Notes on the diet and habitat selection of the Sri Lankan Leopard Panthera pardus kotiya (Mammalia: Felidae) in the central highlands of Sri Lanka

摘要: The endangered Sri Lankan Leopard Panthera pardus kotiya occupies the island’s highly fragmented central hills where data on its feeding ecology and habitat use is largely absent. This study’s objective was to investigate diet resource selection of leopards here with a focus extent potential interactions humans in this heavily populated, unprotected landscape. Fecal sample analysis undertaken sign index counts selectivity determine landscape features important fine scale leopard utilization. Results indicated that hunt wide range prey (at least 10 genera), including larger species available (e.g., Sambar Rusa unicolor) smaller, more specialized Porcupine Hystrix indica) necessary. No domestic were recorded scat (N=35) despite availability dogs Canis familiaris, suggesting such predation may be atypical Lanka. Leopards landscapes within region established regenerating forests, plantation lands pine, eucalyptus, tea), areas close proximity human settlement. At scale, dense undergrowth tall grasslands preferred open forest, as well Pine Pinus caribaea monocultures. Avoidance influencing these patterns. study has implications researchers managers necessarily expand beyond focusing protected toward integrated, landscape-level conservation strategies.