Title
Leopard (Panthera pardus) status, distribution, and the research efforts
across its range
Author(s)
Jacobson, Andrew P. ;Gerngross, Peter ;Lemeris Jr., Joseph R. ;Schoonover, Rebecca F.;Anco, Corey ;Breitenmoser-Wursten, Christine ;Durant, Sarah M. ;Farhadinia, Mohammad S. ;Henschel, Philipp ;Kamler, Jan F. ;Laguardia, Alice ;Rostro-Garc;ıa;, Susana ;Stein;, ;Andrew B. ;Dollar;, ;Luke
Published
2016
Publisher
PeerJ
Abstract
The leopard’s (Panthera pardus) broad geographic range, remarkable adaptability,
and secretive nature have contributed to a misconception that this species
might not be severely threatened across its range. We find that not only are
several subspecies and regional populations critically endangered but also the
overall range loss is greater than the average for terrestrial large carnivores.
To assess the leopard’s status, we compile 6,000 records at 2,500 locations
from over 1,300 sources on its historic (post 1750) and current distribution.
We map the species across Africa and Asia, delineating areas where the species is
confirmed present, is possibly present, is possibly extinct or is almost certainly
extinct. The leopard now occupies 25–37% of its historic range, but this obscures
important differences between subspecies. Of the nine recognized subspecies, three
(P. p. pardus, fusca, and saxicolor) account for 97% of the leopard’s extant range
while another three (P. p. orientalis, nimr, and japonensis) have each lost as much as
98% of their historic range. Isolation, small patch sizes, and few remaining patches
further threaten the six subspecies that each have less than 100,000 km2 of extant
range. Approximately 17% of extant leopard range is protected, although some
endangered subspecies have far less. We found that while leopard research was
increasing, research effort was primarily on the subspecies with the most
remaining range whereas subspecies that are most in need of urgent attention
were neglected.
Keywords
Conservation biology;Ecology;Zoology
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