Comparative Behavioural, Morphological and Ecological Study of Leopards in the regions of Ranthambore National Park and Jhalana Reserve Forest
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.590Abstract
The population of leopards in India is threatened by extensive poaching practices, habitat loss etc. Moreover, trained human resources, basic facilities and effective networks for control of poaching and trade in wildlife are lacking in India. In order to bolster our conservation efforts, it is essential that we gain a deeper understanding of animal behaviour. We aim to compare the leopards of Jhalana Reserve Forest to leopards of and Ranthambore National Park. We aim to study the following four factors – population density, size, spatial distribution, diet and geo-spatial mapping. Population data can be calculated using camera-traps, using thermal remote sensors or M- stripe collars that give real-time data stored at monitoring stations. The estimation of difference in population density of leopards can aid in leopard conservation projects, and provide the opportunity to study behavioural change and adaptation abilities of leopards. To estimate the body size of leopards, we can use photographs and videos of leopards. The estimation of difference in the body size of leopards can aid conservation methods like translocation and reintroduction of animal species. Spatial distribution basically helps identify the geolocation and spatial coordinates or clusters where the concentration of leopards are residing in different regions of a forest. We can calculate the population density of specific regions of the forest to map out the spatial distribution and translocation simultaneously. We can also identify crucial areas which have the potential of being hotspots for human-animal conflict. Analysis of leopard faeces/scats can enable us to learn about the diet of a leopard. The estimation of the difference in diet of leopards from the two parks can enable us to calculate the nutritional differences of leopards of both reserves. The main objective of this project is to study the difference in behavioural, morphological and ecological features of leopards.
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