Our research methods have been developed over the last ten years to allow us to determine the dynamics of the leopard population
in a study area.
The key questions that we need to answer are:
• How many established territories are there in the study area?
• What are the age structure and sex ratio of the leopard population?
• Which periods are the highest leopard activities?
• What is the typical habitat preference of leopard in these areas?
We have three defined phases of study:
Phase 1 – ID Kits
We first create ID kits for each leopard in a research zone. These ID kits are made up from camera trap photographs (enabling spot
recognition) coupled with photographs and casts of individual spoor. With these elements in place, the movement and behaviour of
each study animal can be noted by field researchers recording spoor locations and analysing scats.
Photographs - to enable spot recognition. Camera Traps are placed along game trails to obtain photographs of resident carnivores.
Camera traps are simply motion activated cameras that photograph passing animals. Over the last ten years we have developed the
skill of camera trapping (which isn't as easy as it sounds) and are now considered leading experts on the deployment of camera
traps.
Spoor - each leopards spoor is unique and can therefore be used as a finger print to identify that animal. We take casts and
photographs of spoor and GPS the locations to help identify individuals and their home ranges.
With these elements in place, the movement and behaviour of each study animal can be noted by field researchers recording spoor
locations and analysing scats.
Phase 2 – Study of resident carnivores
Once individual study animals have been identified, each animal will be given a study number. This number will be used to reference
that animal thereafter, thus enabling population dynamic study.
Note: This element may well encompass more than one study animal at any one time’ dependant on population dynamics, seasonal
changes and home range overlap.
Camera Trap and spoor recognition monitoring will continue on a monthly basis, to establish home ranges and behaviours.
Tracking collars - Consideration will be given to collaring resident animals to enable either GPS or VHF telemetry tracking. In the
case that the population dynamics determine that it would be advantageous and prudent to catch and collar a resident animal,
capture is carried out by trained individuals operating under licence and supervision of MTPA scientific services and veterinary
division. The aim is to minimise the stress on the animal and where practical capture and release will be within six hours. GPS
tracking collars enable accurate, unobtrusive remote tracking from a bespoke website, reducing the disturbance of a research zone.
Phase 3 – Study report
All data is entered into a bespoke database on a daily basis and available as part of a half yearly and end of year report. Data
analysis will be completed by the senior researcher for formal report to the reserve management as well as being integrated with
data from other study areas within the province, to form an overall provincial report. The findings from this provincial report will
also be provided to MTPA via PAW Conservation Trust.
in a study area.
The key questions that we need to answer are:
• How many established territories are there in the study area?
• What are the age structure and sex ratio of the leopard population?
• Which periods are the highest leopard activities?
• What is the typical habitat preference of leopard in these areas?
We have three defined phases of study:
Phase 1 – ID Kits
We first create ID kits for each leopard in a research zone. These ID kits are made up from camera trap photographs (enabling spot
recognition) coupled with photographs and casts of individual spoor. With these elements in place, the movement and behaviour of
each study animal can be noted by field researchers recording spoor locations and analysing scats.
Photographs - to enable spot recognition. Camera Traps are placed along game trails to obtain photographs of resident carnivores.
Camera traps are simply motion activated cameras that photograph passing animals. Over the last ten years we have developed the
skill of camera trapping (which isn't as easy as it sounds) and are now considered leading experts on the deployment of camera
traps.
Spoor - each leopards spoor is unique and can therefore be used as a finger print to identify that animal. We take casts and
photographs of spoor and GPS the locations to help identify individuals and their home ranges.
With these elements in place, the movement and behaviour of each study animal can be noted by field researchers recording spoor
locations and analysing scats.
Phase 2 – Study of resident carnivores
Once individual study animals have been identified, each animal will be given a study number. This number will be used to reference
that animal thereafter, thus enabling population dynamic study.
Note: This element may well encompass more than one study animal at any one time’ dependant on population dynamics, seasonal
changes and home range overlap.
Camera Trap and spoor recognition monitoring will continue on a monthly basis, to establish home ranges and behaviours.
Tracking collars - Consideration will be given to collaring resident animals to enable either GPS or VHF telemetry tracking. In the
case that the population dynamics determine that it would be advantageous and prudent to catch and collar a resident animal,
capture is carried out by trained individuals operating under licence and supervision of MTPA scientific services and veterinary
division. The aim is to minimise the stress on the animal and where practical capture and release will be within six hours. GPS
tracking collars enable accurate, unobtrusive remote tracking from a bespoke website, reducing the disturbance of a research zone.
Phase 3 – Study report
All data is entered into a bespoke database on a daily basis and available as part of a half yearly and end of year report. Data
analysis will be completed by the senior researcher for formal report to the reserve management as well as being integrated with
data from other study areas within the province, to form an overall provincial report. The findings from this provincial report will
also be provided to MTPA via PAW Conservation Trust.
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