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Habitat Landscape Requirements for Critically Endangered Leopard Population Persistences
Penghui Zhai1, Jinzhe Qi1, Baozhuang Liu1
1Feline Research Center of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
Integrative Zoology
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Minimum habitat areas for North China leopards (Panthera pardus japonensis) were quantified. Patches over 434.96 km² support breeding, while smaller areas facilitate dispersal, crucial for conserving this big cat species.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Biology
- Wildlife Ecology
- Landscape Ecology
Background:
- Habitat fragmentation threatens large mammal survival.
- Minimum habitat patch size requirements for species are poorly understood.
- North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) populations are vulnerable.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify minimum habitat patch areas for North China leopard presence, breeding, and dispersal.
- Assess the current population status of North China leopards in Shanxi Province, China.
- Inform conservation strategies for large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes.
Main Methods:
- Extensive camera trapping (831,969 camera days) in Shanxi Province, China.
- Statistical analysis of habitat patch areas in relation to leopard presence and breeding.
- Identification of key landscape features influencing leopard movement and survival.
Main Results:
- At least five sustainable North China leopard populations identified.
- Male leopards require patches ≥ 20.41 km², females ≥ 157.08 km².
- Breeding females were found only in patches > 434.96 km²; smaller patches aid dispersal.
Conclusions:
- Habitat patch size is critical for North China leopard population persistence and breeding.
- Landscape connectivity, including wildlife crossings, is vital for dispersal and gene flow.
- Conservation efforts must consider both patch size and landscape structure for large carnivore survival.
Keywords:
North China leopardsconnectivity analysisminimum habitat areapopulation densitystepping stoneswildlife crossingMore Related Videos
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