Leopard Density Estimation within an Enclosed Reserve, Namibia Using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture Models.

Area of Science:

• Wildlife conservation biology
• Population ecology
• Spatial statistics

Background:

• Enclosed conservation areas are vital for wildlife survival but can impede natural migration, potentially leading to inbreeding and local extinction.
• Effective management of wildlife in reserves necessitates accurate population estimates.
• Spatiotemporal challenges in estimating populations within enclosed areas require advanced methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the leopard population density in an enclosed reserve in Namibia.
• To assess the effectiveness of enclosed reserves in supporting high wildlife densities.
• To provide reliable data for conservation and management strategies of leopards.

Main Methods:

• Utilized camera traps for wildlife monitoring.
• Applied spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models for population estimation.
• Conducted the first reliable leopard population estimate within a Namibian enclosed reserve.

Main Results:

• Estimated leopard density at 14.51 leopards/100 km².
• Achieved the highest recorded leopard density in Namibia to date.
• Identified high prey abundance, absence of human persecution, and lack of top-down control as key drivers for high leopard population.

Conclusions:

• Enclosed reserves demonstrate significant potential for harboring high densities of threatened species.
• Accurate population estimates are critical for effective conservation and management within enclosed areas.
• This study underscores the importance of enclosed reserves for the future survival of species like leopards.