Conservation implications of sex-specific daily movements of leopards: A global perspective

Abstract

Intraspecific variation in animal movements and its determinants may provide valuable knowledge about ecological and conservation needs of target species. Such studies are relevant to mammalian carnivores due to their wide-ranging behavior and high-profile conservation status. In this large-scale meta-analysis study, I explored the effects of various ecological and anthropogenic factors on daily distances moved by male and female leopards (Panthera pardus) across their global range in Africa and Asia. I tested eight hypotheses by running and ranking 35 linear regression models, separately for each sex. One best male model and two best female models, all statistically significant and having large effect sizes, were built upon 83 cases (45 cases of males and male groups and 38 cases of females and female groups) from 22 publications and 35 study areas. The analysis has shown that movements of male leopards are more intensive in less anthropogenically modified areas, and females move more actively in tropical and subtropical dry forests, shrublands, grasslands and open habitats. Designation and mapping of such areas may allow to delineate possible corridors, identify priority and most sensitive areas for linkages, and plan habitat restoration initiatives for leopard conservation. These results are particularly important for females whose lower mobility and philopatry are arguably among the most limiting factors of population connectivity in wild cats. Additionally, these results have implications for density estimation techniques, reduction of high mortality rates in males, and protection of even less suitable habitats for females.