Livestock depredations by leopards in Pir Lasura National Park, Pakistan: characteristics, control and costs

Conservation of large carnivores in protected areas with high human use or habitation is challenging due to ecological, political and socioeconomic factors. Understanding underlying patterns of human-carnivore interactions is vital for their conservation. We investigated patterns and costs of livestock depredations by common leopards Panthem pardus in and near Pir Lasura National Park, Pakistan, using standardized questionnaires to collect data from 133 respondents during 2014-2015. Respondents lost 209 animals to leopard attacks, primarily goats (78.5%), followed by dogs (11%). Most leopard depredations of livestock occurred during the day, with almost 60% occurring during 9:00-11:00 h and 14:00-16:00 h. Greatest numbers of livestock killed was during May-July (60.9%) followed by December (9%). Most attacks occurred when livestock were not guarded (48.9%) and fewest when guarded by humans and dogs (2.3%). Most livestock depredations occurred in larger herds of >= 20 animals (58%). Respondent's perceptions of leopards were negative, with most (79.7%) stating their unwillingness to conserve leopards. Eight leopards were reportedly killed in retaliation to livestock. Livestock depredations by leopards represented almost 9% of the annual income of respondents. Our study provides several insights to mitigate human leopard conflict including use of humans and dogs to guard livestock during times of peak vulnerability (e.g. late morning and during summer, May-July). Further, improved corrals could reduce access to livestock by leopards and local communities should be aware of more effective corral designs. Reducing livestock depredations and corresponding economic losses could improve perceptions of local communities and promote tolerance towards leopards, reducing retaliatory killing and facilitating coexistence.

Automated summary

Conservation of large carnivores in protected areas with high human habitation is challenging, and understanding human-carnivore interactions is vital for their survival. Livestock depredations by leopards in Pakistan exhibited certain patterns, including timing and locations of attacks, as well as the negative perceptions of local communities towards leopards. Mitigation strategies such as improved corrals and use of guarding animals during vulnerable times could reduce conflicts and promote coexistence.