KATHMANDU — Climate change is likely to expand the habitat of leopards in the Nepal’s high mountain regions, potentially increasing conflict with humans and competition with snow leopards, a new study suggests.
- Climate change will make higher-elevation areas of Nepal suitable habitat for leopards, a new study shows.
- This is expected to push the big cats into increased conflict with humans and more competition with snow leopards.
- Most of the current and new habitat will fall outside protected areas, and the leopards’ preferred prey may not be available there, which could prompt the predators to hunt livestock.
- But the finding could also be an opportunity to conserve leopards in their potential new habitat, by educating communities there, ensuring availability of wild prey, and drawing up wildlife management plans.
As the planet heats up, the mean winter temperature, the amount of total rainfall and the timing of the rains are likely to change in the region, favoring the northward expansion of habitat that’s suitable for leopards, it says.
“But its preferred prey species such as barking deer and wild boars may not be available in its new habitat,” says study lead author Kedar Baral, from the Pokhara Division Forest Office in Nepal. “This might lead to conflict with the local communities as leopards attack their domestic livestock for food,” he added.
...
Trending Stories
- Sikkim CM demands National Highway status for Sevoke-Rangpo road
- Why ICC warrant against Netanyahu has baffled the West
- Northeast Frontier Railway announces key train route extensions
- Meghalaya village using solar fence to combat elephant threats
- Manipur: Jiribam district provides relief amid displacement crisis
- Happy Father’s Day 2024: Wishes, Messages, and Quotes to Share with Your Super Dad
