Population status, activity pattern and food habits of leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in a small size protected area of South Gujarat, India

Small protected areas can contribute significantly to large carnivore conservation when managed effectively. The present study examines the population status, activity patterns, and food habits of leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) in Vansda National Park, along with the landscape composition surrounding this protected area in South Gujarat, India. To achieve our objectives, we deployed 15 camera traps across Vansda and collected scat samples along established trails and roads from January to December 2022. We identified eight unique leopards, exhibiting a predominantly nocturnal activity pattern, with the highest temporal overlap observed with chital (Axis axis, 0.52) and domestic goat (Capra hircus, 0.56). Dietary analysis revealed that wild prey contributed 69% and domestic prey 31% of total biomass consumption. Landscape composition analysis indicated that approximately 50% of the surrounding 1 and 8 km buffers consisted of forest habitat, suggesting a favourable habitat matrix. However, human disturbances, particularly agricultural expansion and livestock grazing, pose a significant threat to leopard persistence. Our findings underscore the importance of maintaining connectivity between forest patches and managing human-leopard interactions to ensure long-term conservation success in small protected areas.