Population genetic attributes of common leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) from Uttarkashi, Western Himalayas

Background The common leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), which persists in most of its historic range, is experiencing steady population decline due to habitat loss, anthrophonic disturbances, illegal poaching for their body parts, and retaliatory killings in response to the leopard-human conflicts. Methods and results We analysed 143 scats samples and identified 32 unique leopards following a selected panel of seven loci with cumulative P-ID sibs 5.30E-04. We observed moderate genetic diversity at nuclear (Ho = 0.600 +/- 0.06) and mitochondrial markers (Hd = 0.569 +/- 0.009; pi = 0.001 +/- 0.0002) and found sub-structuring in the leopard population at Uttarkashi, Western Himalayas. Conclusions The present study exhibits the utility of non-invasive genetics in monitoring the leopard population and paves the path to investigate population genetic parameters in further studies.

Automated summary

This study used non-invasive genetics to analyze 143 scats samples of Indian leopards, identifying 32 unique individuals and observing genetic diversity and sub-structuring in the population. The findings demonstrate the utility of non-invasive genetics in monitoring leopard populations and pave the way for further research on population genetic parameters.