Review on Leopard Ecology and Conservation in Human-Dominated Landscapes

Abstract

The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is an ecologically adaptable and widely distributed carnivore that holds significant cultural and ecological importance in India. Despite its adaptability, leopard populations face increasing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, declining prey availability, human–leopard conflict, poaching, illegal trade, and disease. Leopards utilize diverse habitats, including protected forests, agricultural landscapes, and human-dominated areas, where their generalist and opportunistic feeding behavior enables them to exploit a wide range of prey. Studies indicate that adequate availability and diversity of wild prey may reduce livestock depredation and support coexistence with local communities. Habitat alteration, expansion of agriculture, livestock rearing, and settlement near forest boundaries, however, have increased encounters between leopards and humans. In addition, emerging evidence of parasitic infections highlights the importance of health monitoring in wild populations. Effective conservation therefore requires habitat restoration, maintenance of prey populations, systematic monitoring of leopard ecology and health, and site-specific strategies to mitigate human–leopard conflict. Community participation, awareness, and sustainable land-use practices are essential for promoting long-term coexistence and ensuring the conservation of the Indian leopard. (Qureshi et. al., 2022 WII, Mohan Ram et al. 2024, Kumara et al. 2026, Badhe and Jaybhaye 2021, Manandhar et al. 2025)