a tree. As part of our predator guild interaction study, we explored the likelihood of hoisting where the kill was located in the core areas of lions and spotted hyenas. Our results showed that these core areas or competitor hot spots did not impact the likelihood of hoisting, though when these competitors were present at a kill, leopards always lost it when on the ground, but always retained it when in a tree.

Conservation

Leopards are not listed as a species of concern, however, there is little information about the population density of leopards in most areas including northern Botswana. We provided the first estimates of leopards based on intensive observation to assist government in making informed decisions about management and conservation of this species.