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Actually this was expected. After a while living in certain forest areas you get to understand how the local cats operate... plus two very nice people from Uttarakhand, Bhavna and Siddarth while in a jeep, encountered this tiger yesterday morning. So no surprises when the footage appeared from early this morning but of major interest to me because late yesterday afternoon I found fresh leopard scat marking a trail nearby, giving me good data as I had found scat their previously. I set this camera accordingly.
And this is where it gets important. As the tiger population increases here the coexistence between the striped cat and leopards changes dynamic. Where the prey base is good leopards will be extremely risk averse and stay well away from tigers but where natural prey is lacking the spotted cats are forced to share hunting grounds as well as look for alternatives in village areas and farmlands with dogs and livestock the main options. However the scenario of humans being attacked increases in possibility so awareness of the situation for locals is vital.
Those of you who follow Living with Leopards (www.facebook.com/livingwitheopards) and/or @WildTigerNews (www.twitter.com/wildtigernews) will have seen the report on the ten species most at risk from illegal wildlife trade. The leopard and the tiger are both on that list but it is to the increasing frustration of those of us involved in leopard conservation that Governments, the big conservation orgs and the general public are not helping the cat with spots. Wake up. This animal is of huge importance and over a vast range, not just protected areas. Strategically, to get the support the leopard deserves and needs the three words I mentioned last night (on Facebook), SOCIAL CARING CAPACITY, come into play. I'll blog on this soon but there is narrative developing to get the leopard full protection status here in Nepal, it has to happen and we'll do everything we can to make it happen. Globally, the leopard is under pressure and just because you rarely see it from a jeep doesn't mean this amazing animal isn't as important as tiger. Jai Chituwa.
