Adaptable Neighbours: Movement Patterns of GPS-Collared Leopards in Human Dominated Landscapes in India

摘要: Understanding the nature of interactions between humans and wildlife is vital importance for conflict mitigation. We equipped five leopards with GPS-collars in Maharashtra (4) Himachal Pradesh (1), India, to study movement patterns human-dominated landscapes outside protected areas. An adult male an female were both translocated 52 km, exhibited extensive, directional, post release movements (straight line movements: = 89 km 37 days, 45 5 months), until they settled home ranges 42 km2 (male) 65 (female). The three other leopards, two females a young released close their capture sites used small 8 (male), 11 15 (females). Movement markedly nocturnal, hourly step lengths averaging 339±9.5 m (SE) during night 60±4.1 day, locations significantly closer human settlements than day locations. However, more nocturnal observed among those living areas high population densities. These visited houses regularly at nighttime (20% <25 from houses), but rarely (<1%). One leopard sparsely populated area avoided night. indicate that anthropogenic food resources may be plentiful although wild prey absent. provides clear insights into ability live move are extremely modified by activity.