Investigating the Factors Affecting Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana) Conflict with Domestic Livestock Compared to other Large Carnivores in Nowshahr Hyrcanian Forests

Abstract

Introduction: The recognition of the threats of the carnivores plays an important role in the protection of these species. Currently, one of the main threats to the leopard population in the north of Iran is leopard conflict with livestock and retaliatory killing by locals. Identifying conflict patterns will play an important role in Conservation planning of carnivores.

Materials &Methods: In this study, local and nomadic rancher was used for this purposes in order to collect information using questionnaire method. Data collection during 2018 to 2019 considering the seasonal and spatial indicators moreover presence or absence of shepherds and herding dogs in the time of leopard’s conflict was investigated. In order to analysis and classification of the data and the range of leopard conflict, cause of conflict was asked to distinguish of leopard’s share in the comparison of wolf and bears. the data and extent of the leopards conflict with wolves and the bears the couse of the conflict was asked to distinguish the leopard`s share of the other two carnivores.

Result: According to the output, in the study area, the most conflict is caused by leopard. Seasonal variation has very significant relationship with the location of conflict.
Conclusion: Additionally, based on the results, vegetation type changes and elevation have direct effects on the level and time of leopard conflict with the livestock.