Saving the leopard

Conservationists marked International Leopard Day on 3 May. It is meant to promote the conservation of the habitat of this emblematic cat, which despite being regarded as the most adaptable among big cats are still seeing their population numbers and distribution range declining.

A few years ago, the Government of Sri Lanka also declared its own ‘Leopard Day’ on 1 August. The initiative was meant to draw attention to the challenges in conservation and creating awareness about this important animal. At a time when there are disturbing reports of increasing casualties in the human-leopard conflict, this is a long overdue and welcome move. However, the recognition to draw attention towards conservation challenges to the Sri Lankan leopard should go beyond rhetoric and focus on a concerted effort towards science-based, sustainable management of the leopard population, its ecosystem and its unique genetic diversity. 

The leopard found in Sri Lanka is genetically unique. It is one of nine subspecies. Other than the Javan leopard, no other leopard is uniquely isolated on an island. This isolation, lack of any other predators such as lions and tigers, and abundant prey have made the Sri Lankan leopard the largest among the subspecies. Once found throughout the country, today the animals’ habitats are fragmented. Most of the leopards are found in the Dry Zone jungles while sizable populations exist in the wet zone highlands. The biggest threat to leopards is habitat loss and fragmentation, which is primarily caused by human activities such as farming and development. As their habitat is destroyed or fragmented, leopards have fewer places to live and hunt, and they become more vulnerable to poaching, disease, and human-wildlife conflict.

The research into these elusive animals has been limited, despite them having such an iconic position within Sri Lanka’s wildlife. The actual number of leopards in the country is at best a calculated guess, with the current number thought to be around 800. There has never been an island-wide census for leopards as done for elephants or for tigers in India. Sri Lankan leopards are endangered in the wild through hunting for trade and also persecution as a pest. The decline of the largest carnivore within Sri Lanka can lead to cascading effects in natural ecosystems.

Tourism promotion authorities have for long years promoted wildlife tourism with the leopard as a primary attraction. This illusive animal is not easily observed in other habitats across the world where it is not the apex predator. Sri Lanka in that sense is unique and at an advantage. While tourism provides a necessary incentive towards conservation, it must be secondary to the wellbeing of the animal population and the conservation objectives. Overcrowding at national parks, the disturbances to the animals, harassment and even leopard deaths due to speeding vehicles inside natural spaces have been reported in recent years. A significant number of deaths have been reported in the hill areas due to traps.

The Government needs to put its money where its mouth is on leopard conservation. What is required is a concerted, well thought of, science-based program of action which prioritises conservation while ensuring the benefits of those efforts to all stakeholders. This must start with funding for robust research which to date is limited. Only through such research, could there emerge meaningful scientific recommendations for the species’ conservation and management.