Analyzing and Modeling Spatial Distribution of Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) in Kolahghazi National Park, Isfahan Province of Iran

Subject Areas : environmental management

Maryam Omidi ¹ , Mohammad Kaboli ² , Mahmood Karami ³

1 -
2 -
3 -

Received: 2008-05-14 Accepted : 2009-01-05 Published : 2010-04-03

Keywords: Persian Leopard, Habitat, Ecological niche factor analys, Kolahghazi National Park,

Abstract :

Numbers of Persian Leopards have considerably decreased in recent years and for this reason it has been categorized as endangered in the IUCN classification. Habitat destruction is believed to be the main cause of the species population decline. Hence, attempts to preserve the remaining habitats of this kind of animal effectively are deemed essential in reversing its downgrading trend. To hit this target, habitat of the species was modeled in Kolahghazi National Park in Isfahan Province of Iran using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis.  Biogeographical maps as independent variables included prey locations, prey diversity, slope, roads and mines activities in the region. The location of the species direct spotting or indirect presence detected through various indices served as the dependent variable in the analysis. The study in the Kolahghazi National Park suggested that, the best environment for the Persian Leopard is in altitudes between 1800-2400 m above the sea level with slopes ranging 20-70% in mountainous regions. The abundance of the preferable prey was also found important in habitat suitability of the species