RESEARCH ARTICLE

PREY BASE ANALYSIS OF SRI LANKAN LEOPARD (Panthera pardus kotiya) IN HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK AND A REVIEW TO PAST STUDIES

Abstract

The feeding ecology of the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) in three Horton Plains National Park was studied by analyzing prey remains in faeces. A total of 87 leopard scats were collected during June to October 2013 from Horton Plains National Park. Scat analysis revealed that in terms of relative biomass consumed 83.16% of leopard diet constitutes wild ungulates, 9.32% rodents, 2.89% primates and 2.63% lagomorphs. Rattus sp. were the most frequently preyed upon accounting 71.99% of relative number of individuals consumed. A review of past study data show that in some areas Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) tends to switch to sub optimal prey indicating scarcity of primary prey species. Knowledge on the feeding ecology of Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is helpful when planning protected areas and an overall strategy for the conservation of this endangered species.

Keywords: Panthera pardus kotiya. Scat analysis, Prey selection

How to Cite: Sooriyabandara,M.G.C, (2015). PREY BASE ANALYSIS OF SRI LANKAN LEOPARD (Panthera pardus kotiya) IN HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK AND A REVIEW TO PAST STUDIES.WILDLANKA, 3(2):Pages 074-082

Published On:2015-06-30

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