Leopards Identified by Unique Roars in Groundbreaking Conservation Study
Researchers achieve 93% accuracy in identifying individual leopards using bioacoustics, opening new possibilities for wildlife monitoring and conservation.
- A study conducted in Tanzania's Nyerere National Park found that leopards can be identified by their distinct 'sawing roars' with 93% accuracy.
- This is the first large-scale paired study combining camera traps and autonomous audio recordings for African carnivores, showcasing the potential of bioacoustics in conservation.
- Leopards, listed as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN, are challenging to monitor due to their solitary and nocturnal nature, making this method a significant breakthrough.
- The research highlights the potential for bioacoustics to estimate leopard populations, aiding conservation efforts and human-wildlife conflict mitigation across vast terrains.
- The study was a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions and was presented at the British Ecological Society Annual Meeting, emphasizing the role of integrated technologies in advancing ecological research.
ScienceDaily 