Effects of a protection gradient on carnivore density and survival: an example with leopards in the Luangwa valley, Zambia

摘要: Human activities on the periphery of protected areas can limit carnivore populations, but measurements strength such effects are limited, largely due to difficulties obtaining precise data population density and survival. We measured how survival rates a previously unstudied leopard varied across gradient protection evaluated which anthropogenic accounted for observed patterns. Insights into this generalist's response human encroachment likely identify limiting factors other sympatric species. Motion-sensitive cameras were deployed systematically in adjacent, similarly sized, ecologically similar study inside outside Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (SLNP) from 2012 2014. The sites differed primarily degree impacts: SLNP is strictly protected, adjacent area was subject bushmeat poaching throughout study, trophy hunting leopards prior 2012. used photographic capture histories with robust design capture-recapture models estimate size sex-specific two areas. Leopard within 67% greater than area, annual sex ratios did not detectably differ between sites. Prior research indicated that wire-snare occurrence 5.2 times park. These results suggest low better explained by prey depletion, rather direct mortality. Long-term spatial concurrent lion studies suggested interspecific competition produce Large populations often limited activities, science-based management policies depend methods rigorously quantitatively assess threats concern. Using noninvasive methods, we assessed identified as factor. This approach broad value evaluate impacts distributed gradients protection.