Investigating ways to assess and improve the welfare of leopards captured in response to conflict, in Nepal
Grantee: Jessica Bodgener
Institution: University of Kent and Wildlife Vets International, United Kingdom
Grant amount: $16,850
Grant type: Small grants
Focal species: Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Disciplines: Wildlife rehabilitation, animal welfare science
Research location: Nepal, United Kingdom
Project summary
Leopards are the most widespread and adaptable of the world’s big cats, occupying a wide variety of habitats ranging from remote rainforests to busy urban centers. In Nepal, the successful recovery of tiger populations is displacing leopards from protected parks and forcing them into more populated areas. Low densities of natural prey in these areas, coupled with an abundance of easily hunted feral dogs around settlements, have resulted in leopards colonizing urban and suburban environments. This has caused an increase in conflict with people, including the predation of farmed animals and occasional human attacks. Organizations responding to conflict events have limited resources and must attempt to balance animal welfare and conservation aims with public safety and sociopolitical demands. This has resulted in an ad hoc approach, with frequent interventions, but little to no opportunity to reflect and evaluate the impact or success of these actions. This project will focus on validating entirely non-invasive post-release monitoring techniques, including photogrammetric assessment of body condition and measurement of hair cortisol from fecal samples, to monitor the impact of translocation of leopards away from conflict areas on their health and welfare.
Why we funded this project
We funded this project because it addresses two of our research priorities by seeking to validate non-invasive monitoring techniques, including hair cortisol as a measurement of chronic stress (which may be more informative of welfare than short-term measures of stress physiology). Although it focuses on leopards, the validation of these methods should be transferable to other species. The researcher, Jess Bodgener, also seems to have a long-term interest in wild animal welfare, and has genuine partnerships in place to build capacity and regard for wild animal welfare in Nepal.