Using baited camera traps to estimate the population size and sex structure of leopards (Panthera pardus) at Malilangwe wildlife reserve, Zimbabwe

Author

Chinhoi, Dylan.

Title

Using baited camera traps to estimate the population size and sex structure of leopards (Panthera pardus) at Malilangwe wildlife reserve, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study investigated the application of the baited camera trapping method as an essential tool for estimating the population size, sex structure, and determining the spatial distribution of leopards (Panthera pardus) as well as inventorying other carnivores such as lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve (MWR) in Zimbabwe. In order to determine the population size of leopards at Malilangwe, the study used a total of 120 BCT stations, divided into four separate sampling occasions. Each sampling occasion had a total of 30 cameras, which collected data over a nine-day sampling period. The program DENSITY was used to generate leopard population size estimates. At MWR, the leopard population size was estimated at 59 (95% Cl = 55-70) animals [density = 12 leopards per 100 km2], and the study was able to identify 52 leopards (32 females and 20 males) at the 69 cameras visited. The spatial distribution of large carnivores (leopards, lions, and spotted hyenas) was also assessed, and the study showed a spatial avoidance between leopards and lions; spotted hyenas were evenly distributed across the reserve.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

BCT

Density

Population size

Spatial distribution

Sampling occasions

Supervisor

Mr. W. Mhlanga