Habitat loss felled leopards- THE HINDU- 08/02/2020 - PRELIMS

Context:

Scientific study on Leopards.

Details:

A logical consider on the hereditary examination of panthers (Panthera pardus fusca) over the Indian subcontinent was conducted by researchers from the Middle for Natural life Considers (CWS India) and the Natural life Established of India (WII).

The hereditary information from panthers were utilized to examine populace structure and designs of decline.

Genetic investigations appeared four sub-populations — Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau-Semi Bone-dry, Shivalik and Terai locale with tall hereditary variation. The ponder included a test into the statistic history of each sub-population and compared the hereditary decrease investigation with countrywide nearby termination probabilities.

Concerns:

Worryingly, the leopard population, perceived to be stable due to broad geographic distribution, may have suffered a possibly human-induced population decline of 75% to 90% in the last 120 to 200 years.
This decline marks a catastrophic decline.

The major factors that have contributed to this decline are mostly due to human activities:

1. Conflicts with humans

2. Habitat loss and the subsequent decline in the availability of prey.

3. Poaching

Way forward:

The population decline in a species seen as wide-ranging and locally abundant suggests that leopards and their conservation efforts need urgent attention. An initiative similar to ‘Project Tiger’ is required for leopards also.