Thursday, June 01, 2006
Clouded Leopard Research
ECOLOGY OF THE CLOUDED LEOPARD IN THAILAND
Researchers: Lon Grassman, Jr., Sean Austin, Michael Tewes, and Nova Silvy (TAMU)
The clouded leopard is a rare felid occurring in southeast Asia. The ecology of this species is poorly understood as well as its interactions with other felids. We are conducting the first ecological study of clouded leopards. Two study sites are located in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Six clouded leopards have been captured during this project. The cats were aged as adults in good physical condition upon capture. They were fitted with a radio-collar and tracked for several months using radio telemetry.
Radio telemetry locations were used to determine basic natural history information such as movement, activity pattern, and home range attributes. We collected baseline ecological data on this species to better understand the carnivore community dynamics and aid in developing effective conservation and management strategies for clouded leopards in this region. We will also conduct genetic analysis of individuals monitored as well as other clouded leopards. Additionally, we collected ecological information on other species including the Asiatic wild dog, binturong (a tree-dwelling carnivore), and tiger.
This information is critical for developing, prioritizing, and implementing management and conservation strategies. More ecological information will be needed to develop better management and conservation practices in Southeast Asia as human pressures continue to increase and affect carnivores.
Researchers: Lon Grassman, Jr., Sean Austin, Michael Tewes, and Nova Silvy (TAMU)
The clouded leopard is a rare felid occurring in southeast Asia. The ecology of this species is poorly understood as well as its interactions with other felids. We are conducting the first ecological study of clouded leopards. Two study sites are located in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Six clouded leopards have been captured during this project. The cats were aged as adults in good physical condition upon capture. They were fitted with a radio-collar and tracked for several months using radio telemetry.
Radio telemetry locations were used to determine basic natural history information such as movement, activity pattern, and home range attributes. We collected baseline ecological data on this species to better understand the carnivore community dynamics and aid in developing effective conservation and management strategies for clouded leopards in this region. We will also conduct genetic analysis of individuals monitored as well as other clouded leopards. Additionally, we collected ecological information on other species including the Asiatic wild dog, binturong (a tree-dwelling carnivore), and tiger.
This information is critical for developing, prioritizing, and implementing management and conservation strategies. More ecological information will be needed to develop better management and conservation practices in Southeast Asia as human pressures continue to increase and affect carnivores.
