Socio-economic consequences of cattle predation by the Endangered Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor in a Caucasian conflict hotspot, northern Iran

摘要: In the Caucasus Endangered Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor has been persecuted to verge of extinction, primarily as a result conflict with people over livestock predation. The socio-economic factors that influence this interaction have received little attention and attitudes local towards leopards remain unknown. Here we assess extent cattle predation by how influences people's among village residents around Dorfak No-Hunting Area, priority reserve in Iranian Caucasus. survey 66 households, 48% interviewees reported losing during 2009–2011. A mean c. 0.7 head per interviewed household was reportedly killed 3-year period. Cattle peaked warm seasons, when most family members were busy rice farming-related activities, thus leaving their grazing unguarded forest. Regardless intensity or status, 80% respondents perceived pest, 45% expressing support for either licensed hunting culling leopards. We recommend government considers financial consequences loss poor rural communities across leopard's range. addition, combination different husbandry practices, direct involvement residents, is essential ensure long-term survival regional population