Applicability of age-based hunting regulations for African leopards.

摘要: In species in which juvenile survival depends strongly on male tenure, excessive trophy hunting can artificially elevate turnover and increase infanticide, potentially to unsustainable levels. Simulation models show that the likelihood of safe harvests be improved by restricting offtakes males old enough have reared their first cohort offspring independence; case African leopards, were ≥7 years old. Here, we explore applicability an age-based approach for regulating leopards. We conducted a structured survey comprising photographs known-age leopards assess ability wildlife practitioners sex age also evaluated utility four phenotypic traits use hunters field. Our logistic regression showed leopard affected respondents identifying correct sex; notably, <2 typically misidentified as females, while mature (≥4 years) sexed correctly. Mature more likely aged correctly, portrait photographs. Aging proficiency was influenced profession respondents, with recording lowest scores. A discriminant model including dewlap size, condition ears, extent facial scarring accurately discriminated among classes. Model classification rates considerably higher than respective scores attained implying aging could theoretically improve appropriate training. Dewlap size particularly reliable indicator review online galleries suggested its wider criterion. study demonstrated is practically applicable However, implementation would require major reform within regulatory framework industry.