The peri-urban leopards of Kathmandu: assessing determinants of presence and predation on domestic animals

Abstract The conservation of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes needs to be reconciled with the safety humans and domestic animals. This is especially true for leopard Panthera pardus , which occurs extensively agricultural remnant forest tracts embedded within peri-urban areas such as Kathmandu district Nepal. We carried out interviews 321 households this determine extent habitat use predation on animals (dogs goats) during October 2015–April 2016. used multi-state occupancy models, estimated probabilities (Ψ 1 ) 2 a function covariates, while accounting imperfect detection. Our findings indicate that rapidly urbanizing outskirts city are by leopards. probability fine-scale km sample units was 0.96 ± SE 0.05 0.76 0.15. Leopard attacks occurred high vegetation cover abundant goats. Addressing problem will require developing comprehensive mitigation plan includes educational activities raise awareness, measures address grievances affected local communities, interventions prevent livestock, compensation programmes, rapid response teams ensure human animal welfare conflict-prone areas. Land-use planning these facilitate safe sharing space between people