Endangered leopards: Range collapse of the Indochinese leopard (Panthera pardus delacouri) in Southeast Asia

摘要: Abstract The Indochinese leopard (Panthera pardus delacouri) is a genetically distinct subspecies that historically occurred throughout mainland Southeast Asia, but might have experienced recent declines in numbers and distribution. This study aimed to determine the current distribution of leopard, estimate its population size, by reviewing data from camera trap other wildlife surveys conducted during past 20 years. Our results showed likely now occurs only 6.2% historical range, with 2.4% areas confirmed presence. extirpated Singapore, Laos Vietnam, nearly Cambodia China, has greatly reduced distributions Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand. There are plausibly two major strongholds remaining, which we consider priority sites: Peninsular Northern Tenasserim Forest Complex. We also identified small isolated eastern as third site, because uniqueness high conservation value. total remaining 973–2503 individuals, 409–1051 breeding adults. Increased poaching for illegal trade main factor causing decline leopard. Other potential contributing factors include prey declines, habitat destruction, possibly disease. recommend separate IUCN assessment this be classified Endangered. findings provide important information can help guide where actions would most effective preventing extinction subspecies.